Dealing with the breakdown of a relationship is almost always a demanding and emotionally stressful process. Let us help you. We’ll listen to your concerns and identify your priorities to help determine the best course of action to take. Every family is different, which means every case is different. We understand this and work diligently and creatively to find solutions suitable to you and your family’s needs.
Working Towards A Better Future
We help ensure that you understand your legal rights and obligations as well as your available options in working toward a sustainable resolution. We are focused on our clients’ needs and are driven by our results. Let our experience guide you through this difficult time.
Child Custody
When dealing with a family matter, the main focus and top priority are the best interests of the child(ren). There are a number of factors that a Court will consider before determining whether sole custody, joint or shared custody is in the best interests of the child(ren). Custody terms themselves can be tailored to fit the needs of the children and help parties work with one another when disagreements arise.
Child Support
Child Support is a sum of money paid to a custodial parent monthly to support the child(ren) when that parent has primary responsibility for caring for the children. Child Support is determined by a chart set out in the Federal Child Support Guidelines. The amount payable will vary depending on how many children there are and the support payor’s annual income, and may require adjustment if the parents share time with the child(ren) equally.
Separation Agreement / Parenting Agreement
A Separation Agreement is a legal binding contract dealing with the breakdown of a marriage or common law relationship, and does not require parties to initiate Court proceedings. Often, when parties can communicate reasonably post-separation, a Separation Agreement is the most efficient and cost- effective way to set out each parties’ rights and obligations as a result of the breakdown.
Property Division
When you and your married spouse separate, there is recognition for each parties’ contributions to the family throughout the marriage. Property acquired throughout the marriage that exists upon separation is divided equally between both parties. There are exceptions for certain types of property, but it is always best to consult a lawyer in reviewing what property is divisible, and whether any exceptions apply.
Spousal Support
Spousal support is a sum of money paid by the spouse with the higher income to the spouse with the lower income after Separation, but is not an automatic entitlement and will depend on many factors such as length of total cohabitation period, age of the parties, ability of the recipient to become self-sufficient, ability of the payor to pay, among others. You do not need to be married to qualify for spousal support, but you will have had to cohabit in a common law relationship with at least some degree of financial interdependence.
Disclaimer: The information contained within these pages is general information only. Each matter is unique and the information contained within these pages may not apply to your situation. You should always seek legal advice to review your individual matter.