Importance of a Court Order Protecting Your Family's Interests for Over 25 Years

Spousal Support Court Orders in Ontario

The Importance of a Court Order

Even in matters where parties are able to negotiate spousal support amicably, a formal court order provides a measure of protection in that it may be enforced should a dispute arise in future. Additionally, separation agreements can be filed with the court, which makes them enforceable in the same manner as a court order; this results in a document that is both legally binding and recognizable by the court and the Family Responsibility Office.

If a spouse fails to pay spousal support as ordered, the Family Responsibility Office has several mechanisms in place to enforce payment compliance including:

  • Garnishing the payor’s wages and bank accounts;
  • Suspending the payor’s drivers license and passport; and
  • Placing a lien on the payor’s property.

Without a legally binding document, these mechanisms are not available, leaving parties financially vulnerable. (See our article: Enforcing Spousal Support for more information on enforcement mechanisms.)

A court order also provides a measure of consistency in that both the payor and recipient may rely upon the terms in an order when a dispute arises. For example, court orders and separation agreements filed with the court can stipulate how and when spousal support is to be recalculated or terminated.

Finally, court orders and separation agreements are recognized by financial institutions; if you are applying for credit or loans, these documents provide proof of income if you are a support recipient.

Do not jeopardize your future by separating without a spousal support order. Call (905) 581-7222 to discuss your options with an Ontario family lawyer at Feldstein Family Law Group P.C.

Meet Our Dedicated Team of Lawyers

Over a Century of Collective Experience
  • Andrew  Feldstein Photo
  • Jeff  Hart Photo
  • Daphna  Schwartz Photo
  • Nick  Slinko Photo
  • Anna  Troitschanski Photo
  • Veronica  Yeung Photo
  • Shana  Gordon-Katz Photo
  • Rachel  Zweig Photo
  • Quinn  Held Photo
  • Lauren  Harvey Photo
  • Andrew  Feldstein Photo
    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.

  • Jeff  Hart Photo
    Jeff Hart

    Lawyer

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

    Lawyer

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

    Lawyer

    Location: Vaughan Nick Slinko attended York University from 2003 until 2007 where he majored in both Law & Society and ...
  • Anna  Troitschanski Photo
    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.
  • Veronica  Yeung Photo
    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.
  • Shana  Gordon-Katz Photo
    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.

  • Rachel  Zweig Photo
    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. ...
  • Quinn  Held Photo
    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, ...
  • Lauren  Harvey Photo
    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. ...
/

We're Committed to You

  • Convenient Meeting Locations

    Our team is able to meet with you and provide quality family law legal services in Markham, Oakville, Mississauga, Vaughan, and the surrounding areas.

  • Quick Response Times by Email & Phone

    This is one of the most difficult times in your life and our goal is to help make this transition as smooth as possible. To help put your mind at ease we ensure that our team is always available to guide you.

  • Free Consultations

    We understand you have questions and need guidance on your next step. We make getting these questions answered as easy as possible. We offer free consultations for our new clients.

  • 25 Years of Experience

    Experience Matters. Our founding attorney has over 25 years of experience in the legal field. As a firm you get over a century of dedicated legal experience advocating for your family's best interests. 

Take the First Step

Fill out the form below to begin your free consultation with one of our experienced lawyers or call us at 905-581-7222.
  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.