Is an agreement as good as a court order?

Under the Family Law Act, agreements are usually treated like orders made by the court.

Both verbal and written agreements can be binding, but a written agreement provides proof of what you both agreed to.

Written agreements about parenting time, contact with a child, child support and spousal support can be filed at a court registry so they can be enforced like a court order. For example, if a person does not follow the terms of a parenting time agreement, the court can order consequences just like if you had an order. If you have a support agreement, the Family Maintenance Enforcement Program can enforce it the same way as an order.

If you make an agreement, the court can only change it in certain circumstances. That is why it is important to make sure you understand your rights and obligations under the law and the agreement before you sign it.