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Start Working Together

Preparing for your appointment

families
Coming Together

Discuss with your partner what issues you want covered by the agreement or contract and how you want to address these issues.

Discuss with your partner how you would like to handle your property and ownership responsibilities in the event of a separation.

Discuss with your partner how you would like to support each other in the event of a separation.

Write down and bring in all of your questions and two pieces of identification

families
Growing Apart

Discuss (if possible) with your partner any issues that need to be addressed and how you may want to address those issues (eg. children live equally with both parents or one party wants to keep a home and a joint goal is to find a way to do this)

Consider and reflect upon your post-separation life and what your goals are (eg. to continue to be a child's soccer coach, to have a legal divorce completed as expediently as possible or to minimize the financial costs of creating two households)

Make note of the all the important dates for your family (birthdays, previous marriages and divorces, cohabitation, separation, etc.)

If applicable, bring in any court documents that you have received from your spouse

Write down and bring in all of your questions and two pieces of identification

FAQs

How much is this going to cost?
It depends. Every situation and client is different. We respect and understand that. Our goal is to provide each client with legal services at a cost-effective rate. Please contact our office so we can answer any of your questions.
What is a Cohabitation Agreement?
A Cohabitation Agreement is a legal contract that summarizes each person's rights and obligations. Agreements commonly address finances and money but can consider other issues as well. They can confirm the parties' intentions for how they will address issues during their relationship or if their relationship ends. The contents of an agreement are determined entirely by the parties so long as it conforms to the law. Agreements can become marriage contracts in the event the parties marry at a later date.
Do you offer one-time meetings and/or Independant Legal Advice?
Yes. We are able to provide independent legal counsel on all aspects of our practice areas for a one-time fee.
My matter is urgent. Will you take my matter/case?
Please contact our office immediately and we will discuss your matter to see if we can accommodate you. Prior to accepting any matter, it is important to us that we have the necessary resources and availability to devote to ensure that all clients receive the care and attention they deserve.
Do I need to make an appointment in advance?
Please contact our office immediately and we will discuss your matter to see if we can accommodate you. Prior to accepting any matter, it is important to us that we have the necessary resources and availability to devote to ensure that all clients receive the care and attention they deserve.
I lost my marriage certificate. How do I get a new copy?
Here is a link from ServiceOntario that explains how: https://www.ontario.ca/page/how-get-copy-ontario-marriage-certificate-online
I want to change my or my child's last name? How do I do it?
Here is a link that explains how: https://www.ontario.ca/page/change-your-last-name
How do I get more information about splitting CPP Credits after separation or divorce?
For further information, please see: http://www.esdc.gc.ca/en/cpp/credit_splitting.page
What is court coaching? Is it right for me?
It can be intimidating to be in a family court process. With court coaching you will meet with an experienced family lawyer and work together with them to determine what aspects of the process you need help with – and which parts you can comfortably handle on your own.

For many, the best use of their resources will be to receive guidance when drafting court documents. When court documents are well-prepared so that information is presented concisely in a way that highlights what judges most need to see, much of the work of a court date is often complete before you even see the judge.

Court coaching can be the most cost-effective way to make sure that you – and your court documents – are ready to put your best foot forward when your day in court comes, while still ensuring that you feel in control of the process, and that your voice is being heard.

Depending on your own comfort level with being in court, this approach may not be suitable for you, but it may well offer the chance to get the most of your lawyer – ensuring that you get the help that you need without paying for things that you don’t.

Call us to find out how court coaching can help you get through your family court matter.

Testimonials

Martha has an exceptionally strong eye for detail and she has a very calm demeanor, which I was grateful for, in and out of the courtroom. Martha's strong sense of organization helped her instill confidence in me as I hired her as my lawyer for the past 4 years.

Martha is an extremely talented attorney who cares a great deal about her clients and her firm. I can say, as a previous client, you will be in good hands through Family Court.

VR Kingston

.....Thank you for everything....You did my Separation Agreement from [ex-spouse], transferred the house, did my will, then this round (where I learned!) and did the Cohab before buying the new house and doing new wills with [spouse]. Thank goodness [friend] referred me to you!....

CH Ottawa

Thank you for everything you did for [my son] and I last week. It was a hard day and I wasn't looking forward to it but as you said I felt comfortable and confident knowing you'd be there with me. I feel like we are a team.

AF Ottawa