Same-Sex Divorce in Ontario
How Federal & Provincial Divorce Laws Apply to Same-Sex Couples
The Civil Marriages Act, 2005 (CMA), defines marriage as the lawful union of two persons to the exclusion of all others; it was with the passing of this legislation that same-sex marriage was legalized throughout Canada. Prior to the passing of the CMA, the laws relating to who could marry were contained solely within the common law of both Canada and the United Kingdom.
Currently, the same divorce laws apply to both same sex and heterosexual couples; same-sex Canadian couples married in Canada may obtain a divorce in Canada pursuant to the Divorce Act, provided that they are habitually resident in a Canadian province for 12 months.
That being said, issues with same sex divorce can arise in two particular instances:
- Issues can arise where a couple is validly married in a jurisdiction, such as Ontario, which does not specify gender requirements under the Marriage Act, and then either moves to or is habitually resident in a jurisdiction that does not recognize this marriage. Because the couple is technically married in one jurisdiction and not in another, they may encounter issues seeking a divorce in their jurisdiction (as it does not recognize their marriage). For example, if a same-sex couple travels to Ontario to marry, and then returns to their home jurisdiction where their marriage is not recognized, the couple will not be able to obtain a divorce in their home jurisdiction or Ontario, as they will not meet the residency requirements under Canada’s Divorce Act.
- Same-sex couples who are unable to divorce because of the aforementioned problem are at a significant disadvantage, as they cannot benefit from their jurisdiction’s system for dividing up property and establishing support. For example, a same sex couple who marries in Ontario but who lives in Texas will have no recourse to seek spousal support.
As a result of these issues, in 2013, the Canadian Parliament elected to create specific divorce laws for marriages under the CMA. Section 7 states that “the court of the province where the marriage was performed may, on application, grant the spouses a divorce” on the following conditions:
- There has been a breakdown in the marriage as established by the spouses having lived separate and apart for at least one year;
- Neither spouse resides in Canada at the time the Application is made; and
- Each of the spouses is residing – and for at least one year immediately before the application is made, has resided – in a state where a divorce cannot be granted because that state does not recognize the validity of the marriage.
It should be noted that, where a divorce is granted to non-resident spouses, the spouse cannot bring a claim for corollary relief (for example, support or equalization) under the Divorce Act. As a result, same sex spouses in states that do not recognize their marriages may still be at a disadvantage regarding their ability to access support and property division.
When complex jurisdictional issues arise in a same-sex divorce, you can count on the team at Feldstein Family Law Group P.C. to provide skilled insight, guidance, and counsel.
Arrange a confidential consultation with an Ontario divorce lawyer today by calling (905) 581-7222.
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.
