Last reviewed August 23, 2026
When you need someone who isn't me
The people I can't be.
There is a lot I can help with. There is more that I can't.
I'm not a lawyer, a financial adviser, a therapist or a doctor. When you need one of those, you need an actual one — not a coach who read about it.
So here is the list I wish someone had handed me, instead of leaving me to find all of it at two in the morning while crying.
Nothing here is a recommendation of any individual. These are starting points. Check anyone you contact, and ask what they charge before the first meeting.
If tonight is the problem
If tonight is the problem
211
If you don't know who you need, start here.
211 connects people with community and social services, including housing, food, mental health, financial assistance and other local support.
In most of Canada, it is free and confidential, available 24/7 and in more than 150 languages. How you reach 211 can vary depending on where you live.
If you are experiencing abuse or violence
Services vary depending on where you live. 211 can help you find services in your area.
If you are in Ontario, the Assaulted Women's Helpline is available 24 hours a day at 1-866-863-0511.
If you are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.
Legal
Legal
Department of Justice Canada — Family Law
A good place to start if you need to understand the basics of separation and divorce, parenting arrangements, child or spousal support, or the family justice system.
Family Justice Services
Justice Canada also has a directory of government-based family justice services available in each province and territory.
Legal aid
Every province and territory has its own legal aid system, with its own eligibility requirements and services. Depending on where you live and your situation, you may qualify for legal information, advice, help with court forms, duty counsel or other assistance.
Finding a family lawyer
Your provincial or territorial law society can help you find lawyers in your area. Some provinces and territories also have lawyer referral services or other ways to access an initial consultation. Search your province or territory plus 'lawyer referral service.'
One thing worth knowing: family law is not identical across Canada. Federal, provincial and territorial laws can all matter, and procedures vary depending on where you live. Anything you read online — including from me — is general information. Your own situation needs advice from someone qualified where you live.
Money
Money
A financial professional who understands divorce
If there are pensions, investments, property, businesses, significant assets or complicated tax questions involved, consider getting financial advice from someone who specifically understands divorce.
You may also come across the designation Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA). A CDFA can work alongside legal and financial professionals to help analyze the financial implications of different divorce decisions.
They do not replace your lawyer.
If a pension is a significant asset, ask your lawyer or financial professional whether a pension valuation or an actuary is needed in your situation.
Credit Counselling Canada
If debt or credit has become part of the problem, Credit Counselling Canada can connect you with accredited nonprofit credit counselling agencies across Canada.
Financial Consumer Agency of Canada
Government information and tools for budgeting, debt, credit reports, banking and managing your money.
If you take one thing from this section, make it this:
Get a clear picture of the money before you agree to anything.
Not a plan.
A picture.
What exists. What's owed. What's in your name. What isn't.
Mental health
Mental health
211
You can use 211 to find mental health services in your area, including counselling and community-based support.
Your family doctor or primary care provider
You can start there too. Tell them what has been happening and how you are functioning. They can talk with you about what kind of support may be appropriate and help you find services available where you live. 9-8-8 itself identifies a primary care provider as another place Canadians can turn for mental-health support.
Finding a therapist
Your provincial regulatory college for psychologists, psychotherapists, counsellors or social workers may have a public directory of registered professionals. You can also use a therapist directory such as Psychology Today Canada to search by location, issue, cost and virtual availability.
Employee Assistance Program
If you have workplace benefits — through your own plan or another plan under which you are still covered — check whether counselling through an Employee Assistance Program is included. Coverage varies, so check before assuming you have it.
And you do not have to wait until everything becomes unbearable before asking someone for help.
Wanting help is not the same as being in crisis.
You're allowed to ask before it gets that bad.
Housing and practical help
Housing and practical help
211
This is probably the first place I would start if you suddenly need practical help and don't know where to look.
Housing.
Food.
Financial assistance.
Mental health services.
Community programs.
Local support.
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
Information about housing in Canada, including renting, buying and housing programs.
If leaving your home is not safe, do not treat that as an ordinary housing problem. Contact 211 for local family-violence services, or 9-1-1 if you are in immediate danger.
Understanding what's happening to you
Understanding what's happening to you
This is the part I can help with. And it's free.
I'd rather you got the right help than stayed loyal to mine.
If you find something on this list that helps you — or something that should be on it and isn't — tell me.