Family Law
Relationships, Children, Support, Property, Marriage, Cohabitation and Divorce
You may be reading this page because your marriage or relationship has broken down. No matter what the cause, you are likely to feel a whole range of intense emotions: sadness, anger, fear of an uncertain future, and confusion over the many decisions you must make.
We understand how hard this can be. Divorces are difficult. They cost time and money, health and happiness. Let us guide you through those intense emotions by providing you with clear legal advice and help you with your family law matter.
Taking this step when you Separate, can lead to Settlement
The first step is to identify your immediate needs and gather the necessary evidence to meet them. Once all necessary information is gathered and analyzed, sometimes agreement is almost within reach. Negotiating a formal and fair agreement as early as possible often makes sense from a financial perspective.
Therefore, being reasonable is essential. Knowing what is reasonable is critical. As your family lawyer, Edith can help you find answers and guide you to make informed and reasonable decisions through informal settlement meetings and at mediation. Straight forward matters that are negotiated in good faith, with full disclosure of necessary information, can often be resolved in a few months.
However, sometimes agreement is just not possible. More complex matters and cases that involve partners/spouses who are high-conflict or who are unwilling to cooperate in the process or lack trust in their partner can take much longer and a need to be litigated. If it is a complex matter, high conflict, or marked by a failure to cooperate and a lack of trust it can take eighteen months to three years to resolve.
Out of Court Options and Legal Fees
Separation Agreements
A Separation Agreement is a contract between you and your former spouse. You can decide on how your children will be cared for, how pensions will be divided, how property and debt will be split, as well as child support or if there will be any spousal support paid. You and your former spouse will have to make full financial disclosure.
Flat Legal Fees
Starting at $3,500
Plus taxes. Totals include finalized and executed agreement, our meetings and correspondence with you and/or your spouse or their lawyer. There may be situations that warrant different fee arrangements; however, we will openly discuss these with you to avoid surprises.
Desk Order Divorce
A desk order divorce is called an undefended or uncontested divorce. You can apply for a desk order divorce once you and your former spouse have resolved any other family law issues. Either one spouse, or both together, can apply for a desk order divorce. The process involves preparing and filing several court forms.
Flat Legal Fees
$2,500
Plus taxes and process serving fees.
Marriage or Cohabitation Agreements
In order to avoid the stresses that come with separating, you and your partner can enter into a contract that will establish a shared understanding, prevent future conflict and opt out of the background law. An agreement between common-law spouses is called a cohabitation agreement and an agreement between married spouses is called a marriage agreement, or in some cases, a pre-nuptial agreement.
Flat Legal Fees
Starting at $2,500
Plus taxes. Totals include finalized and executed agreement, our meetings and correspondence with you and/or your spouse or their lawyer. There may be situations that warrant different fee arrangements; however, we will openly discuss these with you to avoid surprises.