Family lawyer for Barrie and Simcoe County

How family court works in Barrie

Family cases in Barrie are heard by the Superior Court of Justice, Family Court, at the Barrie Courthouse, 75 Mulcaster Street. That court can deal with divorce, parenting, child and spousal support, and property in the same 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.

Many steps, such as case conferences, can take place by video, depending on the court's current practice. Where you need to be at the courthouse in person, we discuss travel and cost with you up front.

Who keeps the house?

For many Barrie and Simcoe County families, the home is the biggest asset. 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. The value of a matrimonial home you owned before the marriage is generally not deducted the way other pre-marriage assets are. The usual options are a buyout, a sale, or a delayed sale while children finish school. Equalization claims have time limits, so get advice early.

Common-law couples in Barrie

Many people believe that living together for three years gives them the same property rights as married spouses. It does not. In Ontario, unmarried partners do not have an automatic right to share property or to possession of the home. A partner who contributed to property in the other's name may have a claim for unjust enrichment or a constructive trust, which depends heavily on the facts.

Common-law partners can still claim child support and, after three years together (or sooner if you have a child together), spousal support. Parenting rules are the same for married and unmarried parents.

Child and spousal support

Child support is calculated under the Child Support Guidelines, based mainly on the paying parent's income, the number of children and the parenting schedule. Special expenses such as child care, medical costs and some activities are usually shared in proportion to income. If each parent has the children at least 40% of the time, the calculation changes; see the 40% rule.

Spousal support is not automatic. Whether it is owed, how much and for how long depends on the relationship, each person's income and the roles you played. The Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines give ranges, and the details of your case decide where you fall.

Free and low-cost help in Barrie

• Family Law Information Centre (FLIC): free information about the court process and forms at the Barrie 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 cost?

It depends on how much work your file needs. A review of a separation agreement or a simple joint divorce costs far less than a contested case about parenting, support and property. Our 2026 family lawyer cost guide explains what drives fees, and payment plans are available. You can also hire us for specific pieces only, such as reviewing your forms before you file.