Cairn journal
Court & enforcement
Court & enforcement — plain-language articles to help you understand this part of the Ontario family law process.
What not to do in family court in Ontario
Most separated men think family court turns on the facts. It turns on conduct and credibility — hiding money, running down the children's mother, ignoring orders, hostile texts. Here are the five habits that cost men the most ground, and exactly what to do instead.
Norm Barrette · Jun 20, 2026 · 8 min read
Falsely accused of abuse in an Ontario family case: what happens and how to respond
If your spouse has alleged abuse in your Ontario family case, the court treats safety first and tests the truth later. Here is what happens to your parenting time, how a protection order differs from a criminal charge, and the documented response a wrongly accused man can take.
Norm Barrette · Jun 15, 2026 · 9 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 · 3 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 · 4 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 · 3 min read
How to change a child support order in Ontario
Ontario child support orders change only with a material change in circumstances. Try agreement first, then Form 15 Motion to Change. Keep paying the current order.
Norm Barrette · Jun 8, 2026 · 4 min read
How to change a parenting order in Ontario
Ontario parenting orders change only with a material change in circumstances affecting the child, and only when the change is in the childs best interests. Higher bar than child support.
Norm Barrette · Jun 7, 2026 · 3 min read
Collaborative divorce in Ontario
Collaborative divorce in Ontario: both spouses with their own lawyers commit in writing to settle without court. If it fails, both lawyers must withdraw.
Norm Barrette · Jun 7, 2026 · 3 min read
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