Family lawyer in Vaughan

Which court handles family cases for Vaughan?

Vaughan is part of York Region. Family cases for York Region are heard at the Newmarket Courthouse, 50 Eagle Street West, Newmarket. Only the Superior Court of Justice can grant a divorce or divide property; some parenting and support cases can also be heard by the Ontario Court of Justice. Your lawyer will tell you which court fits your case.

Many families never need a judge to decide anything. They settle through negotiation, mediation or a separation agreement. When a court case is needed, it usually moves through these stages:

1. Application and serviceThe application sets out what you are asking for and is served on the other party, who then has a set time to respond.
2. Mandatory Information ProgramA free session on the court process and options such as mediation, required in most cases.
3. Financial disclosureSworn financial statements and supporting documents for income, assets and debts.
4. Case conferenceAn informal meeting with a judge to narrow the issues, check disclosure and encourage settlement.
5. Motions, settlement conference and trialTemporary orders if something cannot wait, a further push to settle, and a trial only for what is left.

Who keeps the house in a Vaughan separation?

In Vaughan, the family home is often the largest asset by far. If you are married, both spouses have an equal right to live in the matrimonial home, whoever is on title, until an agreement or court order says otherwise. Neither spouse can sell or mortgage it without the other's consent or a court order.

Its value is shared through equalization of net family property. A matrimonial home owned before the marriage is generally not deducted the way other pre-marriage assets are, which surprises many people. The usual options are a buyout, a sale, or a delayed sale while children finish school. If your parents helped with the down payment, whether that money was a gift or a loan can matter a great deal, so keep the records.

Businesses, rental properties and complex finances

Many Vaughan families own a business, a rental unit or investment property. These assets are valued as of the date of separation, and that value is part of equalization. A business often needs a professional valuation, and business income can affect support, especially when a spouse controls how much salary or dividends they take.

A family lawyer in Vaughan who handles these files regularly will ask for the right documents early. Full financial disclosure is required from both spouses. If you think assets are being hidden or moved, gather what records you can and get advice early.

Children, parenting time and moves

Ontario law now uses "decision-making responsibility" and "parenting time" instead of custody and access. Every decision is based on the child's best interests. If one parent wants to move with the children, for example from Vaughan to another city, the relocation rules require written notice in advance, and the other parent can object. Our guide to Ontario's relocation rules explains the process.

Child support is calculated under the Child Support Guidelines, mainly from the paying parent's income and the parenting schedule. If each parent has the children at least 40% of the time, the calculation changes; see the 40% rule.

Free and low-cost help in York Region

• Family Law Information Centre (FLIC): free information about the court process and forms at the Newmarket courthouse.
• Family duty counsel: Legal Aid Ontario lawyers at the courthouse can give free advice to people who qualify financially.
• Legal Aid Ontario: 1-800-668-8258 for eligibility and services, including help for people experiencing family violence.
• Mediation: subsidized family mediation is available through the court for eligible families.

If you are in danger, call 911.

What does a family lawyer in Vaughan cost?

It depends on how much work your file needs. Reviewing a separation agreement or preparing a joint divorce costs far less than a contested case with parenting, support and property disputes. Our 2026 family lawyer cost guide explains what drives fees, and payment plans are available. You can also hire us for specific pieces only.