FAMILY LAW
Types of Family Law
The type of family law most people know about is divorce law. The purpose of a divorce settlement is to ensure a fair and lawful division of assets and debts. This settlement will also include an outline of how any minor children will be cared for and provided for. For example issues of custody, visitation, child support, and more will be detailed. Some divorce settlements will include spousal support/ alimony.
Most of the time, divorced spouses must return to court several times throughout their children’s lifetime to navigate issues of custody, visitation, and support. Our lawyers will ensure that you are well informed of your legal rights as a parent or custodial guardian.
Getting a Divorce
It is imperative to have legal help when you get a divorce. An “uncontested” divorce is a separation where the parties have agreed on everything. Although this happens often, most people are not fully aware of their legal entitlements and lawful requirements. For example, parties cannot contract out of child support. Child support is the child’s entitlement and must be paid in full regardless of what both parties believe they “need”.
The goal of our lawyers is to proceed and to create an equitable and legally-backed settlement out of court for “uncontested” matters. However, some divorces are simply too contentious, and will require court hearings to resolve.
Without legal help you could lose custody of your child, end up paying unfair amounts of child support or spousal support, or lose vital assets which could have a negative impact on your financial future. It is always important to know your legal rights and entitlements.
Provincial Court v. Court of Queen’s Bench
Our lawyers are well acquainted with both the Provincial Court level and Court of Queen’s Bench level. Both levels allow for certain matters to be heard when it comes to custody, parenting, child support, and spousal support. However, most matrimonial property and receiving a divorce judgment can only be resolved at the Court of Queen’s Bench.
Our Family Law Services Include:
- Pre-Nuptial Agreements/ Cohabitation Agreements/Separation Agreements
- Adoption
- Emergency Protection Order Reviews/Hearings (EPO’s)
- Domestic violence
- Legal separation
- Name change
- Visitation/parenting time
- Custody/decision making
- Alimony/spousal support
- Divorce
- Grandparent rights
- Modification of existing court orders
- Child support
- Guardianships
- Paternity disputes