In Ontario’s Family Law Act this refers not to who is on the title necessarily but rather to who shares in the value of the home when a relationship ends. SMP Law reviews various scenarios and how matrimonial property is impacted by the different scenarios.

A recent Supreme Court of Canada decision has changed the law for survivors of intimate partner violence. On May 15, 2026, the decision in the case of Ahluwalia v. Ahluwalia, 2026 SCC 16 confirmed a new common law tort – the tort of intimate partner violence. This is a significant shift in the law that recognizes the gap in the current common law torts that did not recognize emotional and financial abuse, among many other types of abuse. This law will open up options for survivors of intimate partner violence for financial recognition of harms during their relationship.

Many couples in Ontario live together without getting legally married—but that does not mean the law treats them the same as married spouses. In fact, “common law marriage” is one of the most misunderstood legal concepts in the province.

Parties entering into a separation agreement often agree to many terms to help guide the process of the separation. Depending on the living situation of the parties and their children (i.e. the child lives with both parties equal time), the parties may decide that neither will pay child support. Can parties waive child support?

SMP Law is proud to sponsor Night of the Stars, a special evening of musical performances raising money for The Make a Wish Foundation. The event is to take place in Kitchener, Ontario on March 28, 2026 from 7-9pm.