The Everyday Guide to Canadian Family Law

Charlotte Neff is an associate professor of law at Laurentian
University.

This book is designed primarily for those who require a lawyer’s help
with a family law problem. The author’s intent is to make such people
better consumers of legal services (not to allow them to do without a
lawyer), by helping them to understand what is going on and hence to be
in control—of themselves, of their lawyers, and of the process.

He begins with a discussion of the emotional stages of marriage
breakdown, followed by a more detailed consideration of domestic
violence. He then provides practical advice on choosing, paying, hiring,
and firing lawyers, as well as information about family courts, judges,
court employees and the basics of legal process.

There are six chapters outlining the law concerning divorce, family
property division, child custody and access (including the rights of
grandparents and other interested people), support, and common-law
relationships. Various ways of resolving disputes concerning such
matters are then discussed, including out-of-court settlement, court
proceedings, and mediation and arbitration, as well as ways of enforcing
various family law court orders. The need for, making of, and breaking
of marriage and cohabitation agreements are discussed, as are some
considerations in the drafting of a will.

The appendixes include a number of samples of forms a person involved
in a legal family matter might encounter, as well as a glossary of legal
terms. Other forms are included in relevant chapters, along with the
addresses of, for example, mediation associations and law societies. The
final chapter provides a bibliography for further reading.

The author practiced family law for five years before joining the
Policy Development Division of Ontario’s Ministry of the Attorney
General, where he was deeply involved in the development of the 1986
Family Law Act. He provides a sensitive yet practical treatment of an
area of law that profoundly affects many families every year.