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Top Resources for Families Transitioning After ...

Top Resources for Families Transitioning After Divorce

Family law clinics, like Toronto's Family Law Information Centres, provide free consultations on custody and property issues. Legal Aid Ontario offers representation for those who qualify, while Pro Bono Ontario gives cost-free advice.

Divorce Office Ontario

October 31, 2024
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  1. Contents Legal Support Resources ......................................................................................................................... 2 Financial Assistance and Planning

    ........................................................................................................... 4 Parenting and Co-Parenting Support ...................................................................................................... 6 Contact Details: ....................................................................................................................................... 9 Legal Support Resources Family Law Clinics and Legal Aid Services Family law clinics and legal aid services provide invaluable support for individuals who may not have the resources for private legal counsel. In Toronto, organizations like the Family Law Information Centres (FLICs) located in courthouses offer free consultations and information about family law issues, including child custody, spousal support, and property division. Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) also provides services for those who qualify, offering access to family law lawyers who can represent individuals in court or provide advice on post-divorce legal matters. Additionally, Pro Bono Ontario is an organization that offers legal support through various programs, including virtual legal clinics where individuals can get advice on family law issues without any cost. For families navigating complex custody
  2. issues or enforcing existing divorce agreements, these clinics can be

    a lifeline, offering access to resources and knowledgeable professionals who can help clarify legal rights and responsibilities. Online Legal Resources and Self-Help Guides Toronto offers a wealth of online resources for families looking to understand post-divorce legal processes. Websites like Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO) and Steps to Justice provide user-friendly guides and tools covering topics such as enforcement of child and spousal support, modifying custody agreements, and understanding post-divorce financial rights. These resources can empower families to better understand and manage their ongoing legal needs, equipping them with knowledge to advocate effectively for themselves. CLEO, in particular, offers specialized guides tailored for family law, including easy-to-follow instructions on how to complete legal forms, navigate court processes, and take steps to modify legal agreements when necessary. Steps to Justice also offers an interactive pathway to help users explore solutions specific to their situations, such as calculating child support payments or handling parenting plan modifications. Role of a Divorce Lawyer in Post-Divorce Guidance Even after the divorce is finalized, families often require the expertise of a divorce lawyer to manage ongoing legal obligations or to make modifications to the original divorce decree. A Toronto divorce lawyer can assist with enforcement of agreements, renegotiations of support or custody
  3. arrangements, and offer guidance on legal issues that may arise

    as life circumstances change. For example, if one parent wishes to move to another city, they may need to revisit the custody agreement with the help of their lawyer to ensure that it complies with Ontario family law. Likewise, changes in financial status—such as job loss or promotion—may warrant adjustments in spousal or child support payments. A divorce lawyer ensures these processes are handled smoothly, keeping families compliant with the law while addressing new or emerging needs effectively. Financial Assistance and Planning Financial Support Programs for Single Parents Toronto offers various government and community-based financial support programs tailored to help single parents manage essential living expenses. Ontario Works (OW) and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) are two primary provincial programs that provide financial assistance and benefits to eligible single parents. These programs cover essential needs, such as housing, childcare, and healthcare, offering crucial relief to families who need extra support post- divorce. Single parents may also qualify for the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), a tax-free monthly payment from the federal government that assists with the cost of raising children under 18. The CCB can be a valuable resource for single parents, helping cover expenses like school supplies, medical needs, and
  4. extracurricular activities. Additionally, Toronto residents can explore local programs such

    as Toronto Rent Bank and subsidized childcare services, which offer assistance to low- income families to ensure they have stable housing and affordable childcare options. Budgeting Tools for Managing Finances Effective budgeting becomes essential for families post-divorce, as they often shift to managing single-income households. Budgeting tools such as Mint, YNAB (You Need a Budget), and Spendee are excellent digital resources to help track expenses, categorize spending, and set savings goals. These tools provide a comprehensive view of monthly income and expenses, helping parents allocate resources efficiently for housing, groceries, childcare, and other essential costs. In addition to personal budgeting apps, the Toronto Public Library provides access to budgeting workshops and resources designed to help individuals manage finances effectively. Many library branches offer free financial literacy classes, teaching foundational budgeting skills, managing debt, and building credit—all crucial skills for single parents aiming to create a stable financial future. Accessing Financial Advisors and Post-Divorce Planning Workshops Consulting with a financial advisor can be invaluable for families rebuilding their financial foundation after divorce. Financial advisors can guide single parents through budgeting, debt management, and retirement planning, creating customized
  5. plans that account for new family structures and financial goals.

    Family Service Toronto and Credit Counselling Canada are two organizations offering affordable or sliding-scale financial planning and counseling sessions, making financial expertise accessible to those on tighter budgets. For those seeking practical, hands-on advice, post-divorce financial planning workshops are offered throughout Toronto, including sessions provided by organizations like CPA Canada and Family Law Education for Women (FLEW). These workshops cover topics such as tax planning, rebuilding savings, and planning for children’s education expenses, all from a post- divorce perspective. Attending these workshops can equip individuals with essential knowledge and practical skills, helping them make informed financial decisions that set them on a path to stability and growth. With the support of financial programs, budgeting tools, and professional guidance, families in Toronto can manage their finances confidently as they transition into life after divorce. Engaging in proactive financial planning can make a significant difference in creating a secure and stable environment for both parents and children during this period of change. Parenting and Co-Parenting Support Resources for Developing Co-Parenting Skills Several resources in Toronto are dedicated to helping divorced parents cultivate strong co-parenting relationships. Online co- parenting courses like OurFamilyWizard and Co-Parenting
  6. Solutions provide flexible, on-demand modules covering essential skills, including communication

    techniques, conflict resolution, and creating structured parenting schedules. These courses allow parents to learn at their own pace, offering strategies for maintaining cooperative relationships and prioritizing their children’s needs. For those who prefer self-guided learning, books like Co- Parenting Works! by Tammy G. Daughtry and The Co- Parenting Handbook by Karen Bonnell are invaluable resources. These books offer practical advice, covering everything from managing emotions to navigating tricky situations such as shared holidays and school events. Many Toronto-based libraries, such as the Toronto Public Library, have extensive collections of co-parenting books available to the public, making it easy for parents to access these resources at little or no cost. Family mediation services, such as those offered by Smart Separation and Family Service Toronto, provide a structured environment for parents to work through co-parenting issues with the guidance of a neutral mediator. Mediation services can help parents reach mutually agreeable arrangements on topics such as holiday schedules, school choices, and discipline approaches. These services not only support the development of effective co-parenting plans but also foster open communication, reducing conflict and building a cooperative framework for the future.
  7. Referrals to Co-Parenting Support Services Through a Divorce Lawyer A

    Toronto divorce lawyer can be a valuable resource in connecting clients with trusted co-parenting support services. Lawyers experienced in family law understand the challenges of co-parenting and can refer clients to reputable family mediation centers, online courses, and counseling services to support smoother transitions. By working closely with a divorce lawyer, parents gain access to tailored referrals that align with their specific needs, ensuring they receive comprehensive support throughout the co-parenting journey. Many divorce lawyers collaborate with family mediators and co- parenting specialists, providing clients with resources beyond legal guidance. A lawyer can advise on creating enforceable co- parenting agreements that reflect both parents’ intentions and children’s best interests, helping to prevent misunderstandings and future disputes. Additionally, they may recommend child- focused family counselors who can work directly with parents and children to establish positive communication strategies that benefit everyone involved. Benefits of Co-Parenting Support Resources Effective co-parenting support is vital in minimizing stress for both parents and children after divorce. Accessing resources like online courses, mediation, and counseling helps parents develop a cooperative approach, leading to better outcomes for children’s emotional and mental health. With the guidance of Toronto’s family support services and a knowledgeable divorce
  8. lawyer, families can establish a stable foundation for the future,

    ensuring a healthier adjustment process for everyone involved. Contact Details: Website: https://divorceoffice.ca/ Address: 45 Sheppard Ave East Suite 500C, North York, ON M2N 5W9 Phone Number: (416) 519-0699