Are Ontario’s Divorce Laws Changing?

Our divorce lawyers in Barrie, Collingwood, Orillia, Midland, Muskoka and Newmarket are fielding a lot of questions about Ontario’s proposed Strengthening and Improving Government Act. What type of effect will it have in divorces in Ontario?

Basically, the act would help spouses that were married in Ontario but reside outside of Canada to get a divorce if they live in a state that doesn’t recognize their union. This is of particular interest to same-sex couples that may be residing in an area that does not allow same-sex marriages.

“This amendment would apply to same-sex couples and any other couples who were married in Ontario but whose own jurisdiction does not legally recognize their union, making divorce impossible in their jurisdiction,” said a release from the provincial government.

“This change eliminates the one-year residency requirement for these specific individuals and gives Ontario’s 17 unified Family Court locations the authority to hear these divorce cases.”

Aside from changes to family law, the Strengthening and Improving Government Act will also see changes to:

• The Highway Traffic Act
• The Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities Act
• The Commitment to the Future of Medicare Act
• The Pension Benefits Act

You can read more by clicking here.

If you have any questions about family law, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our divorce lawyers in Orillia, Barrie, Collingwood, Midland, Muskoka or Newmarket. (If you live in the Newmarket area and need a divorce lawyer, we are next to the 404).