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Difference between revisions of "Responding to a Court Proceeding in a Family Matter"

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<blockquote>'''6. Go to trial.''' At the end of the day, if you can't reach a settlement, you will have to have a trial. At the trial, each side will call their witnesses to give evidence, cross-examine the witnesses of the other party, and give their argument as to why the judge should make the orders they are asking for. The judge will hear all the evidence and the arguments and reach a decision in the form of ''reasons for judgment''. Where neither party is represented by a lawyer, the court clerk will draft a final order based on the judge's reasons for judgment.</blockquote>
<blockquote>'''6. Go to trial.''' At the end of the day, if you can't reach a settlement, you will have to have a trial. At the trial, each side will call their witnesses to give evidence, cross-examine the witnesses of the other party, and give their argument as to why the judge should make the orders they are asking for. The judge will hear all the evidence and the arguments and reach a decision in the form of ''reasons for judgment''. Where neither party is represented by a lawyer, the court clerk will draft a final order based on the judge's reasons for judgment.</blockquote>


===Financial statements===
===Financial Statements===


If a court proceeding involves spousal support or child support, each party must prepare and file a ''Financial Statement'', using Form 4.
If a court proceeding involves spousal support or child support, each party must prepare and file a Financial Statement. A Financial Statement sets out a party's income, expenses, assets and liabilities and is sworn on oath or affirmation, just like an affidavit, before a lawyer, notary public, or registry clerk.  


A financial statement sets out a party's income, expenses, assets and liabilities and is sworn on oath or affirmation, just like an affidavit, by a lawyer, notary public, or registry clerk.
Each party must attach to their Financial Statement the following documents:
 
Each party must attach to their financial statements the following documents:


#the last three years' worth of tax returns (what's required is the complete income tax and benefit return, not tax return "summaries" or "informations"),
#the last three years' worth of tax returns (what's required is the complete income tax and benefit return, not tax return "summaries" or "informations"),