Agreements & Resolving Family Disputes
Many separating couples end up putting something in writing, whether that is a marriage contract signed years earlier or a separation agreement worked out at the end of a relationship. This section brings together plain-language guides on the agreements Ontario couples commonly consider, and on the out-of-court ways people generally try to resolve disagreements — mediation and negotiation — before, or instead of, going to trial.
All Agreements Insights
Choose the guide closest to your question.
Do I Need a Lawyer to Separate?
A general look at when legal help is commonly sought during a separation, and when a written agreement may be enough.
AgreementsMarriage Contracts and Cohabitation Agreements in Ontario
A general side-by-side introduction to two common domestic contracts, how they compare, and why couples consider one.
AgreementsMediation in Ontario Family Law: What to Expect
A calm, plain-language guide to what family mediation generally is and what a typical session might involve.
AgreementsNegotiating a Family Law Settlement in Ontario
A general look at how people negotiate a settlement outside of trial, and why most matters settle.
AgreementsDo Separation Agreements Need to Be Notarized in Ontario?
A common point of confusion. A general look at what Ontario law actually requires for a valid separation agreement — and what it doesn't.
AgreementsCan You Write Your Own Separation Agreement?
A general look at whether you can draft your own separation agreement in Ontario, and the risks worth understanding before you try.
AgreementsWhat Happens If You Don't Have a Separation Agreement?
A general look at what it generally means to separate without a written agreement — and why most people find it worth having one anyway.
AgreementsMediation vs. Arbitration in Family Law
Two different ways to resolve a family law dispute outside court. A general comparison of mediation and arbitration in Ontario.
AgreementsWhat Is Collaborative Family Law?
A general introduction to collaborative family law — a structured, team-based process built specifically to resolve disputes without going to court.
AgreementsWhat Makes a Marriage Contract Invalid in Ontario?
A general look at the circumstances that can generally make a marriage contract vulnerable to being set aside in Ontario.
AgreementsDo Postnuptial Agreements Exist in Ontario?
A general clarification of a term that doesn't quite exist the way many people expect under Ontario law.
AgreementsHow Much Does a Separation Agreement Cost in Ontario?
A general look at what tends to drive the cost of a separation agreement up or down — since the honest answer is, it depends.
AgreementsCan a Separation Agreement Cover Future Children?
A general look at the limits of planning ahead for children not yet born in a separation agreement.
AgreementsWhat Is a Release Clause in a Separation Agreement?
A general explanation of release clauses — a common term in separation agreements meant to bring finality to resolved issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
General answers to a few common questions about agreements and resolving family disputes in Ontario.
What counts as an "agreement" in Ontario family law?
Generally, it means a written arrangement between two people about how they will handle things like property, support, or parenting — anything from a marriage contract signed before a relationship even runs into trouble, to a separation agreement worked out after a couple has already decided to part ways.
Do we have to use a lawyer, or can we resolve things ourselves?
There is no rule requiring every couple to use a lawyer for every step, and many people resolve some issues themselves, especially early on. That said, before signing anything meant to be binding, getting independent legal advice is widely recommended, since it helps confirm each person actually understands what they are agreeing to.
What's the difference between mediation and negotiating a settlement through lawyers?
Mediation generally involves a neutral third person helping the two people talk through their disagreement, without deciding the outcome for them. Negotiating through lawyers generally means each person's own lawyer exchanges proposals on their behalf. Many people use one, the other, or both at different points. See our guides on mediation and negotiating a settlement.
Can an agreement be changed or challenged later?
Often, yes, though it depends on the type of agreement and the circumstances. Many agreements can be updated later if both people agree in writing, and in some situations an agreement can be challenged — for example, where financial disclosure was incomplete or one person did not get independent legal advice. See Changing an Agreement and Challenging an Agreement.
Official Resources
A few official and community-legal-education resources on agreements and resolving family disputes in Ontario, verified September 20, 2026.
- Domestic Contracts — CLEO (Community Legal Education Ontario) A plain-language introduction to marriage contracts, cohabitation agreements, and separation agreements in Ontario.
- Family Mediation — Ontario.ca Official information on family mediation services in Ontario, including publicly funded options.
- Out-of-Court Options — Steps to Justice A general overview of mediation, negotiation, and other ways to resolve family law issues without a trial.
- Family Justice Services — Ontario.ca Describes services available to Ontario families going through separation or divorce, including mediation and information services.
Family Law in Ontario is not affiliated with any of the organizations listed above. Programs, services, and procedures can change — always confirm current details directly with the source before relying on them.
Related Topics
Separation & Divorce Insights
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Free calculators and wizards to help estimate support, property division, and more.
Read moreFamily-Law Glossary
Plain-language definitions of common family law terms used across this site.
Read moreSpeak With an Ontario Family Lawyer
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