Glossary
In Criminal Law
Domestic assault happens when someone applies force to an intimate partner or ex-partner or threatens to do this This can include pushing, punching, kicking, or trying to do any of those things.
In Family Law
A domestic contract is a written document that you and your partner can make that says how you will deal with your issues while you are together or at the end of your relationship. For example, you can say how much spousal support one partner will pay the other if they separate. A domestic contract might be called something else, including:
- a cohabitation agreement if it was made before or while you were living together, and you and your partner are not married
- a marriage contract if it was made before you were married and you were planning to marry at the time, or after you got married
- a separation agreement if it was made after you’ve separated from your partner
In Criminal Law
These are defence lawyers who work at criminal courthouses to help people who don’t have their own lawyers. They are paid for by Legal Aid Ontario. Duty counsel help people at bail hearings, in set date court, or sometimes at guilty pleas. They can offer basic legal advice. In some areas duty counsel may assist in other proceedings.
In Abuse and Family Violence, Family Law
Duty counsel are private lawyers or Legal Aid Ontario staff lawyers who give legal help right away to people who appear in court that day without a lawyer if their income is low enough.
They give free legal advice and can help negotiate and settle issues, but they cannot take on a whole case or represent a person at trial.
