Scarborough Divorce Lawyer Offering Free Consultation

Divorce Lawyer Scarborough

Simple Divorce makes your divorce in Scarborough as simple and affordable as possible.

Our family law services range from the simple to the most contested matters. Different needs mean different solutions, and our own legal fees have been structured to reflect this reality.

If you are considering a divorce, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. A divorce lawyer can help you understand your rights and options and represent you in court when necessary.

Going through a divorce is often difficult, so we aim to make the process as painless and stress-free as possible. From filing the appropriate paperwork to negotiating terms with your spouse’s lawyer, you can count on us to handle all aspects of your divorce.

Our services are exemplary and our prices are reasonable. We are highly competent in family law and can take on all cases, from contested or uncontested divorces to separation agreements. Your Scarborough family lawyer can help you navigate any matters related to family law, whether annulment, divorce, petitions for spousal support, child custody and access, child support, common law claims, or property division.

Our ultimate goal here is to make the divorce process as simple and hassle-free as possible for our clients. We understand that every couple’s situation is unique, and we strive to meet your needs and expectations.

We value transparency in our dealings and do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Our fees and our solutions are tailored to your unique needs.

If you’re looking for Scarborough divorce lawyers, don’t hesitate to contact us today for a free consultation. We would be happy to discuss your unique situation and help you determine the best course of action.


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In our experience, depending on the particular situation, individuals require one of the following three solutions:

Simple Uncontested Divorce Lawyer in Scarborough

A simple divorce is just what it sounds like. The parties in divorce proceedings are only looking for a divorce and are not advancing any other claims.  The typical lawyer charges around $1,500 for an uncontested divorce.  Our fee starts at $300 AND we accept payment plans!  We are confident that our fees are one of the lowest in the industry. Call 416-901-7992 to get started.

What is Uncontested Divorce?

Unlike in contested divorces whereby one spouse challenges the divorce, in an uncontested divorce, there is no defendant since both spouses file for divorce with mutual consent. Uncontested divorces are often simpler and faster to process. This is because the decisions are made and agreed upon fairly easily. In this situation, both parties have agreed on ending the marriage and there are no issues or unresolved consequences of this decision.

When a support order for a divorce is not contested, both parties don’t need to serve documents. The 30-day appeal period after the divorce judgement is granted is also not observed. One spouse can approach a divorce lawyer in Scarborough for help in filing a statement of claim for divorce to initiate the divorce process.

The uncontested divorce law process in Scarborough

Your spouse can begin the uncontested divorce proceedings by filing a statement of claim. This statement of claim must be personally served on the respondent (given to your spouse in person). This notice of claim states the orders that the claimant wants the court to make.

How you respond to this notice will depend on the orders being requested and whether you agree with the claims or not. It is extremely critical to ask a divorce lawyer in Scarborough to review your notice of claim and explain what it means because the claims therein could affect your divorce proceeding and rights.

You can respond to the statement of claim for divorce in either of the following ways:

  • You may file a counterclaim if you have claims of your own that you want to make. For instance, if you are claiming different facts than what’s stated in the notice.
  • You may file a statement of defence that would make the proceeding a contested divorce.
  • You may file a demand of notice if you aren’t contesting the divorce but would wish to be provided with all the documents filed in the proceedings.
  • You may not respond and wait to be noted in default. In this case, you give up the right to have any say in the divorce proceeding or court judgement. You will not be allowed to take part in the divorce proceedings and will have to meet the terms of the agreement.

After filing the response, the couple must observe a waiting period. Uncontested divorce proceedings are often less stressful since matters such as child custody, spousal support and division of property are handled out of court. However, this type of divorce works well when both couples are willing to compromise and resolve their issues outside of the courtroom. You’ll need an experienced divorce lawyer in Scarborough to help navigate these issues and settle them out of court.

Separation Agreement

A separation agreement is an amicable way to resolve all outstanding issues relating to your divorce matter. This is an ideal solution to protect your rights while saving you the acrimony and costs associated with the formal court process.

Why a properly drafted separation agreement is critical

One of the most critical documents at the end of a marriage is a separation agreement that clarifies the rights and obligations of the parties when they begin their lives apart. A properly drafted separation agreement can simplify the divorce process and avoid the need for lengthy and costly proceedings, especially on matters such as child support, division of property and spousal support.

When this agreement is drafted early, it allows both parties to easily move on to their new phase of life even before the final divorce decree is finalized in court. Separation agreements are uniquely customized to suit the family’s unique needs and circumstances. Lawyers representing both sides will negotiate and draft the agreement while taking into account their client’s goals and interests.

One of the main reasons separation agreements are overturned in courts is when one spouse or both do not disclose all their financial, business and real estate property assets and liabilities. Our lawyers are well experienced in handling divorce proceedings involving complex property division or trust matters and can help simplify this for our clients.

Terms of a separation agreement

The separation agreement can include many different family law issues and eliminate the confusion over what to do after the separation. For the divorce applications, for instance, the agreement can include:

  • Support arrangements: Whether a spouse should receive financial help, who will receive it and how much
  • How the children’s financial needs will be met (child support)
  • Parenting arrangements: How the parents will care for and share time with the children
  • Who the children will live with and how child care decisions will be made
  • Property and debt issues such as how the family property will be divided and how the responsibility for the family debts will be shared
  • What happens to the family home: Will you keep it, sell the property or make other arrangements?

Our divorce lawyers help clients negotiate the terms of the separation agreement with the other party in order to arrive at a decision that is amenable to everyone. We help our clients complete the process as smoothly as possible.

Contested Divorce

When negotiations fail it will become necessary to utilize the legal system and the formal litigation process to uphold and protect your legal rights. Our family lawyer can help you with child custody and access, child support, spousal support, division of property, and common law claims.

What is a contested divorce?

A contested divorce is where the parties involved have failed to agree on specific issues related to their divorce. The contested issues are often related to important aspects of divorce law such as child support, division of property and assets, spousal support and child custody. Contested divorces usually take more time and are more complicated than uncontested divorce proceedings. Contested divorces can be resolved with or without trial.

If you choose to go to trial, the judge is responsible for deciding on the final terms of the divorce. In some cases, the decision may not align with the priorities of the couple.

A Contested Divorce Procedure in Scarborough

First, one of the spouses will have to file a divorce petition to mark the start of the divorce process. The applicant will lay out issues such as child support and custody, spousal support and property equalization when filing this petition. It’s important to have an experienced divorce lawyer in Scarborough to help prepare the application, as the process can be complicated.

After filing the application with the court, the applicant will have to serve the other party with the application. Service can be done personally by someone aside from the Scarborough family lawyer of the applicant. After being served, the respondent will have 30 days to respond by filing an answer. Failure to respond can result in the proceedings going on and a decision being made in favour of the applicant.

Before the divorce moves to court, the judge may request the couple to settle their case out of court or give their marriage another shot. If the parties are still reluctant, they will be eligible for a divorce and move on to the court phase. Both parties will need to hire a divorce lawyer to help in the process of gathering information and preparing for court hearings. Both spouses must attend court hearings. Once the trial process is completed and the court issues a final order, an appeal can be made by either party to dispute the judge’s decision.

Divorce Lawyer Scarborough

What is divorce law mediation, and what are its benefits?

Divorce mediation is a method of divorce negotiation in which a mediator is brought into the picture to assist the parties in a divorce. The mediator’s role is to keep the discussions on track and find solutions that work for both individuals. A mediated divorce agreement may be less traumatic than a traditional divorce and frequently results in a more amicable breakup.

Mediation is a process that allows couples to negotiate the specifics and conditions of their divorce without any malice or apprehension. Couples who choose to get help from a qualified divorce mediator are more receptive and open to the outcome.

Mediation attorneys serve as impartial third parties during divorce negotiations and help couples go through their options and agreements while keeping the partner in perspective. During mediation sessions, couples typically receive advice concerning the terms of their divorce.

Divorce mediation might provide the following advantages:

  • Fewer Disputes: Since it is based on collaboration, mediations see fewer conflicts compared to traditional divorces.
  • Less Costly: Court proceedings can be costly. In comparison, mediations are cheaper.
  • Faster: Since both parties are more willing to reach an agreement, mediation is generally less time-consuming and does not drag on.
  • Protects Confidentiality: Mediation is a confidential procedure, and the divorce proceedings are private.

Many divorcing couples prefer mediation since it reduces the high financial and emotional costs that come with a litigated divorce. As discussed above, settlement is also arrived at quicker, which further contributes to keeping costs low. Mediation also reduces or mitigates the conflict that is usually part of litigation, making the process less stressful for couples already going through a trying situation.

Rather than focus on getting the upper hand, mediation helps warring couples look at things from the other’s perspective and arrive at mutually beneficial solutions.

How long will the divorce mediation process last?

Mediation sessions generally happen once a week, biweekly, or monthly. If the parties are unable to arrive at an agreement, the mediator steps in to offer further assistance through open communication. The mediator’s efforts help foster an atmosphere of understanding and compassion.

That said, the length of time required for a divorce mediation depends on the intricacy of the settlement and the willingness of both spouses to keep personal opinions aside, negotiate fairly, and communicate respectfully. Mediation might take anything from a few weeks to several months.

Our Team

Usman Sadiq

Usman Sadiq

Salman Sadiq

Salman Sadiq

Nirlep Chahal

Nirlep Chahal

Muzammil Chatha

Muzammil Chatha

Lynn Keimel

Lynn Keimel

Licenced and Insured Family Lawyers in Scarborough

When you use our service, you can rest assured that you are dealing with a professional law firm. Your entire divorce file is prepared and reviewed by lawyers and law clerks.  Our office is committed to answering all your questions and completing your divorce in an efficient manner. Choosing a licenced lawyer to process your divorce makes sense – not only are we insured by the Law Society, but are also provided extensive training. We are required to maintain minimum quality standards that ensure your divorce case is handled professionally and with the due care it deserves.

Scarborough Divorce Lawyer FAQ

Can I be granted a divorce without separation?

You may be instantly granted a divorce without separation, depending on your unique circumstances. For instance, if you are a victim of adultery or extreme physical or emotional abuse, the court may still grant you divorce instantly by considering that any continued cohabitation may have been intolerable. However, you must prove these two grounds for divorce, which is often quite difficult. You will need to work with an experienced divorce lawyer Scarborough to help gather adequate circumstantial evidence.

When is the mandatory separation period required before a divorce is granted?

On the other hand, if you are seeking a divorce due to reasons such as growing apart or not getting along, you may be required to complete the mandatory separation period of at least one year.. Keep in mind that separation for the purposes of divorce may not necessarily mean living in separate houses. It could be that you live in the same house, but you are still considered to be living separately and apart for the purposes of the Divorce Act.

I am thinking of leaving my spouse; what should be my next course of action?

The first thing we would encourage you to do in order to protect yourself and your children, if any, is to seek legal advice. If you are in an abusive relationship and leaving your spouse poses a threat of violence against you or your children, we recommend getting a restraining order against your spouse. Your lawyer can help you file an urgent application for interim custody and support for the children. You may also file for exclusive possession of your matrimonial home.

Can I qualify for exclusive possession of our matrimonial home?

The test for exclusive possession of your home is very strictly considered by the court. The court will avoid kicking out an individual from their family home, especially if they are not in the financial position to get a separate residence or if the decision is not in the best interests of the children. However, if the spouse commits violence against the other spouse or the children, exclusive possession may be granted.

How long does it take to get a divorce?

A simple divorce process may take 4 to 6 months. However, if matters such as child custody and support and division of property are contested, courtroom litigation may have to be considered and the divorce may take longer. Divorce can be granted immediately if the application is made on the grounds of adultery or cruelty and the court is satisfied that these grounds exist.

Do you have to have a lawyer to get a divorce?

You don’t need to hire a lawyer in order to file for divorce. However, the process can be complicated, and professional legal counsel is recommended to ensure that your rights are fully protected. Lawyers also help to ensure that all the steps that need to be taken before a divorce is granted are taken on time and that the process progresses quickly.

Can you be considered separated if you live in the same house as your spouse?

Certainly yes. There are certain conditions that you must satisfy to be deemed legally separated from your spouse for the purposes of divorce. For instance, if living under the same roof, there must be a withdrawal by one or both spouses from their matrimonial obligation, such as the absence of sexual relations or changes in meal patterns and participation in joint social activities.