Threat of Family Violence Protecting Your Family's Interests for Over 25 Years

Domestic Violence & Separation in Ontario

The Threat of Family Violence

Separation can be a difficult time for people. Changes in family life will add stress and exacerbate any existing personal difficulties family members were having before separation. Statistically, just over half the incidents of dating and marital violence occur after a relationship ends, as temper and frustration build up.

Many spouses who experienced violence during the relationship report an escalation in violence after separation, while others have their first experience with domestic violence after the relationship ends. If your spouse has been depressed, violent, moody, angry, or controlling during your relationship, you may notice these tendencies worsening as you begin the process of ending your relationship. Some spouses do not react well to the loss of control they feel when their relationship ends, especially if they have not been the one to “pull the plug.”

Because many spouses are still sharing the matrimonial home during the separation process, tensions can rise, and spouses can find it almost impossible to escape the unhealthy home environment.

If your partner has mental health issues, and you notice these issues becoming more pronounced after separation, seek help. Even if your spouse has not had problems with anger, violence, or mood disorders in the past, be alert to sudden changes in personality, and do not hesitate to seek assistance if you feel unsafe. You have a few legal avenues through which to seek protection, though your options depend on whether you and your partner are married or not, as explained below.

Options for Married Spouses

If you are married, you can apply to the court, under s. 24(1) of Ontario’s Family Law Act (FLA), for exclusive possession of the matrimonial home, on a temporary basis until you and your spouse have resolved the issues relating to your separation or divorce and secured new accommodations. (It is also possible to apply for a final, or permanent, order for exclusive possession of the matrimonial home, but this is almost never granted, particularly if the home is your and your spouse’s main asset.)

Section 24(3) of the FLA specifies that the court will consider the following when deciding whether to grant exclusive possession:

  • The best interests of the children affected;
  • Any existing orders under Part I (Family Property) and any existing support orders;
  • The financial position of both spouses;
  • Any written agreement between the parties;
  • The availability of other suitable accommodation; and
  • Any violence committed by a spouse against the other spouse or the children.

Although only violence already committed is included in this list, if your spouse is causing psychological distress to yourself or the children, the court will consider that as well. The violence need not be physical. However, past acts of violence will make it more likely the court will perceive a danger to you and order exclusive possession.

If you are granted an order for exclusive possession, that order is enforceable like a restraining order. If your spouse comes into the home in contravention of the order, he or she can be fined and/or imprisoned. The police have jurisdiction to arrest the offending spouse without a warrant, as per s. 24(6) of the FLA.

Options for Unmarried Spouses

If you are not married, you cannot apply for exclusive possession of your home, because the special protections afforded to the matrimonial home only apply to married couples. But, the FLA does offer protection to any cohabitating partner in the form of a restraining order. You can apply under s. 46(1) for a temporary or final restraining order against your common-law partner. It does not matter how long you have lived together, or if you are still living together. You can request that the court prevent your partner from contacting you, or coming with a certain distance of locations you frequent. This can include restricting the person from coming to a home that you share, or formerly shared.

Whether or not you are married, you can also pursue a restraining order in the criminal system if your spouse has already been violent toward you.

Your Safety Comes First

Finally, even if the courts do not agree that you are at risk, don’t keep yourself in a situation you feel is unsafe. A lawyer will tell you that it’s not advisable to flee the matrimonial home and establish a new status quo before trial, but a lawyer will also tell you that your safety should take priority over any legal strategy.

For legal counsel related to separation and family violence, call the Ontario family lawyers at Feldstein Family Law Group P.C. at (905) 581-7222. We’re here to help.

Meet Our Dedicated Team of Lawyers

Over a Century of Collective Experience
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    Andrew Feldstein

    Founder

    Andrew 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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    Jeff Hart

    Lawyer

    Jeff obtained his Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Classical Studies from McMaster University before attending law school at Queen’s.
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    Daphna Schwartz

    Lawyer

    Location: Markham Daphna Schwartz joined Feldstein Family Law Group, P.C. in 2007 as an associate lawyer. She was previously ...
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    Nick Slinko

    Lawyer

    Location: Vaughan Nick Slinko attended York University from 2003 until 2007 where he majored in both Law & Society and ...
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    Anna Troitschanski

    Lawyer

    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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    Veronica Yeung

    Lawyer

    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.
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    Shana Gordon-Katz

    Lawyer

    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.

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    Rachel Zweig

    Lawyer

    Rachel joined Feldstein Family Law Group P.C as a Summer Student in 2019 and returned as an Articling Student in 2020-2021. ...
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    Quinn Held

    Associate Lawyer

    Quinn spent two years as a Summer Student and then completed her Articling term at a boutique Family Law firm in Orangeville, ...
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    Lauren Harvey

    Associate Lawyer

    Lauren joined Feldstein Family Law Group as a Summer Student in 2020 and returned as an Articling Student in 2021-2022. ...
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