Step-by-Step Guide
How to Write a Separation Agreement in Ontario
Writing a separation agreement is easier when the work is broken into sections. Start with facts, add parenting and support, list property and debts, confirm disclosure, then review the final PDF carefully.
Quick answer
A step-by-step guide to preparing an Ontario separation agreement, including documents, support calculations, parenting terms, property, disclosure, and review.
Step 1: collect the basic facts
Gather full legal names, dates of birth, relationship dates, separation date, children’s names, and each party’s contact information.
Step 2: calculate support
Use income documents to estimate child support and spousal support. Save the assumptions so both parties understand how the numbers were reached.
Step 3: set parenting terms
Add decision-making responsibility, parenting time, holidays, exchanges, communication, travel, and special clauses where needed.
Step 4: list property and disclosure
List assets, debts, values, owners, documents, and the property division plan. Confirm that both parties exchanged financial information.
Step 5: review before signing
Read the final PDF, check names and dates, confirm the numbers, and consider independent legal advice before signing.
Common questions
What is the hardest part of writing a separation agreement?
The hardest parts are usually support calculations, parenting schedules, property values, disclosure, and making sure the wording matches what both parties actually agreed to.
Can I start before I have every document?
Yes. You can start with basic facts and return later to add income documents, property values, and supporting files.
Should both parties review the agreement?
Yes. Both parties should review the full agreement carefully and consider independent legal advice before signing.
Build your Ontario separation agreement online
Estimate support, organize parenting and property terms, and export a formatted agreement for review.