Separation is hard. The next steps should be clear.

A written contract that sets out parenting, support and property after you separate, so the issues can be settled without going to court.

Legally ending your marriage, whether you and your spouse agree on everything or still have issues to resolve.

Who makes major decisions about the children, such as health, education and religion, and the schedule each parent spends with them. These terms replaced custody and access in 2021.

Support paid for children, usually set under the Federal Child Support Guidelines based on income, plus a share of special expenses such as childcare.

Support between former spouses, including whether it is owed, how much, and for how long.

Sharing the value of property spouses gained during the marriage, and deciding what happens to the family home. Common-law partners have different rights, so the rules depend on your relationship.

Asking to change parenting or support terms when circumstances have changed, by agreement or through a motion to change.

Dealing with the Family Responsibility Office when support payments are late, missing, or calculated incorrectly.

Court orders that limit contact from a former partner when you have reason to fear for your safety or your children's safety.

Before you sign a separation agreement or marriage contract, a lawyer reviews it with you and explains your rights and obligations. This helps protect the agreement from being challenged later.

Agreements made before or during a marriage, or when moving in together, that set out how property and support will be handled if the relationship ends.

If you have been served with an application or motion, there are strict deadlines to respond. Contact us as soon as you receive them.