Family Law

TORONTO FAMILY LAWYERS

Family law covers a broad range of issues that may affect spouses, children and families. While many people hope to resolve family disputes outside the courtroom, court proceedings may sometimes be required to address matters involving divorce, parenting, support, property and other family law concerns.

Clients seeking a Toronto family lawyer can turn to the family law team at Devry Smith Frank LLP. Our lawyers provide advice and representation across a wide range of family law matters, with an approach that is practical, respectful and focused on each client’s circumstances.

FAMILY LAW SERVICES IN TORONTO

Our divorce and family lawyers in Toronto assist clients with matters involving spouses, partners, children and extended family members.

Our family law services include:

• Simple divorce
• Separation agreements
• Marriage contracts
• Cohabitation agreements
• Child support
• Spousal support
• Parenting time and decision-making responsibility
• Property division
• Family law issues involving businesses
• Legal matters involving heterosexual and same-sex relationships
• Common-law relationships
• Child protection proceedings involving a Children’s Aid Society
• Collaborative family law
• Family mediation and arbitration
• Family court proceedings
• Adoption
• Legal issues involving assisted reproduction

Our lawyers can provide advice at the beginning of a relationship, during a separation and after an agreement or court order has been made.

Divorce, Separation and Family Agreements

The end of a relationship may raise questions about parenting arrangements, financial support, property, housing and future obligations. Our Toronto family lawyers assist clients with divorce, separation and related agreements.

A separation agreement may address parenting arrangements, child support, spousal support, property division, responsibility for debts and other matters arising from the breakdown of a relationship.

Marriage contracts and cohabitation agreements may help couples set out how certain financial matters will be handled during the relationship or in the event of separation.

Our lawyers can assist with the preparation, review and negotiation of these agreements. Each party should obtain independent legal advice before signing a family law agreement.

Parenting, Support and Property Matters

Family law disputes involving children require care and attention. Our lawyers assist with parenting time, decision-making responsibility and related parenting arrangements.

We also advise clients on child support, spousal support and property division.

These matters may involve:

• Parenting schedules
• Major decisions affecting children
• Child support obligations
• Spousal support claims
• The matrimonial home
• Family property
• Business interests
• Financial disclosure
• Changes to existing agreements or court orders

Our family lawyers work with clients to identify which issues require immediate attention and which may be resolved through negotiation or another dispute-resolution process.

Family Law Representation In and Out of Court

Devry Smith Frank LLP has represented clients in family law matters before courts in Ontario and at higher levels of court.

Where possible, our family lawyers work toward practical settlements through negotiation, mediation, arbitration or collaborative family law. These processes may help parties resolve disputes outside the courtroom.

Court proceedings may still be required where the parties cannot reach an agreement, urgent relief is needed or one party is not cooperating with the process.

Our lawyers assist clients with:

• Court applications
• Court conferences
• Motions
• Financial disclosure
• Settlement negotiations
• Trial preparation
• Appeals

The best process will depend on the facts, the level of conflict and the issues involved.

Family Law Matters Involving Children

Cases involving children often require extra care. Our Toronto family lawyers assist parents and family members with parenting disputes, child support and child protection proceedings.

Our team has experience with matters involving Children’s Aid Societies and can advise clients facing investigations or court proceedings.

A lawyer can help review the concerns raised, prepare court materials, respond to proposed plans and represent the client during negotiations or hearings.

Why Hire a Family Lawyer?

To assess whether your position is reasonable

Family law disputes can be emotional. A lawyer can help identify which facts are legally relevant, explain the possible outcomes and assess whether a proposed position is realistic.

A clear legal assessment may help clients avoid spending time and money on arguments that are unlikely to affect the result.

To review what you may gain or give up

Before accepting a settlement, it is helpful to know how the proposed terms compare with other possible outcomes.

A family lawyer can review a proposal, explain the legal effect of each term and help the client decide whether further negotiation is appropriate.

To prepare or review a family law agreement

Marriage contracts, cohabitation agreements and separation agreements may have long-term financial and legal effects.

A lawyer can help prepare clear terms, review financial disclosure and explain the rights and obligations created by the agreement.

Each party should receive advice from a separate lawyer before signing.

To manage court rules and procedures

Family court proceedings involve forms, filing deadlines, service requirements and procedural rules.

A lawyer can help prepare the required materials, meet the applicable deadlines and present the client’s position through the proper court process.

To identify options that may not have been considered

Family lawyers see a broad range of disputes and settlement arrangements.

A lawyer may suggest options involving negotiation, mediation, arbitration, collaborative family law or structured settlement terms that the parties had not considered.

To support settlement discussions

Family lawyers regularly negotiate on behalf of clients.

A negotiated settlement may reduce the time, cost and uncertainty associated with court proceedings. A lawyer can prepare offers, respond to proposals and help keep discussions focused on the issues that matter.

To reduce the burden on the client

A relationship breakdown can be disruptive and time-consuming.

A family lawyer can manage correspondence, documents, negotiations and court requirements so the client can focus on work, family and future plans.

To assist with child protection proceedings

A Children’s Aid Society may rely on lawyers, social workers and other professionals during an investigation or court case.

A child protection lawyer can review the allegations, explain the process, help prepare a response and represent the client in court.

To prepare clear and persuasive court materials

Family court judges often rely heavily on written materials when reviewing a case.

A lawyer can help prepare affidavits, financial statements and other documents that present the facts clearly and address the legal issues before the court.

To assess the risk of a costs award

A court may order one party to pay part of the other party’s legal costs.

The result may depend on the outcome, the conduct of the parties, settlement offers and the reasonableness of the positions taken during the case.

A lawyer can explain the possible cost consequences and help the client make informed decisions.

Speak With a Toronto Family Lawyer

Family law matters can affect many parts of a person’s life. Early legal advice may help clarify the issues, identify available options and establish a practical next step.

To book a consultation with a Toronto family lawyer at Devry Smith Frank LLP, call 416-449-1400 or complete the firm’s online contact form.