High-Conflict Divorce
When separation involves family violence, coercive control, or extreme conflict. Your safety comes first. Know your protections and resources.
Support Services
24/7 crisis support and resources across Canada
National Domestic Violence Hotline
24/7 crisis support and referrals across Canada
Kids Help Phone
Support for children and youth (call or text)
Assaulted Women's Helpline (ON)
Crisis support for women in Ontario
Police Emergency
Immediate danger or emergency
Court Protections Available
Legal tools to protect you and your children
Restraining Orders / Protection Orders
Provincial protection orders (varies by province - Family Order Protection Act, Victims of Domestic Violence Act, etc.) to restrict contact and behavior
Exclusive Possession
Court order giving one spouse exclusive possession of matrimonial home, requiring other spouse to leave
Supervised Parenting Time
Parenting time at supervised access centres or with professional supervisors when safety concerns exist
No-Contact Provisions
Orders prohibiting contact except through lawyers, email, or parenting communication app
Separate Court Facilities
Courts can arrange separate waiting areas, staggered arrival times, and security presence
Video Testimony
Testify via video link to avoid being in same room as abuser
2021 Divorce Act: Expanded Family Violence Provisions
Broader definition and stronger protections
- Expanded definition includes psychological, financial, and coercive control (not just physical)
- Courts must consider family violence impact on child and parent's ability to care
- Courts must consider appropriateness of parenting arrangements given family violence
- Pattern of coercive and controlling behavior recognized as family violence
- Post-separation violence and threats explicitly included
- Financial control and economic abuse recognized
Managing High-Conflict Situations
Strategies to protect yourself and document abuse
- Use only written communication (email, parenting app like TalkingParents or OurFamilyWizard)
- Document everything: dates, times, incidents, witnesses
- Never engage with baiting or provocations - stay factual and brief
- Use neutral exchange locations (public places, police stations, third parties)
- Keep a bound notebook (not loose pages) of incidents with contemporaneous notes
- Report criminal behavior to police immediately
- Get independent legal advice early
- Consider requesting Views of the Child report or Section 30 assessment (custody evaluation)
- Protect your privacy: change passwords, secure devices, new email if necessary
- Build support network: therapist, support groups, trusted friends
Frequently Asked Questions
Document & Organize Evidence Securely
Splitifi provides secure, password-protected evidence storage, communication tracking, and court-ready organization for high-conflict family matters.