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Legal Resources

Access legal resources supporting Muslim women’s rights and protections.

CCMW LAW is proudly funded by the Government of Ontario, the Law Foundation of Ontario, and the International Development and Relief Foundation (IDRF). CCMW LAW’s Muslim Women’s Legal and Community Support Clinic is funded by the Government of Ontario through Ontario’s Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, supported by Canada’s National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence.

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Marriage

Infographic: Marriage. Marriage is a civil contract in both Canadian and Muslim family laws. Before you marry, make sure the marriage is legally registered, understand what your nikah contract does and does not protect, and get independent legal advice. Forced marriage, polygamy, child marriage (under 16) and bigamy are prohibited in Canada.
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Infographie : Mariage. Le mariage est un contrat civil en droit canadien comme en droit musulman de la famille. Avant de vous marier, assurez-vous que le mariage est légalement enregistré, comprenez ce que votre contrat de nikah protège et ne protège pas, et obtenez des conseils juridiques indépendants. Le mariage forcé, la polygamie, le mariage d’enfants (moins de 16 ans) et la bigamie sont interdits au Canada.
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Dower (Mahr)

Infographic: Mahr. Mahr is the wife’s right and belongs to her alone. If it is unpaid, it is a debt owed to her. Canadian courts may enforce mahr as a contract, but only if it is clear, written, signed and witnessed, and states the amount and when it is payable.
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Infographie : Mahr. Le mahr est un droit de l’épouse et lui appartient uniquement. S’il n’est pas versé, c’est une dette envers elle. Les tribunaux canadiens peuvent en ordonner l’exécution à titre contractuel, à condition que l’entente soit claire, écrite, signée et attestée par des témoins, et qu’elle précise le montant et les échéances.
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Domestic Contracts

Infographic: Domestic contracts. A domestic contract can protect you, or take away rights you did not know you had. This is especially risky for newcomers, women facing family or community pressure, and women in abusive relationships. Always get independent legal advice before signing.
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Infographie : Contrats familiaux. Un contrat familial peut vous protéger, mais aussi vous priver de droits dont vous ignoriez l’existence. Le risque est plus grand pour les personnes nouvellement arrivées, les femmes subissant des pressions familiales ou communautaires et les femmes vivant de la violence conjugale. Demandez toujours des conseils juridiques indépendants avant de signer.
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Family Property and Spousal Support

Infographic: Family property and spousal support. What you are told religiously and what you are legally entitled to may not be the same. Under Ontario law, marriage is a financial partnership: what you built together is usually shared equally, even if you did not earn income or assets are not in your name. Do not assume you have no rights, and get independent legal advice before agreeing to anything.
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Infographie : Biens familiaux et soutien conjugal. Ce que l’on vous dit sur le plan religieux et ce à quoi vous avez droit légalement peuvent différer. En droit ontarien, le mariage est un partenariat financier : ce que vous avez acquis ensemble est généralement partagé à parts égales, même si vous n’aviez pas de revenu ou si certains biens ne sont pas à votre nom. Obtenez des conseils juridiques indépendants avant de donner votre accord.
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Divorce

Infographic: Divorce. What ends a marriage religiously, through talaq, khul’ or faskh, may not end it legally in Canada. A divorce is only valid through a court order under the Divorce Act, and you can apply even if your spouse refuses. Do not rely only on a religious divorce. Get independent legal advice before signing anything.
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Infographie : Divorce. Un divorce religieux (talaq, khul’ ou faskh) ne met pas nécessairement fin au mariage sur le plan juridique au Canada. Seul un tribunal peut accorder le divorce en vertu de la Loi sur le divorce, et vous pouvez le demander même si votre conjoint s’y oppose. Ne vous fiez pas uniquement à un divorce religieux. Obtenez des conseils juridiques indépendants avant de signer tout document.
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Parenting and Child Support

Infographic: Parenting and child support. Parenting is decided by the best interests of the child, and violence and safety matter. Child support is enforceable, and private or religious arrangements must comply with Canadian law to be legally valid. Get legal advice early if separation or child removal is a concern.
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Infographie : Responsabilités parentales et pension alimentaire pour enfants. Les responsabilités parentales sont déterminées selon l’intérêt supérieur de l’enfant, et la violence et la sécurité sont des enjeux importants. La pension alimentaire pour enfants est exécutoire, et les ententes privées ou religieuses doivent respecter la loi canadienne. Demandez conseil rapidement si vous craignez une séparation ou le déplacement d’un enfant.
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Inheritance

Infographic: Inheritance. A will matters: without a valid will, the law, not your family, decides who gets what. A will can protect your children, provide for loved ones and make your wishes clear. Verbal promises are not enough. Make a clear, legally valid will and get legal advice.
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Infographie : Succession. Un testament, c’est important : si vous ne rédigez pas de testament valide, c’est la loi, et non votre famille, qui décidera qui héritera de quoi. Un testament valide peut vous aider à protéger vos enfants, subvenir aux besoins de vos proches, éviter les conflits et rendre vos volontés claires. Les promesses verbales ne suffisent pas : rédigez un testament clair et juridiquement valide et obtenez des conseils juridiques.
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Protection Orders

Infographic: Protection orders in family court. Protection orders can stop contact or harassment, keep someone away from you, your home or your children, and in some cases remove them from the family home. They are enforced by police, and breaching one is a criminal offence. A protection order is only one part of staying safe, so make a safety plan too.
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Infographie : Ordonnances de protection devant le tribunal de la famille. Elles peuvent interdire les contacts ou le harcèlement, empêcher une personne de s’approcher de vous, de votre domicile ou de vos enfants, et parfois l’exclure du domicile familial. Elles sont exécutées par la police, et leur non-respect est une infraction criminelle. Une ordonnance n’est qu’un élément de votre sécurité : élaborez aussi un plan de sécurité.
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Watch our free legal seminars

Recordings of our free online seminars on understanding and supporting Canadian Muslim women seeking family law counsel: one for community workers and the public, and one for legal professionals.

Understanding Canadian Muslim Women Seeking Family Law Counsel: Community Workers & Public Seminar

CCMW hosted a free online seminar on October 28, 2021 for community workers such as social service providers, imams, scholars of Islam, and representatives of various community organizations looking to increase their understanding of how to provide legal counsel more effectively to Canadian Muslim women. Find out more about event

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Understanding Canadian Muslim Women Seeking Family Law Counsel Seminar: Legal Professionals Seminar

CCMW hosted a free online seminar on October 22, 2021 for lawyers, paralegals, judges, and justices of the peace looking to increase their understanding of how to provide legal counsel more effectively to Canadian Muslim women. Find out more about event

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Learn more about CCMW LAW

Legal Services Coordination (only available outside of Ontario)

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Muslim Women’s Legal & Community Support Clinic (only available in Ontario)

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CCMW's Emergency Bursary Fund

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Gender Based Violence Support

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