# How to Separate When You Have No Money in Ontario Many people stay in difficult or unsafe relationships because they feel they can't afford to leave. Rent, food, childcare, legal fees. It all feels impossible, especially if your partner controls the money and you don't even have access to your own bank account. If that's you, I want you to know something important: you have more options than you think. This guide walks through practical steps and sources of help for people in Ontario who are thinking about separation but have little or no money. You don't have to figure this out alone. ## You don't need money to be separated In Ontario, you don't need a court order or special document to separate. You are considered separated when at least one partner decides the relationship is over and starts living in a way that shows that, whether emotionally, practically, or physically. You do not need to move out right away to be separated, especially if you can't afford housing yet. Many people are "separated under the same roof" for a time while they make a plan. This is completely legitimate and recognized by the courts. You only need a divorce order from the court if you're married and want to legally end the marriage so you can remarry later. Separation and divorce are different things, and you can be separated for years without ever getting a formal divorce if you don't need one. ## Free and low-cost legal help If you have low or no income, there are several ways to get legal information and advice without paying full private-lawyer rates. **Legal Aid Ontario** may help if you have a low income and need help with issues like separation, parenting time, decision-making, or support. Help can include [duty counsel](/glossary#letter-d) at family court, summary legal advice, and in some cases a certificate to hire a family law lawyer at no cost to you. You can find out if you qualify by calling Legal Aid or using their online eligibility tool. **Community legal clinics** exist in many areas of Ontario. Some do family law work directly. Others can give you information, refer you to lawyers who offer discounted or limited-scope services, and help you understand what supports are available. Search for clinics in your area through Legal Aid Ontario's website. **Free online tools** like CLEO's Steps to Justice offer guided pathways and information that help you understand your options, fill out some family court forms, and get organized before you talk to a lawyer. These tools don't replace legal advice, but they can make that first meeting much more efficient. If you're trying to handle things yourself, our guide on [how to file for divorce in Ontario without a lawyer](/blog/how-to-file-for-divorce-in-ontario-without-a-lawyer) walks through the process step by step. ## Help with basic living costs If separating means you can't pay for rent, food, or basic needs, there are programs designed to help. **Ontario Works** provides financial assistance for people who need help with living expenses. If you're in a crisis and need help right away, **emergency assistance** may be available even if you're not already on Ontario Works. This is meant to bridge an immediate crisis and can sometimes be accessed online or through local offices. If you have children with you, you may qualify for additional support as the primary caregiver, including help connecting to other services like subsidized childcare and housing. **Shelters and transitional housing** are available if you're leaving an abusive relationship. Women's shelters and family shelters can provide a safe place to stay, help applying for social assistance and benefits, and access to counselling and legal supports. You don't need to have a police report to ask a shelter for help. If it's safe to do so, call a crisis line or shelter in your region and ask what supports are available. If you're dealing with a high-conflict or potentially dangerous situation, our guide on [high-conflict divorce in Ontario](/blog/high-conflict-divorce-in-ontario-who-can-help-and-how) covers additional resources and safety planning. ## Court fees and fee waivers If you start a family court case, there are usually filing fees for things like starting an application or setting a case down for a hearing. These fees can add up to several hundred dollars. For people with low income, Ontario has a fee waiver process. If you qualify, some court fees can be waived so you don't have to pay them. Fee waivers are based on your income and assets. The waiver covers specific court fees going forward, though not lawyer's fees or things like transcripts. You apply using the court's fee waiver forms, which are available online or at the courthouse. A duty counsel lawyer or court staff member can often point you to the right forms and guides. For a full breakdown of what divorce costs, see our guide on [how much a simple divorce costs in Ontario](/blog/how-much-does-a-simple-divorce-cost-in-ontario). ## Protecting yourself financially If you have very little money, it's still important to protect what you do have and avoid new financial risks. Be careful about signing new loans or credit lines with your partner shortly before or after separation. Try not to use high-interest credit like payday loans unless you've explored all other options and understand the risks. These can trap you in a cycle of debt that makes everything harder. Keep copies of any important financial documents you can access safely. This includes bank and credit card statements, mortgage or lease documents, pension and RRSP statements, and tax returns and pay stubs. Photos on your phone work fine if you can't take the originals. This documentation will be important later for [financial disclosure](/glossary#letter-f) and calculating support. If your partner controls all the finances, a lawyer can help you ask for financial disclosure through negotiation or, if necessary, through the court. You have a legal right to this information. For more on how bank accounts work in separation, see our guide on [whether your spouse gets half of your bank account](/blog/does-my-spouse-get-half-of-my-bank-account-in-ontario). And if you're wondering whether to open your own account, our guide on [getting your own bank account before divorce](/blog/should-i-get-my-own-bank-account-before-divorce) covers the practical steps. ## Planning your first steps When money is tight, it helps to make a simple step-by-step plan instead of trying to solve everything at once. You don't have to do this all in a week. Even one or two small steps can start to shift things. **Start with safety.** Is there any immediate risk to you or the children? If yes, connect first with crisis supports or a shelter before worrying about legal paperwork. **Get basic information.** Read basic family law information for Ontario. Use a guided online tool to see which issues, whether parenting, support, or property, you need to address. **Explore free legal help.** Call Legal Aid Ontario to see if you qualify. Ask how to reach duty counsel or a family law service centre. If you don't qualify for Legal Aid, look for community legal clinics in your region. **Address immediate money and housing needs.** Apply for social assistance or emergency assistance if you can't meet basic needs. Talk to a credit counsellor if you're overwhelmed by debt. **Start organizing documents.** Create a simple folder, physical or digital, for important documents and notes about parenting, money, and communications. This will save you time and money later when you're working with a lawyer or filling out court forms. If you're feeling too overwhelmed to even make a plan, a [divorce coach](/blog/do-i-need-a-divorce-coach) can help you break things into manageable steps and figure out what to prioritize. They're much less expensive than a lawyer and can help you use your limited legal resources more effectively. ## What about support payments? If you have children or were financially dependent on your spouse, you may be entitled to support payments that can help you get on your feet. Child support is based on the paying parent's income and follows provincial guidelines. It's the right of the child, not something you're asking for yourself. In many cases, support can be arranged relatively quickly once you have basic income information. Spousal support depends on factors like the length of your relationship, your roles during the marriage, and your current financial situations. Not everyone qualifies, but it's worth exploring with a lawyer or Legal Aid. If your ex is ordered to pay support but doesn't, the Family Responsibility Office can help collect it. They have significant enforcement powers, including garnishing wages and suspending licenses. ## The bottom line You don't need a court order or a lot of money to be separated, but you do need a plan for safety and basic needs. If you have low income, you may qualify for help from Legal Aid Ontario, community legal clinics, and free online tools. Ontario's social assistance and emergency assistance programs exist to help people in crisis who don't have enough money for food and housing. If you start a court case, you may be able to apply for a fee waiver for some court filing fees. Try to protect yourself financially by keeping copies of important documents, avoiding new risky debt, and getting legal advice as early as you can. Even a single consultation can help you understand your options and make a plan. You don't have to have it all figured out today. You just have to take the first step. ## Frequently Asked Questions **Can I separate if I have no money and nowhere to go?** Yes. You don't need money or a new address to be legally separated. Many people stay in the same home during the early stages while they make a plan. If you're in an unsafe situation, shelters can provide immediate housing and help you access other supports. **Will I have to pay for a lawyer?** Not necessarily. If you qualify for Legal Aid, you may get free legal representation. Even if you don't qualify, there are free resources like duty counsel at courthouses, community legal clinics, and online tools. Many people handle simple matters themselves or use limited-scope services where a lawyer helps with specific tasks only. **What if my spouse controls all the money?** This is more common than you might think, and the legal system has tools to address it. You can request financial disclosure through your lawyer or the court. In some cases, a judge can order your spouse to pay for some of your legal costs or provide interim support while the case is ongoing. **How do I prove my income is low enough for help?** For Legal Aid and fee waivers, you'll need to provide information about your income, assets, and expenses. This might include pay stubs, bank statements, tax returns, or a signed statement about your financial situation. If you don't have access to documents because your spouse controls them, explain that. There are ways to work around it. **What if I'm afraid to leave because of my immigration status?** Your immigration status does not prevent you from accessing help for family violence or family court. Many organizations specifically help newcomers and people with precarious immigration status. A shelter or legal clinic can connect you with appropriate resources and help you understand your options.