No, you do not need a court order or a “Certificate of Separation” to be considered legally separated in Ontario. The law looks at the facts of your life: have you stopped living as a couple? While you don’t file papers to start the separation, you must eventually sign a formal agreement to resolve your legal obligations.
Do I need a separation agreement if we don’t have kids?
Yes. Even without children, a separation agreement is vital to formally "waive" or set the terms for spousal support and to finalize the division of property and debts. Without a signed agreement, your ex-spouse could potentially...
