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.

Divorce, Mediation, and Collaborative Law That Works 
We offer affordable, low-conflict solutions to help you move forward with less stress and cost.

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.

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

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 Services

Family Law

Mediation

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 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.

FAQs

Marriage & Separation

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 Rites Law

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.

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.

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.

Free 30-minute consultation within 48 hours of contacting our firm  

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.

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.

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.