Ontario
Divorce in Ontario
Net Family Property & Family Law Act
Ontario's Family Law Act governs property division through the Net Family Property (NFP) equalization process. With over 25,000 divorces annually, Ontario has Canada's largest family court system.
14.8M
Population
25,000+
Annual Divorces
$632
Filing Fee
50+
Superior Courts
Unlike other assets, the matrimonial home is fully included in NFP calculations regardless of when it was acquired or whose name it's in. Both spouses have equal rights to possession until divorce, separation agreement, or court order.
How Net Family Property (NFP) Works
Ontario equalizes property through an "equalization payment" rather than dividing each asset.
NFP Calculation Process
- 1Calculate Net Worth at SeparationTotal assets minus debts on the date of separation
- 2Calculate Net Worth at MarriageTotal assets minus debts on the marriage date (excludes matrimonial home)
- 3Subtract Marriage from SeparationThis gives each spouse's Net Family Property
- 4Apply ExclusionsGifts, inheritances, personal injury awards (unless used for matrimonial home)
- 5Equalize the DifferenceSpouse with higher NFP pays half the difference to the other
Ontario Family Law Rules
Key distinctions in Ontario divorce and separation law.
| Feature | Ontario Rule | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Net Family Property (NFP) | Equalization payment based on difference in NFPs |
| Matrimonial Home | Special Protection | Full value included regardless of when acquired or whose name it's in |
| Child Support | Ontario Tables | Federal Guidelines with Ontario-specific income tax rates |
| Spousal Support | SSAG Applied | Advisory guidelines widely used by Ontario courts |
| Common-Law | Limited Rights | No property equalization for unmarried couples (support only) |
Ontario Support Calculations
Use Federal Guidelines with Ontario-specific tax tables.
Ontario Child Support
Federal Child Support Guidelines apply with Ontario tax tables:
- Table amount based on payor's gross annual income
- Ontario-specific tax rates calculate disposable income
- Section 7 expenses (childcare, medical, education) shared proportionally
- Shared custody (40%+ time) adjustments available
- Split custody calculations for multiple children
Ontario Spousal Support
SSAG (Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines) widely used:
- Without child support formula: 1.5-2% of income difference per year
- With child support formula: More complex calculation
- Duration based on length of relationship
- Ontario courts regularly apply SSAG ranges
- Restructuring options (lump sum, front-loaded)
Ontario Superior Court Locations
Family law matters are heard in the Superior Court of Justice.
Toronto
Superior Court of Justice
393 University Ave
416-327-5555
Ottawa
Superior Court of Justice
161 Elgin St
613-239-1385
Brampton
Superior Court of Justice
7755 Hurontario St
905-456-4700
Hamilton
Superior Court of Justice
45 Main St E
905-645-5252
London
Superior Court of Justice
80 Dundas St
519-660-3000
Windsor
Superior Court of Justice
245 Windsor Ave
519-973-6620
Navigate Your Ontario Divorce with Confidence
NFP calculator, Ontario child support tables, SSAG spousal support estimator, and expert guidance.