Family Law Services
A modern approach to separation and divorce.
Let’s Talk About Collaborative Family Law
Holly practices Collaborative Family Law (CFL).
CFL is an excellent option for couples who want to find a better way to negotiate their separation than the traditional legal process. Holly believes that families are not well-served by the traditional legal process (i.e. lawyer-to-lawyer correspondence or, even worse, the court system). The idea that each party needs to “lawyer-up” is outdated and does more harm to families than good. If you want to work with your spouse to negotiate and craft an agreement that honours the years you have spent together - and the family you have built - CFL is the process for you.
While each spouse must retain his/her own CFL lawyer, the lawyers are specially trained to work together (and other third party professionals, if needed) to find a path through the emotional and financial maze in which separating couples find themselves. This method of separation and divorce promotes respect between the parties and puts your family and mental health first.
Holly is a member of Collaborative Divorce Ottawa and Kingston Collaborative Family Law.
If Collaborative Law is not suitable for your situation...
There are other processes to choose from.
Samuelle and Ryan practise in the traditional family law spheres of negotiated settlements and family litigation.
Not everyone is able to settle their family law matter in the Collaborative process. The traditional approach is to negotiate a settlement through lawyers, resulting in a signed Separation Agreement. This requires a knowledgeable and skilled advocate who can work with you to craft a settlement that will allow both you and your spouse to move forward on solid footing.
The foundation of every enforceable Separation Agreement is full financial disclosure. Our lawyers can guide you through this process. Separation Agreements usually include an equitable property division, a workable parenting plan, and/or interim and permanent support agreements. Some clients also benefit from working with a neutral mediator and/or parenting coaches. We are happy to work with these types of professionals.
If a negotiated settlement is not possible, the other option is family litigation. We strive to resolve matters outside of the courtroom whenever we can, but if one side does not engage or refuses to make reasonable compromises, the court system exists to bring about resolution. Two of our lawyers, Samuelle and Ryan, litigate matters in all local courthouses, including Perth, Ottawa, and Brockville.
Both Samuelle and Ryan have a passion for family law that you will sense from your very first meeting. They are proud to serve the people of Lanark County.
Marriage Contracts and Cohabitation Agreements
Marriage is not only an emotional partnership it is also an economic partnership.
Couples who negotiate a marriage contract can opt out of certain provincial laws in respect to their assets. The contract is curated to your individual situation, and is designed to simplify the financial consequences in the event of a separation.
A cohabitation agreement is a contract for couples who intend to live together, or who are already living together. Similar to a marriage contract, a cohabitation agreement helps each common law spouse determine their respective rights and responsibilities should the relationship end.
To learn more about domestic contracts, contact us today.
FAQs
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No, the Law Society does not permit a lawyer to represent two clients who have conflicting interests. You will each need your own lawyer. However, in the Collaborative Family Law process, the lawyers will work together to streamline the process as much as possible.
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There is no easy answer to this question. Depending on the route you take, Holly will do her best to move you through the process as swiftly and efficiently as possible. However, there are external factors that she cannot predict or control. The Collaborative Family Law process is designed to help move matters along, and is more transparent than the traditional process. This generally means that matters can get resolved more efficiently.
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The forms of payment we accept are MasterCard, VISA, American Express, and Discover Network (powered by FeeWise), cheques, and e-transfer.
Book a Consultation
CONSULTATIONS ARE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
You may also email or call us to make an appointment. Our general response time is one business day.
holly@hollyagnewlaw.com
(613) 461-3000
83 Little Bridge Street
Suite 105
P.O. Box 327
Almonte, ON K0A 1A0