Ontario Family
Lawyer & Mediator
Protecting Families for 10+ Years
We help families navigate separation and divorce with confidence, protecting your rights, assets, and future at every step.
Divorce, Mediation, and Collaborative Law That Works
We offer affordable, low-conflict solutions to help you move forward with less stress and cost.
Fighting for Your Family’s Future
We safeguard your future and children’s well-being, resolving matters efficiently to minimize costs and protect your financial security.
Fluent in Portuguese
We proudly serve diverse families, offering expert legal guidance in both English and Portuguese.
Child-Focused Approach
Our goal is to create healthy, happy environments for your children, ensuring the best outcomes while reducing conflict and stress.
Book a Consultation
Ontario Family
Lawyer & Mediator
Protecting Families for 10+ Years
We help families navigate separation and divorce with confidence, protecting your rights, assets, and future at every step.
Divorce, Mediation, and Collaborative Law That Works
We offer affordable, low-conflict solutions to help you move forward with less stress and cost.
Fighting for Your Family’s Future
We safeguard your future and children’s well-being, resolving matters efficiently to minimize costs and protect your financial security.
Fluent in Portuguese
We proudly serve diverse families, offering expert legal guidance in both English and Portuguese.
Child-Focused Approach
Our goal is to create healthy, happy environments for your children, ensuring the best outcomes while reducing conflict and stress.
Book a Consultation
Book a Consultation
Accredited Mediator
Ontario Association for Family Mediation’s (OAFM) provides training, accreditation and oversight to members offering family mediation services.
Panel Member
The ASC provides family lawyer who can provide you with summary legal advice.
Lawyer
The Law Society of Ontario is the governing body of Ontario’s lawyer and paralegals and is responsible for their education, licensing, supervision and conduct.
Panel Member
Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) provides legal help for financially eligible low-income Ontarans.
Domestic Violence Advice Counsel
(Legal Aid Ontario)
Abrigo began as a resource for women and children facing abuse in the Portuguese community.
Domestic Violence Advice Counsel
(Legal Aid Ontario)
The BSC offers legal, counselling and interpretation services to marginalized and radicalized populations of women who have survived violence.
Accredited Mediator
Ontario Association for Family Mediation’s (OAFM) provides training, accreditation and oversight to members offering family mediation services.
Panel Member
The ASC provides family lawyer who can provide you with summary legal advice.
Lawyer
The Law Society of Ontario is the governing body of Ontario’s lawyer and paralegals and is responsible for their education, licensing, supervision and conduct.
Panel Member
Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) provides legal help for financially eligible low-income Ontarans.
Domestic Violence Advice Counsel
(Legal Aid Ontario)
Abrigo began as a resource for women and children facing abuse in the Portuguese community.
Domestic Violence Advice Counsel
(Legal Aid Ontario)
The BSC offers legal, counselling and interpretation services to marginalized and radicalized populations of women who have survived violence.
Our Services
Family Law
Our dedicated family law team is committed to providing you with the support and guidance needed to navigate the complexities of separation and divorce. We ensure your rights are safeguarded and your interests are prioritized as we work toward the best possible outcome for you and your family.
Family Law Services:
Divorce: Helping you obtain a legal divorce from your spouse.
Child Support: Ensuring fair and equitable child support arrangements are established and enforced.
Spousal Support: Effective legal support for securing or challenging spousal support claims.
Domestic Violence: Safety planning with clients and securing restraining orders where appropriate.
Collaborative Law: A unique approach to resolving family conflict using cooperative strategies rather than adversarial techniques.
Mediation
Family mediation offers a highly effective alternative to court proceedings, enabling disputes to be resolved with the guidance of a qualified mediator. Acting as a neutral third party, the mediator fosters constructive dialogue, ensuring both parties work towards a mutually beneficial agreement. Any resolution reached through mediation can be formalized into a legally binding separation agreement, carrying the same legal weight as a court order.
Our Services
Family Law
Our dedicated family law team is committed to providing you with the support and guidance needed to navigate the complexities of separation and divorce. We ensure your rights are safeguarded and your interests are prioritized as we work toward the best possible outcome for you and your family.
Family Law Services:
Divorce: Helping you obtain a legal divorce from your spouse.
Child Support: Ensuring fair and equitable child support arrangements are established and enforced.
Spousal Support: Effective legal support for securing or challenging spousal support claims.
Domestic Violence: Safety planning with clients and securing restraining orders where appropriate.
Collaborative Law: A unique approach to resolving family conflict using cooperative strategies rather than adversarial techniques.
Mediation
Family mediation offers a highly effective alternative to court proceedings, enabling disputes to be resolved with the guidance of a qualified mediator. Acting as a neutral third party, the mediator fosters constructive dialogue, ensuring both parties work towards a mutually beneficial agreement. Any resolution reached through mediation can be formalized into a legally binding separation agreement, carrying the same legal weight as a court order.
Why Choose Us
We’ll Fight for You
Get a winning legal strategy from a team that truly cares, ensuring you walk away with what’s rightfully yours. With over a decade of successful outcomes, we make sure no tricks or tactics are used against you
We’re Fast, Responsive, and Affordable
We’re known for securing positive outcomes and early resolutions to reduce conflict, stress, and financial strain for you and your family.
One of the Few Portuguese-Speaking Firms in Toronto
We're one of the few law firms in the region that speaks your language. That's why we represent families from all backgrounds, ensuring you have a trusted advocate who understands your culture, values, and unique situation.
Mediation, Litigation, and Collaborative Law
You don’t always have to go to court. We specialize in mediation and collaborative law—affordable, efficient, and less stressful alternatives to traditional divorce. We’ll help you and your partner agree, protecting your family’s peace of mind and pocket.
Why Choose Us
We’ll Fight for You
Get a winning legal strategy from a team that truly cares, ensuring you walk away with what’s rightfully yours. With over a decade of successful outcomes, we make sure no tricks or tactics are used against you
We’re Fast, Responsive, and Affordable
We’re known for securing positive outcomes and early resolutions to reduce conflict, stress, and financial strain for you and your family.
One of the Few Portuguese-Speaking Firms in Toronto
We're one of the few law firms in the region that speaks your language. That's why we represent families from all backgrounds, ensuring you have a trusted advocate who understands your culture, values, and unique situation.
Mediation, Litigation, and Collaborative Law
You don’t always have to go to court. We specialize in mediation and collaborative law—affordable, efficient, and less stressful alternatives to traditional divorce. We’ll help you and your partner agree, protecting your family’s peace of mind and pocket.
Helping individuals and couples resolve legal, financial and parenting issues without destroying their family.
Free 30-minute consultation within 48 hours of contacting our firm
Helping individuals and couples
resolve legal, financial and parenting issues without destroying their family.
Free 30-minute consultation within 48 hours of contacting our firm
About Us
At Rites Law, we strategically secure the best possible outcomes for our clients. Founded by Darlene Rites, a family law lawyer and accredited mediator with over a decade of experience, our firm is built on a results-driven approach that minimizes conflict, stress, and financial strain. With a reputation for practical, child-focused advocacy, Darlene has litigated disputes at the Ontario Court of Justice, the Superior Court of Justice, the Ontario Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court of Canada—helping countless English, Spanish, and Portuguese-speaking clients navigate high-stakes divorces, parenting battles, and property disputes, ensuring they walk away protected, empowered, and financially secure. We understand that family law is not just about legal battles, it’s about your family’s future and the path you’ll walk for the years and decades to come. That’s why we approach every case with empathy, strategy, and relentless advocacy, helping you move forward with confidence
About Us
At Rites Law, we strategically secure the best possible outcomes for our clients. Founded by Darlene Rites, a family law lawyer and accredited mediator with over a decade of experience, our firm is built on a results-driven approach that minimizes conflict, stress, and financial strain. With a reputation for practical, child-focused advocacy, Darlene has litigated disputes at the Ontario Court of Justice, the Superior Court of Justice, the Ontario Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court of Canada—helping countless English, Spanish, and Portuguese-speaking clients navigate high-stakes divorces, parenting battles, and property disputes, ensuring they walk away protected, empowered, and financially secure. We understand that family law is not just about legal battles, it’s about your family’s future and the path you’ll walk for the years and decades to come. That’s why we approach every case with empathy, strategy, and relentless advocacy, helping you move forward with confidence
Our Team
Darlene Rites
Family Law Lawyer & Mediator
Michelle Ho
Family Law Lawyer
Pritinder Nanda
Family Law Lawyer
Nicole Rebelo
Law Clerk
Naila Ali
Student-at-Law
Our Team
Darlene Rites
Family Law Lawyer & Mediator
Michelle Ho
Family Law Lawyer
Pritinder Nanda
Family Law Lawyer
Nicole Rebelo
Law Clerk
Naila Ali
Student-at-Law
Free 30-minute consultation within 48 hours of contacting our firm
Free 30-minute consultation within 48 hours of contacting our firm
Frequently Asked Questions
Marriage & Separation
What is the difference between separation and divorce?
Separation is when spouses decide to live apart but remain legally married. Divorce is the legal termination of the marriage, granted by a court.
Do I need a separation agreement before filing for divorce?
No, a separation agreement is not legally required before filing for divorce in Ontario. However, certain issues—such as child support should be resolved before a court grants a divorce. While a separation agreement is not mandatory, having one in place can streamline the process and help avoid disputes down the road. One key reason why it’s beneficial to address issues like child support before filing for divorce is that under the Divorce Act (Canada), a court cannot grant a divorce unless reasonable arrangements for child support have been made. This means that if you and your spouse have children, the court will want to ensure that child support is being paid in accordance with the Federal Child Support Guidelines before finalizing your divorce.
Can we live in the same house and still be considered separated?
Yes, as long as you are living separate lives.
What happens if my spouse does not agree to the divorce?
If you meet the legal requirements (e.g., one year of separation), your spouse cannot prevent the divorce.
Decision Making & Support
How is decision-making (formally custody) determined?
The court considers the "best interests of the child," including stability, relationships, and parental involvement.
What happens if my ex does not pay child support?
You can enforce child support through the Family Responsibility Office (FRO), which can take action like wage garnishment or suspending a driver’s license.
Can I move with my child if I have sole decision-making?
If the move significantly impacts the other parent's parenting time, you need the other parent's consent or a court order.
Legal Process & Costs
Do I need a lawyer for my divorce?
No, but having a lawyer helps protect your rights and ensures the process is handled correctly.
How much does a family lawyer cost in Ontario?
Costs vary. Uncontested divorces may cost $2,000–$3,000, while contested cases can be significantly higher.
Can we use mediation instead of going to court?
Yes, mediation is encouraged to resolve disputes without litigation and is often cheaper and faster.
How long does it take to get a divorce in Ontario?
If uncontested, it takes about 4-6 months. If contested, it can take years, depending on complexity.
Spousal Support
Am I entitled to spousal support after separation?
It depends on factors like the length of the marriage, financial need, and any economic disadvantage caused by the separation.
How long does spousal support last?
It varies. Some payments are indefinite, while others are time-limited, especially in shorter marriages.
Can spousal support be changed or terminated?
Yes, if there is a material change in circumstances (e.g., loss of income, remarriage, or retirement).
Property & Assets
How is property divided in Ontario after separation?
Ontario follows equalization of net family property, meaning both spouses share in the growth of assets during the marriage - with some exceptions.
What happens to the house if we separate?
If both spouses own the home, one may buy out the other or they may sell and split the proceeds.
Are common-law couples entitled to the same property division as married couples?
No. Common-law partners do not automatically share property, but they may have claims based on contributions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Marriage & Separation
What is the difference between separation and divorce?
Separation is when spouses decide to live apart but remain legally married. Divorce is the legal termination of the marriage, granted by a court.
Do I need a separation agreement before filing for divorce?
No, a separation agreement is not legally required before filing for divorce in Ontario. However, certain issues—such as child support should be resolved before a court grants a divorce. While a separation agreement is not mandatory, having one in place can streamline the process and help avoid disputes down the road. One key reason why it’s beneficial to address issues like child support before filing for divorce is that under the Divorce Act (Canada), a court cannot grant a divorce unless reasonable arrangements for child support have been made. This means that if you and your spouse have children, the court will want to ensure that child support is being paid in accordance with the Federal Child Support Guidelines before finalizing your divorce.
Can we live in the same house and still be considered separated?
Yes, as long as you are living separate lives.
What happens if my spouse does not agree to the divorce?
If you meet the legal requirements (e.g., one year of separation), your spouse cannot prevent the divorce.
Decision Making & Support
How is decision-making (formally custody) determined?
The court considers the "best interests of the child," including stability, relationships, and parental involvement.
What happens if my ex does not pay child support?
You can enforce child support through the Family Responsibility Office (FRO), which can take action like wage garnishment or suspending a driver’s license.
Can I move with my child if I have sole decision-making?
If the move significantly impacts the other parent's parenting time, you need the other parent's consent or a court order.
Legal Process & Costs
Do I need a lawyer for my divorce?
No, but having a lawyer helps protect your rights and ensures the process is handled correctly.
How much does a family lawyer cost in Ontario?
Costs vary. Uncontested divorces may cost $2,000–$3,000, while contested cases can be significantly higher.
Can we use mediation instead of going to court?
Yes, mediation is encouraged to resolve disputes without litigation and is often cheaper and faster.
How long does it take to get a divorce in Ontario?
If uncontested, it takes about 4-6 months. If contested, it can take years, depending on complexity.
Spousal Support
Am I entitled to spousal support after separation?
It depends on factors like the length of the marriage, financial need, and any economic disadvantage caused by the separation.
How long does spousal support last?
It varies. Some payments are indefinite, while others are time-limited, especially in shorter marriages.
Can spousal support be changed or terminated?
Yes, if there is a material change in circumstances (e.g., loss of income, remarriage, or retirement).
Property & Assets
How is property divided in Ontario after separation?
Ontario follows equalization of net family property, meaning both spouses share in the growth of assets during the marriage - with some exceptions.
What happens to the house if we separate?
If both spouses own the home, one may buy out the other or they may sell and split the proceeds.
Are common-law couples entitled to the same property division as married couples?
No. Common-law partners do not automatically share property, but they may have claims based on contributions.
Downtown
905 College Street, Toronto, ON, M6H 1A1
North York
85 Bakersfield Street, North York, ON, M3J 1Z4
Downtown
905 College Street, Toronto, ON, M6H 1A1
North York
85 Bakersfield Street, North York, ON, M3J 1Z4
Contact Info:
905 College Street, Toronto, ON M6H 1A1
85 Bakersfield Street, North York, ON M3J 1Z4
Phone: 888-592-6690
Copyright © 2025 Rites Law Family Law & Mediation. All rights reserved.
Contact Info:
905 College Street, Toronto, ON M6H 1A1
85 Bakersfield Street, North York, ON M3J 1Z4
Phone: 888-592-6690
Copyright © 2025 Rites Law Family Law & Mediation. All rights reserved.