Our Services

Separation/Divorce

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The breakdown of a relationship can be a very challenging time for everyone involved. Often emotions are running high and navigating through to resolution can feel overwhelming. 

​We can help you understand your rights and obligations in separation and assist you in choosing the right path to resolution. Whether that be negotiating a separation agreement, attending mediation or seeking guidance from the Court. My goal is to assist you in navigating through your separation as quickly and painlessly as possible so you can carry on with your life.

​We can also assist those who are seeking only a divorce, meaning they have been separated for some time, generally already have a separation agreement, and are looking for a "simple divorce".

Parenting Plans

Two children, a girl and a boy, walking away down a leaf-covered path outdoors during autumn.

One of the biggest concerns parties with children have when separating is how to determine parenting issues post separation.

​Parenting involves two main issues in separation: (1) how will major decisions be made for the child(ren) and (2) when does each parent spend time with the child(ren)?

​Settling matters as they relate to the parties child(ren) are often the most emotionally charged and difficult issues to be resolved for many reasons. However, preserving the health and well being of the child(ren) in separation is of utmost importance to me and we will work together to determine what is in the child(ren)'s best interests.

Getting Married or Moving In?

A couple showing their wedding rings, touching fists and looking at each other outdoors.

A cohabitation agreement is an agreement between two people that intend to live together or are already living together.

​A marriage contract (or prenuptial agreement) is a contract between two people that intend to marry or, in some cases, have already married.

​Both agreements are used to set out the parties rights and obligations to each other during cohabitation or marriage with respect to property and support. 

​There are significant legal consequences to both agreements and should only be prepared and entered into with the assistance of an experienced family lawyer.

Adoption

Family of three standing outdoors during sunset, with a man holding a young boy and a woman standing close, all smiling at each other.

When you adopt a child, you take over all parental responsibilities and it is a permanent process. An adopted child gains all rights that a legal child of the person gains, including estate rights.

We prepare adoption applications and provide independent legal advice when a person or couple is adopting a child in Ontario, as well as when a step-parent is looking to adopt a child. Often, deciding to adopt is the easy decision, navigating the process is the hard part.

We also assist parties in navigating openness applications.

There are four types of adoption process:

  1. Private: a child who is adopted through a licensee or through a private adoption agency

  2. Public: a child who is adopted from a Child Protection Agency or a child who is a “Ward of the State”

  3. Family: a child, or adult, who is adopted by a family member, including step-parents

  4. International: a child adopted outside of Canada wherein you work with an international adoption agency

Independent Legal Advice

A wooden table with a book titled 'Damn Good Advice' by George Lois, two glasses of water, a small leaf, a small plate with a slice of pizza, and two forks.

Prior to signing any contract, namely a cohabitation agreement, marriage contract or separation agreement, it is highly recommended that each party obtain independent legal advice. 

​It is important to remember that just because one party hired a lawyer to draft an agreement that agreement is not necessarily in the best interests of both parties. Each lawyer is advocating for their respective client.

Therefore, obtaining independent legal advice provides you with the opportunity to sit with your own lawyer and review the agreement to ensure that you understand all of your rights and obligations under the contract. Ultimately you want to ensure that it is fair and in your best interests. 

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Unbundled Legal Services

Two yellow plates with coffee cups and latte art, a pair of black sunglasses, and a framed quote on a wooden table. The quote says, 'Inhale the future, exhale the past.'

Typically, when a client retains our legal services, they receive comprehensive representation wherein we assist with all aspects of your matter. However, we also offer the option to retain us for limited retainer services, also known as “unbundled legal services”.

We understand that the expense of comprehensive legal services can be prohibitive to many. While you may still be embroiled in a legal family matter regardless of the expense and require some assistance. We know the legal system can be daunting to address alone. Unbundled legal services offers you the option to gain some assistance, while addressing parts of the matter on your own.