Family Law FAQs — Ontario
Clear Answers to Common Family Law Questions
Family law can feel confusing — especially when you’re unsure what applies to your situation or what your next step should be. This FAQ answers common questions about uncontested divorce, child support changes and enforcement, legal name changes, domestic contracts, and the role of an LSO authorized Family Legal Services Provider (FLSP) in Ontario.
Our answers are based on real situations handled by licensed paralegals authorized by the LSO. While every case is different, this page is designed to help you understand your options, avoid mistakes, and know when it’s time to get legal help.
✔ Upfront Pricing - You Always Know the Cost Before We Begin
✔ No Confusing Legal Jargon — Just Clear Explanations
✔ Serving Families Across Ontario
✔ Flexible Service - Telephone, Zoom or In-Person (if available)
★★★★★ Verified Google Review
“Provided very clear and straightforward advice.” — Dharma D., Former Client
Don’t Wait to Get the Answers You Need
At Cordaie Paralegal Services, we understand that family law matters can feel confusing and overwhelming. Whether you’re going through a divorce, adjusting child support, or applying for a legal name change, you deserve clear answers — not legal jargon.
Our licensed paralegals, FLSPs, authorized by the LSO, have compiled this FAQ to help Ontario families make informed decisions with clarity and confidence.
We proudly serve clients across Ontario — including Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, London, Mississauga, and beyond — providing affordable, step-by-step guidance through every stage of your family legal matter.
Still Have Unanswered Questions?
We’ve got answers that fit your unique situation.
1. Are paralegals allowed to help with family law in Ontario?
Yes — but only if they are specially authorized by the LSO.
At Cordaie Paralegal Services, two of our licensed paralegals are among the first 39 ever authorized to provide family legal services in the province.
We’ve completed the required education, supervised training, and approval process — meaning we can legally assist with many family law matters including divorce, child support, and domestic contract filings.
2. What types of family law matters can you help with?
We assist with:
- Uncontested Divorce
- Joint Divorce
- Child Support Changes
- Child Support Enforcement
- Legal Name Changes (adult & child)
- Domestic Contract Registration (separation, cohabitation, marriage contracts)
⚠️Important: If you’re unsure whether your issue qualifies, we offer a free consultation to help you find out.
3. Do I need to go to court for an uncontested divorce?
In most cases, no.
Uncontested and joint divorces are usually handled entirely by paperwork, and there is no court appearance required if everything is in order.
We manage the process from document preparation to court filing.
4. What is the difference between uncontested divorce and joint divorce?
Uncontested Divorce:
- One spouse files. The other does not contest the divorce.
Joint Divorce:
- Both spouses file together and agree on all terms upfront.
⚠️Important: We can help you determine which option is best based on your situation.
5. Can I change my child support if my income changes?
Yes.
If there has been a material change in circumstances — such as a job loss, income increase, or new parenting arrangement — you may apply to change your support order.
We help prepare and file the necessary documents with the court.
⚠️Important: Need Help With Your Child Support Situation?
We can help you file or enforce changes quickly and affordably.
- Speak to a Licensed Paralegal, FLSP Today
6. What if my ex isn’t paying child support?
We help you take legal action to enforce the support order, often through the Family Responsibility Office (FRO).
This may involve wage garnishment, license suspension, or other enforcement tools.
7. Can I legally change my name in Ontario without a lawyer?
Yes.
We help adults and parents file legal name changes through the Government of Ontario, which includes forms, police checks, and certificate updates.
⚠️Important: Most name changes do not require court unless contested.
8. What is a domestic contract and should I register it?
A domestic contract is a legally binding agreement such as a:
- Separation Agreement
- Cohabitation Agreement
- Marriage Contract (Prenup or Postnup)
Registering it with the Ontario Superior Court makes it enforceable and allows FRO to collect support payments if needed.
⚠️Important: We handle the registration process for you.
9. Can I still get help if the other party doesn’t agree?
It depends on your matter.
For example, we primarily help with uncontested or joint divorces, where both parties agree (or don’t contest).
If your issue is contested, we may refer you to a family lawyer or assist with documentation support where appropriate.
10. What areas of Ontario do you serve?
We work with clients across Ontario including:
- Toronto
- Mississauga
- Ottawa
- Hamilton
- London
- Barrie
- Brampton
- Thunder Bay
- And all other cities/towns — fully remote options available
11. Do you charge hourly or flat fees?
We offer flat-fee pricing for most services so you know the total cost upfront — no hourly surprises.
We’ll provide a quote during your free case review.
⚠️Important: You can also review our Family Law Services Fee Schedule
Why Hire Cordaie Paralegal Services?
Cordaie Paralegal Services offers trusted, family-law focused support with a client-first approach. We provide professional document preparation, court filing assistance, and procedural guidance—without the high costs of traditional law firms.
Clients choose us because we deliver:
✔ Affordable legal expertise
✔ Specialized experience in family law matters
✔ Accurate, timely, and well-organized documents
✔ Compassionate, confidential, and personalized support
Hiring Cordaie Paralegal Services means getting reliable legal help that reduces stress, avoids costly errors, and keeps your family law case moving forward efficiently.
Cordaie Paralegal Services
Smart, Affordable Family Law Support When It Matters Most
“Provided very clear and straight forward advice. Would recommend you reach out.”
Dharma D., Former Client
Verified Google Review
Serving Families Across Ontario
Whether you’re navigating a separation, divorce, parenting matter, or support agreement, we’re here to support you anywhere in Ontario. Our services are delivered virtually, so you can receive legal guidance, document preparation, review, and representation without the need to travel or take time away from your schedule.
We assist clients in major cities and small communities alike—including Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, Mississauga, Brampton, London, Windsor, Barrie, Kitchener-Waterloo, Kingston, and everywhere in between.
No matter where you are located, you’ll receive the same attentive, knowledgeable, and results-focused support throughout your family law journey.
