Family Law in Canada
What is Family Law?
Family Law encompasses the issues that arise from the breakdown of a marriage or common-law relationship and includes divorce (the legal termination of your marriage); separation; division of property (including the matrimonial home), parenting issues (formerly referred to in the governing laws as ‘custody,’ ‘access’), child support and spousal support.
There are various ways to resolve these issues, ideally via a negotiated agreement. Family Law also includes negotiating cohabitation agreements and marriage contracts for those people embarking on cohabiting or marrying.
Family Law Quick Links
A Unique Approach to the Divorce Process
Shirley works tirelessly to reduce the impact separation can have on you, your family and your children. Shirley’s unique approach to divorce is focused on efficient and effective negotiation, with the ultimate goal of obtaining an out-of-court settlement tailored to your specific needs.
Shirley often works with various financial and family professionals, including business valuators, real estate appraisers, tax accountants, social workers, parenting co-ordinators and others, to ensure your situation is resolved in the most informative and effective way.
What makes Shirley different?
Shirley is a Toronto family lawyer with a commitment and passion for helping her clients. In addition to having over 30 years of experience, she is considered both a highly ethical and expert negotiator by her colleagues.
Practicing family law since 1992, Shirley has litigated, mediated, and negotiated all manners of family law issues. With a university background in psychology and experience with corporate law, she offers a unique insight into the personal and emotional aspects of family law while providing a remarkable understanding of the business and financial challenges of separation or divorce.
As well, Shirley’s wit, warmth and humour have helped immensely in tense negotiations as she ensures her clients feel heard, informed and advised every step of the way. She offers insight, experience, creativity and knowledge.
What do you need resolved?
Divorce and Separation
We know that going through a separation or divorce can leave you feeling scared, anxious and stressed. We also know that if you have children, their best interests is your priority, and we work with you to ensure those interests are protected. Offering services to resolve all manner of your family issues, we’re ready to help you move forward with confidence.
Marriage Contracts and Cohabitation Agreements
Before you enter into any agreement, you should be informed, especially when there’s property involved or when a partner has been married previously. We offer services to help you decide what’s best for you, and your relationship, so you can start planning for the future. Together we can make the future brighter.
Additional Family Law Services
Step Parent & Adult Adoption
Are you interested in finding out the process for step parent and adult adoptions? An adoption requires a Court Order, and must proceed in the specific jurisdiction where the child (or adult to be adopted) lives. Throughout Canada, each province has and is governed by its own adoption laws. We can help!
Separation Preparation Consulting
Many people considering separation or divorce are confused, scared and not ready to pursue that option. Shirley can review the law with you, letting you know your options for resolution, and how separation may impact you, your children and your finances. Be prepared, and be empowered. Shirley’s insight, knowledge, and guidance will help you to make the decisions that are best for you, your family and your future.
Foreign Divorce
Where is the divorce from? And is the divorce acceptable in Canada? We’ll help you understand the complex issues surrounding foreign divorce so you can move on with your life.
Family Law and Fertility Law Overlap
Whether you are separating and need advice about your frozen embryos or wish to enter into an agreement with a friend to create embryos and co-parent the resulting child, Shirley can help you move ahead.
Testimonials
Get in Touch
Business Hours
Monday - Friday
9am - 6pm