5. After you leave - Steps to Justice

After you leave your partner, think about doing some of these things.

Speak to a family lawyer

Speak to a family lawyer about what happens when you separate or divorce, and the financial abuse. It's important to get their advice on what you can do about joint accounts, lines of credit, or mortgages you share with your partner.

Ask about loans that your partner forced you take out or property they forced you to transfer. Also ask what you can do so that your partner does not use decision-making responsibility, parenting time, or support payments to try and control you.

A family lawyer can also help you if your partner tries to give away or hide their assets. Your partner may do this to avoid giving you your share, or to avoid paying support.

In May 2026, the Supreme Court of Canada recognized a new claim for intimate partner violence (IPV) in civil court. This means a person who has experienced IPV can ask a judge to order their abuser to pay them damages. The damages can be for not just physical violence, but also for emotional and financial abuse. Because this is new, it will take some time to see how judges apply the new law. A family lawyer can help you decide if you can make this claim against your abuser.

Legal Aid Ontario has a program that offers abuse survivors 2 hours of free legal advice from a family lawyer. You do not need a low income. Call 1-800-668-8258 to find out more.

Update or set up your bank account

Close all bank accounts and credit cards that your partner knows about.

If you do not have a bank account in your name only, open one.

If you're working, ask your employer to deposit your pay into your new bank account.

Change any passwords that your partner knows.

Build your own credit

Build your own credit rating by applying for a credit card. Use the card to make small purchases and then pay it off in full each month.

Get your credit report to check if your partner has affected your credit score.

Re-direct the Canada child benefit

If your children's Canada child benefits are being deposited into your partner's bank account, but you're the primary caregiver, contact the Canada Revenue Agency. Ask that the benefits be deposited into your account.

Negotiate with the lender

If your partner pressured you to co-sign a loan or took out a loan in your name, contact the lender. If your partner put utility bills in your name and did not pay them, speak to the utility company. You can try to negotiate a settlement or re-payment plan that you can afford.

Apply for Ontario Works

If you have no money or less than $10,000, plus $500 for each child you have, you can apply for Ontario Works. Ontario Works is money from the government to help pay for food, clothing, and shelter.

If you need money right away, you can apply for Ontario Works emergency assistance. You can get up to $733 a month if you're a single person, and more if you have children.