In Canada, divorce is an issue overseen by the federal government, rather than individual provinces. Under the Constitution, Canadian divorce law is the same right across the country, even in the province of Quebec. With divorce Ontario residents are subject to the same laws and procedures as a couple ending their union in Newfoundland or people separating in British Columbia.
Under Canadian divorce law, divorce is only recognized on the grounds of the breakdown of a marriage. For divorce Canadian citizens must prove that breakdown under one of three categories: cruelty, adultery or being separated for one year or more. The majority of divorces fall into the latter category because it is difficult and time consuming to prove cruelty and adultery.
In Canada, there is no "legal separation" so for a divorce Ontario residents enter the one-year separation period from the time that one spouse lives or intends to live separately and not through the obtaining of a court order.
Divorce Canadian citizens have discovered has been expanded and complicated by the legalization of same-sex marriages. Not only have gay and lesbian marriages been deemed legal throughout the country, so have same-sex divorces. Under the law same-sex couples in Canada are entitled to the same right and benefits as other couples and that includes divorce.
As with many other countries, divorce proceedings in Ontario and the rest of Canada are difficult in terms of finances, child custody and one's emotional and psychological state.
When seeking a divorce Ontario residents must deal with the financial burdens imposed by alimony and child support. For the spouse who is responsible for these payments, it can be difficult to live up to the obligations even if they accept them and it is also often difficult to remarry since the courts put one's prior obligations ahead of the support of a new family.
Custody of minor children is one of the most painful aspects of the divorce process. Splitting one household into two can be difficult on the parents, but even more so on children who feel displaced and unsure of where they stand with both parents. Parents also suffer when dividing up the time they can spend with their children. It is difficult to reach an arrangement that satisfies both parties.
When going through a divorce Ontario couples must also cope with a series of emotional and psychological issues. Many who divorce deal with depression. Divorcees may suffer from low self-esteem and have difficulty figuring out their new purpose in life. It may also be difficult for someone who has been through a divorce to begin a new relationship because of trust issues.
When dealing with a divorce, Ontario residents must navigate a series of legal and personal obstacles. There are both financial and emotional issues to consider when filing paper under Canadian divorce law. It is a difficult process for everyone, but you must consider all of these negatives versus the personal toil of remaining in a marriage or relationship that is full of conflict and strife.