When you are facing a family law issue, uncertainty can feel overwhelming. You may not know what the process looks like, what your rights are, or what steps come next.
Our family law videos and resources in Ontario are designed to give you clarity. These videos explain key legal concepts in plain language so you can better understand your options before making important decisions. Whether you are navigating child support, considering mediation, attending before a dispute resolution officer, or preparing for parental travel with your child, we provide clear guidance through difficult legal matters.
Each video is grounded in Ontario family law and reflects our commitment to putting families first. Our goal is to help you feel informed, prepared, and supported at every stage.
Child Support
Reena Horra discusses and defines child support during a separation or divorce. She outlines who needs to pay child support and how much child support should be paid (also called the table amount).
Child support is a legal right of the child. Under the Federal Child Support Guidelines in Ontario, it is typically calculated based on the paying parent’s income and the number of children involved. In some cases, additional amounts may apply for special or extraordinary expenses such as daycare, medical costs, or extracurricular activities.
Understanding how child support is determined can help reduce conflict and ensure your child’s needs remain the priority.
Learn more about your rights around child support.
Mediation
Ritu Horra discusses mediation as a dispute resolution tool. Mediation is often faster than court proceedings and can be less costly. It also allows families to maintain greater control over the outcome.
There are two types of mediation in family law matters: open and closed. In open mediation, discussions can later be referenced in court if necessary. In closed mediation, conversations are confidential and cannot be used in court.
Family law mediation in Ontario allows families to address issues such as parenting arrangements, child support, spousal support, and property division. It is often well suited for families who want to resolve matters respectfully and minimize conflict.
Learn if mediation sounds like the right course of action for your family.
Dispute Resolution Officers
Ritu Horra explains what a dispute resolution officer, or DRO, handles. As an experienced family lawyer in all family law matters, Ritu is an active DRO for the Newmarket courthouse.
Dispute resolution officers in Ontario family court assist the court by helping parties clarify issues, narrow disputes, and explore settlement options before appearing before a judge. DRO appearances are common in case conferences and can be an important step in moving a matter forward efficiently.
Understanding what to expect at a DRO appearance can reduce stress and help you prepare strategically.
Discover if a DRO is your right path.
Parental Travel Consent
Reena explains when parental travel consent is required and why it matters. In Ontario, if a child is travelling outside of Canada with one parent, border officials may request a signed travel consent letter from the other parent.
Travel consent helps prevent misunderstandings and protects against concerns such as child abduction. It typically includes details about the trip, travel dates, destination, and confirmation that the non travelling parent agrees.
Even if there is no formal court order in place, written consent is strongly recommended for international travel. If there is a court order or separation agreement, its terms must be followed.
Understanding the legal requirements in advance can prevent delays at the border and avoid unnecessary conflict.
Learn more about Travel Consent
Horra Family Law – get to know us first
Child Support
Mediation
Dispute Resolution Officers
Parental Travel Consent
FAQs
Mediation can resolve many family law issues under Ontario family law, including parenting arrangements, decision making responsibility, parenting time, child support, spousal support, and property division. It is most effective when both parties are willing to participate in good faith and work toward a fair resolution.
- No. Many families resolve child support through negotiation, mediation, or collaborative family law. Court may be necessary if there is significant disagreement, non disclosure of income, or refusal to comply with legal obligations. In many cases, issues can be resolved without a contested hearing.
A dispute resolution officer is a senior family lawyer appointed by the court to assist parties during case conferences. The DRO helps identify key issues, encourages settlement discussions, and provides procedural guidance. While they do not make binding decisions, their involvement can streamline the court process.
Parental travel consent is generally required when a child travels internationally with only one parent. Border officials may request written confirmation that the other parent agrees to the trip. It is especially important where parents are separated or divorced. A properly prepared consent letter can help avoid travel disruptions and legal complications.