The Ontario All Families are Equal Act

Ontario made major strides in 2017 with the All Families Are Equal Act. Our Family Law Group Associate Monica Romero explains how it reflects the diversity in families today.

The All Families are Equal Act came into force in Ontario in 2017. The law was designed to reflect the diversity in families today, and this includes building families through surrogacy, assisted reproduction, and same-sex parenting.

What changes did it bring about?

This act changed a number of other acts, including the Children’s Law Reform Act. Notable changes have been the elimination of the presumption that a child can only have two parents, and replacing the terms mother and father throughout the Act with the term parent to reflect diverse family structures today.

Previously, same-sex couples had to attend court to get a declaration of parentage or adopt their children. This legislation has helped to remove those barriers.

What does this mean for the queer community?

This legislation is important for promoting equity, and it recognizes that not all families are the same. There’s not a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to family composition, and this act is one step towards recognizing that, and making the law a bit more equitable when it comes to parenting.

Monica Romero is a lawyer in the Family Law Group at Thomson Rogers LLP. She has assisted clients in a broad range of Family Law matters, including high-conflict parenting disputes and complex property issues. As a dedicated advocate, Monica is committed to guiding clients through the most challenging times of their lives with diligence and compassion. You can reach Monica at 416-868-3245 or by email.