Special to the Financial Post

When a relationship breaks down, there are usually a number of legal issues a couple must resolve.

If they have children, or if one of the spouses has been "standing in the shoes of a parent," there will likely be custody, access and child support issues. If the couple has property — which includes pensions, RRSPs, savings, shares, options, restricted share units, a interest in a private business or partnership, or even money owed to them — there are likely property rights and obligations.

And if one of the spouses has been out of the workforce for a period of time or if there is an inequity in the earning power of the spouses, it is likely that spousal support is payable.

To read Torkin Manes lawyer Laurie H. Pawlitza's latest column in the Financial Post,  click here.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.