Separation agreements
For couples who have separated and can talk about terms, with a lawyer on each side.
What it costs
$1,200 flat
Flat fee of $1,200 plus HST and disbursements for independent legal advice on a finished agreement.
How our fees work1.Overview
A separation agreement records what you and your former partner have agreed about your children, support and dividing property. Under Ontario's Family Law Act, it must be in writing, signed by both of you and witnessed. We explain your rights before you negotiate, then draft the agreement or review the one your partner's lawyer sent. We can act for only one of you, so your partner will need their own lawyer.
A good agreement is specific. It says which parent has the children on the first weekend of March break, who pays for hockey, and when the house will be listed. Vague terms are the most common reason families come back to court later.
We also check that the agreement will hold up. A court can set aside an agreement if one of you hid assets or did not understand what you signed. Full disclosure and separate legal advice protect you both.
2.What is included
- 2.1Advice on your rights before you negotiate
- 2.2Financial disclosure checklist
- 2.3Drafting, or review of your partner's draft
- 2.4Parenting schedule and support terms
- 2.5Signing and witnessing at our office
3.Papers to bring
You do not need all of these for the first meeting. Bring what you have, and your clerk will tell you what is still missing.
- a.Sworn financial statement
- b.Last three years of tax returns
- c.Values for the home, pensions and accounts
- d.Any draft you have already exchanged
4.How it usually goes
Most of this work happens outside court. After financial disclosure, the lawyers exchange proposals or you meet with a mediator, and the terms go into a signed agreement.
Every file starts with a short call, a consultation, a written retainer and financial disclosure. See the stages on our how a case moves timeline.
Questions about agreements
Each answer is general information. Your lawyer will tell you how it applies to you.
Do we both need a lawyer?
Yes, if you want the agreement to be hard to challenge later. We can act for only one of you, and the other person should get their own independent legal advice.
Can we change the agreement later?
Yes, if you both agree and sign a written amendment. Child support terms can also be changed by a court if circumstances change.
How much does a first consultation cost?
A one-hour consultation is $250 plus HST. If you hire us, we credit that amount to your account.
Do you accept Legal Aid Ontario certificates?
Yes, for family law matters. Legal Aid Ontario decides who qualifies, so apply to them first and bring your certificate to the consultation.
Can you act for both my spouse and me?
No. In family law we can act for only one spouse. Your spouse will need their own lawyer, and the Law Society Referral Service can help them find one.
Start with one hour and a written quote.
(613) 555-0117- Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Evening video meetings by appointment
- Saturday and Sunday, closed
