This book provides an easy-to-understand survey of family law across Canada. For those interested in Ontario or other provinces, perhaps working toward paralegal certification, this book provides all the relevant details of family law and competencies in an organized fashion using plain language. The latest amendments to the Divorce Act concerning decision-making responsibilities, parenting time, and contact orders are fully canvassed as are new requirements for moving or relocating, and the broader definition of family violence. Indeed, not all marriages and families are harmonious. There is a thorough review of domestic abuse and resulting trauma as well as legal remedies including peace bonds, restraining orders, and civil contempt. This book also examines the client-centered, trauma-informed, anti-racist approach to providing legal services.

The laws of marriage (but not solemnization), annulment, and divorce are essentially the same no matter where you live in Canada. The first six chapters are very informative about those topics and issues of parenting, child support, and financial assistance for spouses. This book also deals with disputes concerning parenting responsibilities, support, and property division that arise when the parties never married but cohabited in a conjugal relationship of some duration prior to separation.

While this book is not legal advice, it provides every reader with a solid grasp of their rights and obligations in family matters. And those who will qualify as legal advisers in family disputes will benefit from the breadth of the material and the comparative approach.