Family lawyers in Ottawa
Calm, clear help when your family is changing.
We help with separation, divorce, parenting time, support and property. We explain each step in plain words, look for ways to settle outside court, and quote fixed fees for uncontested matters so you know the cost before we start.
The first 15-minute phone call is free. We meet in English or French, and in Arabic, Tamil or Hindi with some of our lawyers.
One step at a time.You get a written summary of your options after your first meeting.
Where are you right now?
Start from where you are
Every separation starts somewhere different. Pick the closest one and we will show you what usually comes next.
Thinking about it
You're considering separating
Learn what separation means in Ontario, what to gather, and what to avoid doing in the first weeks.
What separation involvesMostly agreed
You agree on the main points
Put it in a separation agreement that holds up, for a fixed fee, with each of you getting your own advice.
Fixed-fee agreementsStuck
You can't agree yet
Mediation or collaborative law can get you unstuck with less cost and less conflict than court.
Ways to settle without courtPapers arrived
You've been served court papers
There are deadlines. Call us soon, and keep the papers together with the date you received them.
Ask for a quick call
What we help with
Family law, and only family law
Separation
Living apart, the date that matters, and the first decisions about the home and the children.
Divorce
Simple and joint divorces, usually uncontested, for a fixed fee.
Parenting time and decision-making
A parenting plan that fits your children's school, activities and two homes.
Child support
Guideline amounts, shared costs like daycare and braces, and changes when incomes change.
Spousal support
Whether it applies, the likely range, and for how long.
Property division
The family home, pensions, RRSPs and debts, for married and common-law couples.
Separation agreements
Written agreements that cover everything and can be enforced.
Mediation and collaborative law
Settling with help at the table, out of court and in private.
Cohabitation and marriage contracts
Agreeing in advance how a home, business or inheritance is treated.
What we don't handle
We do not take criminal charges or child-protection (Children's Aid Society) cases. If either is part of your situation, we will tell you on the first call and refer you to lawyers who do that work every day.
Four ways to settle things
Court is one option, and usually the slowest
Most families can settle with less conflict and lower fees. We help you choose the route that is safe and right for you.
Talking it through
Your lawyer negotiates with your spouse or their lawyer by letter and meeting. Often 1 to 4 months.
Mediation
A neutral mediator helps you both reach an agreement. Usually 3 to 6 sessions.
Collaborative law
Each of you has a lawyer at the table, and everyone agrees to stay out of court.
Court
A judge decides. Right when safety, urgency or hidden finances are involved.
Fixed fees
Know the cost before you begin
For uncontested matters we quote one price, in writing. Fees are plus 13% HST; court fees are paid at cost.
Uncontested divorce
$1,650 + HST
For a simple or joint divorce where support, parenting and property are already settled.
What's includedSeparation agreement
$3,200 + HST
When you agree on the main points and need it written properly, with support calculated.
What's includedCohabitation or marriage contract
$2,200 + HST
Agreeing ahead of time how your home, savings or business would be handled.
What's included
Your first meeting
What happens when you get in touch
A free 15-minute call
We listen, check that family law is the right help, and tell you what a consultation would cover.
A conflict check
We confirm we have never acted for the other person. This is why the form asks for their name.
A 60-minute consultation
In person, by phone or by video, for $250 plus HST. Bring any papers you already have.
A written summary
Your options, likely timelines and a fee estimate, so you can decide calmly at home.
Not sure where to start?
Tell us briefly what is happening. We will run a conflict check, then call you to talk through your options and what they would cost.