Types of Family Law Cases
Family cases fall in the category of civil cases but generally consist of legal issues between parents, spouses, and children. Family courts deal with various cases relating to domestic matters. Getting the right family law attorney in Ontario is important when it comes to winning a case.
The following are common family cases mainly handled by the family court.
Marriage dissolution
If a person wants to terminate a marriage, they can file a case at a family court in order to obtain an order from the court to end the marriage. Marriages can be dissolved through divorce or annulment cases. Besides that, the family court can grant a separation – where orders with regard to property child custody and alimony are dealt with but the couple remains legally married.
Paternity and child custody
For example, when a man wants to be declared as the rightful father of a child, any of the parties can go to a family court to seek paternity rights. Based on the evidence presented, the court can decide to declare the man as the child’s father or quash his claims.
Parents who aren’t married can also go to court to seek legal custody, physical custody, child support, and visitation schedules. In order to increase your chances of winning the case, it is important to hire an experienced family attorney in Ontario.
Name changes
Any person who wishes to change their names legally be it a child or an adult can do so in a family court. The process can sometimes be complex and that’s why it is important to see the services of any top family law attorneys in Ontario.
Adoption and termination of parental rights
If enough reasons are established as to why a parent should no longer have a relationship with a child – such as neglect, abuse, abandonment among others, then a family court has a right to terminate parental rights.
The court can also grant adoption rights to another person seeking custody of the child. There are several experienced child custody attorneys in Ontario who can guide you through the entire legal process.
Juvenile cases
Family courts also handle all cases related to child abuse, child neglect, child custody, cases of minors engaging in illegal behavior among others. Most of the juvenile cases are handled by the District Attorney Juvenile Division. The family court may also approve work permits for minors below the age of 14.
Emancipation & approval of underage marriages
A young person below the age of 18 who wishes to get married and be emancipated (being legally free from parental control) petition the family court to grant him or her approval. Although the Self-Help Center doesn’t have underage marriage approval forms, it has info on emancipation.
In a nutshell, there are different types of cases handled by the family court. It is important to note that the chances of winning a case always depend on the evidence presented before the court.
Besides family law, finding a personal injury lawyer in Ontario who can help when it comes to personal injury claims is the first step towards the right direction.
