Courts intervene in Ontario asset division when spouses cannot reach a mutual agreement

The Ontario court system becomes involved in matrimonial property division when separating spouses fail to negotiate a settlement on their own or through alternative dispute resolution. While court intervention provides a formal resolution process, it typically involves:

  • Higher costs and longer timelines than mediated settlements
  • Application of the Family Law Act guidelines for equalization of net family property
  • Formal documentation of all assets, debts and financial records
  • Court-appointed evaluations of disputed property values

To avoid court proceedings, couples are encouraged to first explore collaborative options like mediation, arbitration, or working with a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst to reach an equitable agreement. These alternatives often provide more control over the outcome while saving time and money.