Small Claims Court FAQ
Got questions about divorce, child support, or domestic contracts? We’ve helped 500+ Ontarians with clear, affordable legal solutions.
As one of the few firms in Ontario with two authorized Family Legal Services Providers (FLSPs) licensed by the Law Society of Ontario, we provide reliable answers you can trust.
- ✔ Honest, plain-language answers
- ✔ Licensed & court-authorized guidance
- ✔ Flat-fee, no hidden costs
Call us today at 844-4-WIN-4-ME or scroll down to see the most common questions we answer every day.
Frequently Asked Questions — Family Law Services
Divorce (Sole & Joint Uncontested)
A sole uncontested divorce is when one spouse files for divorce on their own, without the other spouse contesting the process. It is often used when one party is unwilling to participate or cooperate, but there are no disputes over property, support, or custody.
A joint uncontested divorce is when both spouses file together, agreeing on the terms of their separation. This is typically the fastest, most affordable, and stress-free way to finalize a divorce in Ontario.
Yes. In most cases in Ontario, you must be separated for at least one year before filing for divorce, whether sole or joint. Exceptions apply for adultery or cruelty, but these are less common.
About Our Licensing & Authority
Yes. Two members of our team are authorized Family Legal Services Providers (FLSPs), licensed by the Law Society of Ontario (LSO). While not every paralegal in Ontario can provide family law services, our team includes two of the only 51 authorized FLSPs across the province — out of more than 10,000 licensed paralegals. This places us among a very small group of professionals legally permitted to assist with divorce, child support, and domestic contract matters.
As authorized FLSPs, we can provide legal services in specific areas of Ontario family law, including:
- Sole uncontested divorce applications
- Joint uncontested divorce applications
- Domestic contract registration (separation agreements, cohabitation agreements, marriage contracts)
- Child support modifications (Motions to Change)
- Child support enforcement matters with the Family Responsibility Office (FRO)
- Legal name change applications
There are more than 10,000 licensed paralegals in Ontario — but only 51 are authorized FLSPs. Our firm has two of them, giving us unique experience and capacity compared to most other firms.
Most of our services are provided virtually across Ontario, which allows us to support clients quickly and efficiently no matter where they live. However, we understand that some clients prefer face-to-face meetings.
In-person consultations are available on request at any of our satellite offices that are within a reasonable distance of our main office in Waterloo. Generally, this includes locations in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
To arrange an in-person consultation, simply let us know during your intake process and we will coordinate the most convenient option for you.
Domestic Contracts
A domestic contract includes agreements such as separation agreements, marriage contracts (prenuptial agreements), and cohabitation agreements. These contracts allow couples to set terms regarding property, support, and other family law issues.
Registering your domestic contract with the Ontario family court ensures it has the same legal force as a court order. This makes the agreement enforceable through the courts or the Family Responsibility Office (FRO).
Child Support Modification
You may request a child support modification if there has been a material change in circumstances, such as income changes, custody adjustments, increased child expenses, or changes in the other parent’s financial situation.
Not always. While many changes are made through a Motion to Change in court, some can be adjusted through the Family Responsibility Office (FRO) or recalculation services, depending on the situation.
Child Support Enforcement
Child support enforcement ensures that support payments ordered by the court or outlined in a registered domestic contract are actually paid. In Ontario, enforcement is primarily carried out by the Family Responsibility Office (FRO).
If a payor stops making payments, the FRO can take enforcement actions such as wage garnishment, license suspension, or seizing federal payments. We can help you navigate and enforce these steps effectively.
Legal Name Changes
Yes. We assist clients with preparing and filing legal name change applications in Ontario, ensuring that all paperwork is correct and submitted to the Registrar General’s Office.
Costs, Process & Timelines
We operate on a flat-fee basis for most services, meaning no hourly billing surprises. Costs vary depending on the service (e.g., divorce filing, contract registration, child support motion). Contact us for a free consultation and quote.
Most joint uncontested divorces in Ontario are finalized within 6–12 weeks after filing, depending on the court’s caseload and processing times.
A sole uncontested divorce can take slightly longer than a joint application, often 3–5 months, depending on court timelines and service requirements.
On average, domestic contracts can be registered with the court within 2–3 weeks, provided the contract is properly prepared and signed.
Why Choose Cordaie Paralegal Services
We are one of the very few paralegal firms in Ontario with two authorized Family Legal Services Providers (FLSPs) on staff, licensed by the Law Society of Ontario. Out of over 10,000 paralegals in Ontario, only 51 hold this certification — and we have two of them on our team. This means you get rare, court-authorized family law expertise combined with affordable flat-fee pricing and compassionate support. Our clients trust us for efficiency, transparency, and results.
Yes. We offer consultations seven days a week, including evenings, to accommodate busy schedules.
Yes. All of our rates are clearly listed on our website for full transparency. We believe clients deserve clarity upfront — no hidden fees, no surprises, and no evergreen retainers. We operate primarily on flat-fee pricing for family law services.
No. Our consultations are free, confidential, and designed to provide you with clear next steps. We do not time or limit consultations to a strict duration — instead, we ensure you leave with a proper understanding of your options before making any commitments.