Family Law Services
Services
Domestic & Marriage Contracts
A domestic contract can bring peace of mind and protect your future. Whether you’re getting married, moving in together, or separating, a carefully drafted agreement can clarify rights and responsibilities, reduce conflict, and give both partners certainty about the future. These agreements are legally binding and can cover property, support, and other important matters. A lawyer ensures your contract is clear, fair, and compliant with Ontario law, giving you confidence that your intentions will hold up if circumstances change.
Marriage Contracts (Prenup/Postnup)
Marriage contracts set out the rights and obligations of each spouse during marriage, on separation, or in the event of annulment, dissolution, or death. They can address property division, support obligations, and the settlement of affairs. However, a marriage contract cannot limit parenting responsibilities or rights under the Family Law Act regarding the matrimonial home.
A marriage may also convert a prior cohabitation agreement into a marriage contract unless the parties explicitly agree otherwise.
Cohabitation Agreements
Cohabitation agreements are for couples who live together or plan to do so without marrying. These agreements can cover:
- Property ownership and division
- Support obligations
- Guidance on children’s education and moral training (but not parenting time or decision-making responsibility)
- Any other matters the couple wishes to settle
If you later marry, the cohabitation agreement is usually treated as a marriage contract.
Separation Agreements
Separation agreements can be used by married or cohabiting couples who are living separate and apart. They allow parties to settle all aspects of their rights regarding property, support, and other matters.
A properly drafted separation agreement is final and binding: courts generally cannot override its provisions unless the contract is invalid. These agreements require full financial disclosure and fairness, ensuring that neither party takes advantage of the situation.
Divorce & Separation
We’re committed to helping you resolve family law matters outside the courtroom, keeping you in control of decisions while reducing conflict, time, and cost.
Family law in Ontario encourages alternative dispute resolution (ADR)—approaches that help families reach agreement without going to court. These processes aim to reduce litigation and improve outcomes for everyone involved.
At our Office, we focus on family dispute resolution, which includes a range of cooperative methods such as negotiation (discussing and resolving issues directly or through lawyers) and mediation (working with a neutral third party to find common ground).
Negotiation
Negotiation is often the first—and sometimes the best—step toward resolving family law issues without going to court. It allows both parties to discuss terms and reach an agreement that works for their unique situation, saving time, money, and unnecessary conflict.
There are several ways a negotiated settlement can take shape:
- Direct negotiation between the parties:
Some couples reach an agreement on their own without involving lawyers. However, without a formal written contract, these agreements can be difficult to enforce or may miss key legal protections. - Client-led negotiation with lawyer assistance:
In many cases, couples discuss and agree on the main terms themselves, then each retain a lawyer to finalize the details. The lawyers review, clarify, and formalize the agreement into a written separation agreement that both parties sign and have witnessed. - Lawyer-led negotiation:
Sometimes, both parties work through their lawyers from the start. Even if negotiations begin through legal representatives, this process often leads to settlement — either through a separation agreement or, where necessary, a court consent order. - Negotiation after court proceedings have begun:
Even when one party starts a court case, most matters are still resolved through negotiation. A well-negotiated settlement can lead to a separation agreement, a consent order, or—if all else fails—a final decision by a judge after trial.
Starting negotiation early—before court proceedings are filed—has important benefits. It helps preserve privacy (since court filings become public record) and avoids the stress and cost that come with litigation.
Mediation
Family mediation is a cooperative process where a neutral third party (the mediator) would help you and your spouse reach a voluntary, mutually acceptable agreement. The mediator doesn’t make decisions, take sides, or give legal advice. Instead, they guide the conversation to help you and your spouse work toward common ground.
Even when an agreement isn’t reached, mediation can help narrow the issues and encourage productive communication. It’s often less stressful, less expensive, and more flexible than going to court.
Before mediation begins, the parties need to decide what kind of report the mediator will file:
- A full report, which includes the mediator’s summary of what occurred; or
- A limited report, which only states whether or not an agreement was reached.
How We Help
A family lawyer helps you prepare for mediation so you understand your rights, your options, and what a fair agreement might look like. Whether you’re entering mediation voluntarily or through a court process, we’ll ensure you have the clarity and information you need to make informed decisions.
Discrete Task Representation (Unbundled Services)
If you’re representing yourself in a legal proceeding about a family law matter but want professional, legal support for certain steps, we offer flat-fee and custom packages. This approach can be a cost-effective way to get legal help exactly where you need it.
Adoption & Family Expansion
Expanding your family is exciting, but the adoption process can be complex. We provide compassionate legal support to guide you through each step.
Life’s transitions are easier with the right guidance
Schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.