How We Help
Family law matters are rarely just legal problems — they involve your children, your home, and your income. Our role is to give you a clear picture of your rights and obligations under Ontario law, set out your realistic options, and carry out the legal work you decide on. You work directly with the lawyer handling your file at every step.
Divorce & Separation
Whether your separation is amicable or contested, the same core issues need to be resolved: parenting arrangements, support, and property. Under the federal Divorce Act and Ontario's Family Law Act, married spouses are generally entitled to a divorce after one year of separation, and net family property is subject to equalization unless a domestic contract says otherwise.
Many separations resolve without a trial. A well-drafted separation agreement dealing with parenting, support, and property can settle matters privately and be enforced like a court order. Where court is necessary — for urgent motions, contested parenting issues, or non-disclosure — we can act under a full retainer, a Legal Aid certificate, or a limited scope retainer for specific steps.
Child Support
Child support is the right of the child, not the parent. In Ontario, the amount is generally determined by the Child Support Guidelines (O Reg 391/97 and the federal Guidelines), based on the paying parent's gross annual income and the number of children. Special or extraordinary expenses — childcare, health costs, certain extracurricular activities, and post-secondary education — may be shared on top of the table amount in proportion to each parent's income.
We assist with establishing support, changing an existing amount when income or parenting arrangements change, addressing unpaid or retroactive support, and dealing with income that is undisclosed, fluctuating, or self-employment based. Support obligations can be enforced through Ontario's Family Responsibility Office once an order or filed agreement is in place.
Parenting Time & Decision-Making
Ontario courts decide parenting issues based solely on the best interests of the child, considering factors set out in the Children's Law Reform Act and the Divorce Act — including the child's needs, each parent's ability to care for the child, and the child's relationships. "Custody" and "access" are now called decision-making responsibility and parenting time. We help parents negotiate parenting plans, formalize them in agreements or court orders, and vary arrangements when circumstances change.
Child Protection — Children's Aid Society Matters
If a children's aid society has become involved with your family or has started a proceeding under the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, you have the right to a lawyer — and legal aid is often available for child protection matters regardless of the usual income limits. These cases move quickly: temporary care hearings happen early, and the positions taken at the outset shape the rest of the case. Get representation as early as possible.
Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Legal Aid — Family Law & Child Protection (if you qualify, LAO pays your legal fees under your certificate) | LAO Certificate |
| Document review & advice (limited scope) | From $750 + HST |
| Court motions (limited scope) | From $2,000 + HST |
| Uncontested separation agreement | From $2,500 + HST |
| Hourly rate for matters billed on a time basis | $300/hr + HST |
Legal Aid Ontario Certificates
Ammar Hussain is on the Legal Aid Ontario roster for family law and child protection. If LAO issues you a certificate, it pays your legal fees for covered services — you are not charged additional fees for services covered by the certificate. Eligibility is determined by Legal Aid Ontario based on income, family size, and the type of legal issue; broader eligibility applies if you are experiencing domestic violence or facing a child protection matter. Learn how legal aid certificates work, or apply directly at legalaid.on.ca.