Courts decide parenting based on the child's best interests — stability, each parent's caregiving role, and the child's needs — not on which parent 'wins'. Documented involvement and cooperative behavior weigh heavily.

Child Support Not Being Paid

Child support orders are enforceable: wage garnishment, tax refund interception, license suspension, and contempt proceedings are all standard tools. Arrears generally don't disappear — they accumulate until paid.

Common-Law / De Facto Separation

Unmarried couples often have real rights on separation — to property, support, and parenting — but they differ sharply from marriage and by jurisdiction. Contributions to shared assets and the length of the relationship are usually central.

Getting Protection From an Abusive Partner

If you are in immediate danger, contact emergency services (911 in the US and Canada) or a domestic violence hotline right away. Beyond emergency help, courts can issue protective or restraining orders that require an abuser to stay away and can set temporary parenting and support terms. Family violence is also a serious factor in custody decisions.

Getting a Prenuptial Agreement

A prenuptial agreement lets couples decide in advance how property and support will be handled if the marriage ends. Courts enforce fair agreements made with full financial disclosure, independent advice, and no last-minute pressure.

Getting a Protection Order

Courts can issue protective or restraining orders quickly — often the same day, without notice to the abuser — prohibiting contact and granting temporary exclusive possession of the home. If you're in immediate danger, call emergency services first.

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Guides, Forums & Where This Is Decided

Background reading and the bodies that hear family law matters.

Related guides

Adoption: Types and the Legal Process
The main types of adoption, the general legal process from home study to finalization, and how parental consent works. General guidance for the US and Canada.
Going to Court: What to Expect on the Day
Practical guidance for a court or tribunal appearance: what to bring, security screening, courtroom conduct, how hearings run, and what happens after.
Estate Planning for Blended Families
How to provide for a second spouse and children from a prior relationship: the mutual wills trap, spousal trusts, dependant support claims and beneficiary conflicts.
How Family Property Is Divided in Canada
How property is divided on separation: married versus common-law, provincial differences, the matrimonial home, exclusions and tracing, pensions and business valuation.

Where this is decided

Child and Family Services Review Board (CFSRB)
Ontario · Administrative
Custody Review Board
Ontario · Administrative
College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario
Ontario · Professional regulator
Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers
Ontario · Professional regulator
Alberta Court of Justice
Alberta · First instance

All courts & tribunals