Ontario Contested Divorce Lawyer
We Can Protect Your Rights & Interests
Before a divorce can be finalized, spouses must agree on specific issues related to their children (if they have any), property and assets, and spousal support. If they cannot agree, the divorce is considered contested. It is important to note that a contested divorce can be resolved with or without a trial. There are different methods that may be utilized to move from a contested to uncontested divorce, which can be completed without a trial in court. Mediation and arbitration are useful tools to resolve divorce-related disputes. If divorcing spouses do not wish to attempt an alternative method of dispute resolution, however, they must proceed to court and if they still cannot resolve the matter then ultimately they may have a trial.
When facing a contested divorce, you need a competent legal professional on your side. Feldstein Family Law Group P.C. delivers skillful counsel to clients across Ontario who are dealing with contested and uncontested divorce. Because we are highly experienced in all areas of family law, including litigation and collaborative law, we can properly advise our clients on the options available to them and whether they align with their divorce goals. Our Ontario divorce lawyers use every tool at their disposal to seek ideal results for every client we represent.
Interested in finding how we can help with your contested divorce? Call (905) 581-7222 for a free consultation.
Key Issues in Contested Divorce Cases
Any divorce, even an amicable one, can become contested if spouses cannot reach a settlement. This agreement must address every issue related to the legal end of a marriage, including:
- Spousal support
- Child support
- Child custody and access
- Division of property and assets
Our team understands how to approach these delicate matters in such a manner as to protect our clients’ interests and objectives. When you work with our firm, we place your needs first.
Do You Need a Lawyer for a Contested Divorce?
Navigating a contested divorce can be particularly challenging, making the assistance of a lawyer highly beneficial. In Ontario, a contested divorce occurs when spouses cannot agree on one or more key issues such as child custody, spousal support, division of property, or other significant matters. The complexity of these disputes necessitates a comprehensive understanding of family law and court procedures, which a lawyer can provide.
Firstly, a lawyer offers crucial legal expertise and advice. The laws governing divorce in Ontario are intricate, and without professional guidance, it is easy to overlook important legal rights or obligations. A lawyer ensures that your interests are protected and that you comply with all legal requirements, which is vital for achieving a favorable outcome.
Moreover, a lawyer can help manage the emotional and financial stress associated with a contested divorce. The process can be overwhelming, and having a legal professional to handle negotiations and court appearances allows you to focus on your well-being and that of your family. Lawyers are skilled negotiators who can often resolve disputes more efficiently, potentially reducing the time and cost of the divorce process.
Additionally, if your case goes to trial, a lawyer’s representation is essential. Presenting a compelling case in court involves detailed preparation, the gathering and presentation of evidence, and a thorough understanding of legal precedents and procedural rules. A lawyer will craft a strong argument on your behalf and effectively counter any claims made by your spouse’s legal representation.
What if My Spouse Hides Assets or Income During the Divorce Proceedings?
A significant concern in a contested divorce is the possibility of a spouse hiding assets or income. This deceptive practice can severely impact the fairness of the divorce settlement. In Ontario, there are specific steps and legal remedies available to address this issue.
If you suspect that your spouse is not fully disclosing their assets or income, your lawyer can take several actions. Firstly, they can request full financial disclosure through the court. Both parties in a divorce are legally required to provide a complete and accurate account of their financial situation. This includes bank statements, tax returns, property deeds, and other relevant documents.
A lawyer can also use discovery tools to uncover hidden assets. Interrogatories are written questions that must be answered under oath, while depositions involve sworn, out-of-court testimony. Subpoenas can compel third parties, like banks or employers, to provide information about your spouse’s financial activities.
Forensic accountants can be invaluable in these situations. These financial experts specialize in detecting discrepancies in financial records and uncovering hidden assets. They can analyze complex financial documents and trace funds that may have been moved or concealed.
If it is proven that your spouse intentionally hid assets or income, the court may impose penalties. These can include awarding a larger share of the undisclosed assets to you or ordering your spouse to pay your legal fees. The court takes financial dishonesty seriously and strives to ensure a fair and equitable division of property.
Legal Support Across Mississauga, Vaughan, Oakville & Markham
Since 1994, Feldstein Family Law Group P.C. has been representing the interests of clients across Ontario. Through the decades, we have developed our skills and have led clients to successful resolution in complex and challenging family law matters. If you are ready to put our experience in your corner, contact our offices to arrange a confidential and complimentary case evaluation with one of our lawyers.
Discuss Your Case with an Ontario Contested Divorce Lawyer Today. Call (905) 581-7222 Now.
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Meet Our Dedicated Team of Lawyers
Over a Century of Collective Experience
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Andrew Feldstein FounderRead BioAndrew Feldstein graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School in 1992. Prior to focusing exclusively on family law, Andrew’s legal practice covered many different areas, including corporate commercial. One of Andrew’s fundamental objectives is to achieve those goals mutually and collaboratively, as set out by him and his client.
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Daphna Schwartz LawyerRead Bio
Daphna Schwartz joined Feldstein Family Law Group, P.C. in 2007 as an associate lawyer. She was previously practising family law in the Barrie area. Her practice includes all areas of divorce and family law, including custody and access, child support, spousal support, and property issues. Daphna is also qualified to practise Collaborative Family Law.
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Anna Troitschanski LawyerRead Bio
Anna Troitschanski joined the team at Feldstein Family Law Group, P.C. in 2012. Prior to that, she practised Family Law at a boutique Newmarket firm. Her experience covers all areas of divorce and family law, including custody and access, child support, spousal support, and division of property.
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Nick Slinko LawyerRead Bio
Nick Slinko attended York University from 2003 until 2007 where he majored in both Law & Society and Philosophy. Nick graduated in 2007 with an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree. He proceeded to earn a Juris Doctor in Law at the University of Western Ontario in 2011. Nick was Called to the Bar in June of 2012 after completing his Articling term with the Feldstein Family Law Group, P.C. He became an associate with the firm immediately thereafter.
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Veronica Yeung LawyerRead Bio
Veronica Yeung joined the Feldstein Family Law Group, P.C. as a summer student in 2014 and returned as an articling student in 2015. Following her call to the Ontario Bar in June 2016, Veronica was welcomed to the team as an associate lawyer.
Veronica attended York University for her undergraduate studies and graduated as a member of the Dean’s Honour Roll when she obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Honours Criminology.
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Shana Gordon-Katz LawyerRead Bio
Shana joined Feldstein Family Law Group P.C. as an articling student in 2017. Following her call to the Ontario Bar in June 2018, Shana was welcomed back to the firm as an associate. While completing her articles, Shana assisted with legal matters covering all areas of family law.
Shana attended the University of Western Ontario for her undergraduate studies, where she graduated as the gold medalist of her program, Honors Specialization in Classical Studies.
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Rachel Zweig LawyerRead Bio
Rachel joined Feldstein Family Law Group P.C as a Summer Student in 2019 and returned as an Articling Student in 2020-2021. Following her Call to the Ontario Bar in April 2021, Rachel was welcomed back to the firm as an Associate.
Prior to completing her legal studies and obtaining her Juris Doctor at the University of Ottawa, Rachel obtained her Bachelor’s Degree at Ryerson University with a major in English Literature.
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Lauren Harvey Associate LawyerRead Bio
Lauren joined Feldstein Family Law Group as a Summer Student in 2020 and returned as an Articling Student in 2021-2022. Following her Call to the Ontario Bar in April 2022, Lauren was welcomed back to the firm as an Associate.
Prior to completing her legal studies and obtaining her Juris Doctor at the University of Western Ontario, Lauren obtained her Honour’s Bachelor of Arts Degree at Wilfrid Laurier University majoring in Criminology and minoring in Law and Society.
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Quinn Held Associate LawyerRead Bio
Quinn spent two years as a Summer Student and then completed her Articling term at a boutique Family Law firm in Orangeville, where she was exposed to various complex Family Law matters. Following her Call to the Bar of Ontario in June 2022, she became an Associate with the Feldstein Family Law Group.
Prior to obtaining her Juris Doctor from the University of Windsor, Quinn obtained her Honour’s Bachelor of Arts Degree at the University of Guelph majoring in Criminal Justice and Public Policy and minoring in International Development.
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Kyla Johnson Associate LawyerRead Bio
Kyla is an approachable, understanding, and motivated advocate. This enables her to build strong relationships with clients. Her practice includes all areas of family law including parenting time, decision-making responsibility, child support, spousal support, division of property and divorce.
