What we do

Areas of Family Law

Separation and divorce are life-changing experiences that can bring emotional and legal challenges. We guide clients through every step of the process, providing clear explanations of your rights and options. Whether your priority is reaching an amicable agreement or protecting your interests in court, we help you make informed decisions that safeguard your family’s future. Our approach emphasizes fairness, respect, and minimizing unnecessary conflict, so you can move forward with confidence and peace of mind.

Formerly known as “custody”  decision making responsibility covers the big issues in the child’s life, not the day to day issues which are normally made by the parent with whom the child resides on any given day,  they are the big ones; decisions such as education, health, religion, culture and spiritual life and significant extra-curricular activities. While these decisions  should normally be made by both parents, sometimes they cannot be. We will help you navigate this stressful area and be creative in coming to resolution.

Parenting time, formerly termed “access”,  is exactly as stated- time with your children. It is not “custody”. Parenting time arrangements are essential to maintaining meaningful relationships between children and both parents. Ideally a  parenting time schedule should be incorporated into a comprehensive “parenting plan” where it is clear how much time the children will generally spend with each parent. If the parties do not craft it themselves , their lawyers can do so and/or a social worker, retained jointly, will work with the parties to complete it. If unable to reach a compromise, the court may be required. It is always preferable to reach agreement on parenting time without court involvement.

Determining child support can be complex and emotional, but it is crucial to ensure your children’s needs are met. We provide guidance on calculating and arranging child support that is legally compliant. Our approach emphasizes clarity and transparency, so families can understand their obligations and avoid confusion. We also assist with adjustments when circumstances change.

We will ensure you understand the child’s right to support. We will explain the table amount of support based on the Child Support Guidelines as well as section 7 of the Child Support Guidelines which specifically addresses those “special or extraordinary expenses” which the basic monthly child support or table amount does not include.

Let’s be frank- most parents will gladly support their children. The same is not true about supporting their former spouse. You or your spouse may be entitled to claim spousal support, regardless of whether you were married or in a common-law relationship. It is not automatic. Unlike the Child Support Guidelines, the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines are “ advisory”.  An income disparity between spouses does not automatically mean a support order. I will fully explain entitlement, quantum and duration of spousal support, reviewing with you the relevant factors.  While spousal support matters can be sensitive and challenging, We are here to navigate it for you.

Splitting things up-in Ontario we do this by a process called equalization of net family property.  We know it’s  a complicated term. It is a  process requiring exchange of financial information via sworn financial statements with supporting documentation and valuations, where needed. You will not be doing this on your own. We are here to do it with you. We need to determine date of marriage, date of separation and today values for all your assets and debts. We discuss deductions, exclusions, and, of course, the Matrimonial home. There are limitation periods, so we ask that you don’t delay.  Equalization is for married spouses only. For common law spouses we have other claims. We love numbers so don’t worry- we’ve got you.

A separation agreement provides clarity and security for both parties when ending a relationship. We draft and review agreements tailored to your family’s circumstances, covering all areas, even ones you haven’t even thought about. Whether negotiated collaboratively or even through court (minutes of settlement/ separation agreement), we will make sure it meets your needs, rights and obligations. You will be referring to this document for many years forward- I still look at mine periodically!

We will only prepare these within the collaborative process. Cohabitation agreements are an important tool for couples living together to define their financial and personal rights and responsibilities. We help clients create agreements that protect each person’s interests and prevent misunderstandings in the future. From property division to support obligations, we ensure your cohabitation agreement is clear, comprehensive, and enforceable. Our approach emphasizes communication and understanding, helping couples enter cohabitation with confidence and peace of mind. I won’t give quick advice. I will always require full disclosure of assets, debts and income with supporting documentation – I will always do it the right way.

Marriage contracts allow couples to outline financial arrangements, property rights, and other expectations before marriage. We guide clients through this process, ensuring that the contract is fair, clear, and tailored to your unique circumstances. A well-drafted marriage contract can prevent future disputes and provide reassurance for both partners. Our goal is to help our clients enter marriage with clarity, security, and confidence in their future. Financial disclosure is paramount. Do not come see me right before a marriage or important event, as I won’t give quick advice. I will always require full disclosure of assets, debts and income with supporting documentation – I will always do it the right way.