Family Lawyer Waterloo
We help clients navigate the legal, financial and emotional issues in divorce.
Our Kitchener – Waterloo Office – (519) 840-0863
Please note our Firm does not accept legal aid matters.
Featured:
What Does an Experienced Family Law Lawyer Do to Help With Your Family Law Matter
Here’s what services you should expect when you choose a family law lawyer Waterloo M & Co. Law Firm.
01
The first call to our family law firm
The breakdown of your marriage can be difficult to deal with. Seeing a family law lawyer for the first time is often daunting. Most people experience different emotions when their relationship fails. You may experience feelings of anger, fear, anxiety, hurt, or even depression. Perhaps you have been enduring endless conflict at home and losing sleep over your relationship. You might even be wondering how your children will handle the news of your impending separation.
Our Toronto divorce lawyer understands the emotions that surround family law. We will try our best to make you feel as comfortable as possible. A separation is a life-changing event full of crucial decisions. Our lawyers will help you every step of the way and explain your legal options, rights, and responsibilities clearly.
During the initial consultation, your family lawyer will ask you to describe a little bit about your situation, including why you are seeking family lawyers. You will probably have thousands of questions and concerns buzzing around your head. Our experienced family law lawyer will answer these questions and help you know what to expect. You can always count on our support and guidance at this trying moment.
02
Choosing your family law services process
At M & Co. Law Firm we usually adopt two approaches: settlement-focused collaborative divorce and litigation. Also known as settlement-based divorce, collaborative option is an out-of-court legal process that allows couples to work together to achieve a settlement that satisfies both spouses and protects the children.
The whole process is not easy, especially when there are children involved. Even if you and your partner agree on most things, you could still disagree with others. Therefore, what started as a collaborative case could end up as litigation. Our lawyers are well-versed in both options.
Many lawyers claim to be experienced in both, but this is not always the case. When choosing a lawyer, you should verify their skillset and experience. Even if your case starts as one stream, then changes to the other, our lawyers at M & Co. Law Firm will handle it to the end at no extra cost.
03
Collaborative law legal services
- A commitment to resolve your differences in an amicable manner
- Commitment to maintaining constructive communication throughout the process
- A commitment to fully disclose your assets and liabilities
- Involvement of collaborative lawyers to help you reach a settlement
- The use of neutral experts like coaches, children’s specialists, and financial advisers to facilitate the process
04
The timeline & cost of our family law services
If you’re heading down the path of a collaborative divorce, it’s like choosing the more peaceful route in a typically stormy situation. You and your partner are deciding to handle things maturely and without the drama that court battles often bring. This path involves sitting down, possibly with a cup of coffee, and hashing out the details with a team of experts who are there to guide you through every step. It’s about having those tough conversations but in a way that’s respectful and constructive.
When it comes to the nitty-gritty like costs and timelines, it’s a bit like asking, “How long is a piece of string?” Each professional you bring in, whether it’s a lawyer, a financial advisor, or a counselor, will have their own way of charging – some might have a set fee, others might charge by the hour. This means the longer you guys take to come to an agreement, the more you might need to budget for.
On the money front, the average ballpark is around $30,000, but this is like an estimate – it could be more, it could be less, depending on the twists and turns of your situation. Think of it as a road trip where you know the destination but not exactly how many pit stops you’ll need. Time-wise, it’s generally a 10 to 12-month journey to reach that final handshake and sign-off.
But here’s the thing – the real magic in collaborative divorce is how well you and your ex can work as a team, even when you’re calling it quits. If both of you can sit at the table, be honest, and keep the goal of a fair resolution in mind, things can actually move along pretty smoothly. This teamwork can not only speed up the process but can also keep more dollars in your pockets. It’s about working together to untangle the knots of your shared life with as much grace as you can muster, keeping in mind that it’s not just about ending a marriage, but about beginning new chapters in your lives.
Types of Divorce in Waterloo
There are two main types:
Contested Divorce
U
Uncontested Divorce
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I Have to Be Separated Before I File for a Divorce in Canada?
- Do I Need a Lawyer to Get a Divorce?
- What Are the Common Grounds for Divorce?
- When you and your spouse have been separated for one year or more
- Adultery- this is where you bring a proceeding against the person who has committed adultery. You cannot initiate it based on your own adultery.
- Cruelty – physical or emotional abuse that makes it intolerable for spouses to live together.
C
The goal of collaboratively family law is to allow those who are in the middle of a divorce or separation, to work in a collaborative manner with …
D
Divorce
Divorce is about moving forward and starting a new chapter. If you have settled all your other matrimonial issues or you are just starting the process, we are here to help.
S
Separation Agreements
If you and your spouse are in agreement on the terms of your separation, you are free to put your decisions into a separation agreement…
At M & Co. Law Firm, we understand the importance of finding the right fit for your representation. We take the time to get to know our clients and create a strategic plan that will help them to move forward and make a positive change in their lives. Get in touch so we can learn more about your goals and how we can help you reach them.
Anna-Marie Musson, Managing Lawyer – Toronto
Recent Google Reviews
5.0 stars | 10 reviews
Our latest media appearances
From appearances in the local news to The Modern Divorce Show podcast, we got you covered…
Latest articles on our blog
Read our latest articles and learn more about how we approach the way people divorce…
ClientConnect resources
Resource for all things to help with your emotional well- being as you navigate your separation and divorce…