Cairn journal
Markers on the trail.
Plain-language articles to help you understand the Ontario family law process — one piece at a time. Left here by men who came before you.
Can your ex move away with your kids in Ontario?
A father's plain-language guide to relocation in Ontario: what counts as a "relocation" versus an ordinary move, the 60-day written notice and 30-day objection window under the Divorce Act, the best-interests factors and the Supreme Court's Barendregt approach, what to do if you object, and what happens when there is no existing order.
Norm Barrette · Jun 15, 2026 · 7 min read
What to do when your ex won't let you see your kids in Ontario
Cut off from your kids in Ontario? A calm, men-only guide to what counts as withholding parenting time, why decision-making is different, why the Family Responsibility Office does not enforce time, how to document a pattern, and when it becomes a court matter.
Norm Barrette · Jun 14, 2026 · 8 min read
Enforcing a separation agreement in Ontario
Ontario separation agreements are binding. Support breaches enforced through FRO. Other breaches enforced through court. Filed agreements with ILA are easiest to enforce.
Norm Barrette · Jun 13, 2026 · 2 min read
How to get divorced without a lawyer in Ontario
You can self-file an uncontested or joint divorce in Ontario without a lawyer. The guided online pathways and Family Law Information Centres handle the procedural side.
Norm Barrette · Jun 12, 2026 · 2 min read
Simple divorce in Ontario - what it means
Simple divorce is the Ontario court term for a Form 8A application asking only for the divorce - no parenting, support, or property claims attached.
Norm Barrette · Jun 12, 2026 · 2 min read
How to change a separation agreement in Ontario
Ontario separation agreements change either by mutual amendment (ILA both sides) or by court application to vary. Section 56(4) Family Law Act sets out the narrow grounds.
Norm Barrette · Jun 11, 2026 · 3 min read
Family court forms in Ontario - which ones you need
Ontario family court forms by stage: starting, responding, financial, conferences, motions, changes. All in one place at ontariocourtforms.on.ca.
Norm Barrette · Jun 10, 2026 · 3 min read
Child support arrears in Ontario
Ontario child support arrears do not disappear. The FRO has strong enforcement tools. If you are falling behind, act early - file a Motion to Change, do not go silent.
Norm Barrette · Jun 9, 2026 · 2 min read
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