Separation and Divorce Lawyers
Separation Agreements
A separation agreement is a legal document that describes in detail what will happen with children, property and support after a couple separates. It addresses such questions as: How will we parent our children? How will our sets and debts be divided? How much will be paid or received in child support or spousal support?
At Hills Nolan, our lawyers work diligently to help you resolve these questions through negotiation, mediation or collaboration. Our goal is to resolve all issues outside of court. A settlement agreement worked out between the two parties with the assistance of their legal representatives is less expensive than courtroom litigation. It also allows the parties to have more control over the outcome.
We will help separating couples address all concerns, including:
- Child custody, including the right to direct the education and moral training of their children
- Access to the children (visitation)
- Child support
- Spousal support (alimony)
- Ownership and division of assets and debts
- What happens to marital home
When settlement cannot be reached outside of court, you can rely on us to assertively represent your interests as we litigate the disputed issues.
"Our number one priority is keeping costs down and preserving money for the family rather than spending it on the divorce process." Sophie Hills
Divorce
A separation agreement settles all the issues involved in dissolving a marriage. The divorce is the legal action that actually terminates the union. Our law firm provides divorce services for a flat fee.
Before a divorce, the spouses must be living "separate and apart" from one another for at least one year. It is possible for the spouses to remain living in the same house, but meet the legal requirement of living separate and apart.
Collaborative Family Law
A number of our lawyers are trained in collaborative family law and are members of Collaborative Practice Durham Region. The collaborative law process is dedicated to resolving disputes respectfully.
The process involves consultations with divorce coaches, neutral child and family specialists and financial professionals, who provide information the parties need to make wise decisions. Both parties sign a document stating they are committing to resolving all issues outside of court. The parties are able to pursue litigation, but if they do, they must retain a new lawyer. The lawyer representing their interests in the collaborative law process cannot represent them in court.
The collaborative law process is aimed at preserving relationships, acting in the best interests of the children, and ensuring fairness without the financial and emotional costs of a court battle.
If you have decided it is time to end your marriage, please contact Hills Nolan. To arrange a consultation, send us an e-mail or call 1 905-571-1774. From our offices in Oshawa we represent clients throughout the Durham Region of Ontario.
