To make any intake meeting go smoother and help your process move along faster, here is a list of documents and important information you should have at hand where possible.

(*Please note, that this is not a thorough list and different documents may be required for different cases.)

For the first Intake meeting: 

(These are the documents the lawyer needs to take you in as a client)

• Two pieces of identification, one of which needs to be a government-issued ID such as driver’s license, a passport or an Ontario Photo Card (Health card is NOT considered a valid photo ID); and
• If applicable, all court documents, orders, correspondence from opposing counsel, and paperwork relating to your matter.

For Family Applications (Form 8):

(These are the documents and information your lawyer needs to complete your Application and present it to the Court and opposing party)

• Income Tax Returns for the last 3 years

These can be obtained from your accountant or whoever filed your taxes. If none of these apply they can also be ordered from the Canada Revenue Agency by calling 1-800-959-8281.

• Notices of Assessment for the last 3 years

These can be obtained from the Canada Revenue Agency by calling 1-800-959-8281.

• Proof of current income
  If Employed – Provide paystubs for the last 3 months
  If Self-Employed – Provide Invoices, Statement of Business Accounts, Financial Statements or Bank Statements where payments are made, for the last 3 months
  If in receipt of Welfare/Social Assistance/Child Tax Benefits – Provide government issued stubs or Bank Statements where monies are deposited
  If Unemployed – Provide Record of Employment (can be obtained at any Service Ontario)
• What is the date of marriage or date of cohabitation;
• What is the date of separation;
• What is the full name and date of birth of former partner/spouse and all children, if any;
• Whether you or your former partner/spouse were previously divorced, and if so when and where;
• Please provide the work history and highest level of education of yourself and your former partner/spouse;
• Please provide us with a brief synopsis of the family-history including when and how you met your former partner/spouse, what were some relevant/important moments in your relationship and what were some key factors leading to the breakdown of your relationship?
• What is your and your former partner/spouse’s annual income for the last 3 years?
  Do you or your former partner/spouse have a criminal record?
• Are the children enrolled in any extra-curricular activities?
• Have you incurred any medical and/or educational expenses for the children since the date of separation?
• Does either party have any other children?
• What is the address of matrimonial home.
• Who is on title to the matrimonial home.
• What is the approximate value of the matrimonial home at the date of marriage and the date of separation.
• What are the living arrangements post-separation?
• Have there been any voluntary support payments?
• What is the current access/physical custody arrangement with respect to the Children?