/ Divorce & Separation

DIY Separation

Get legal guidance without full representation.

Need help with your separation but don’t want full legal representation? Want to minimize costs while still getting professional guidance? At Galbraith Family Law, we offer tailored legal support so you can navigate your separation on your terms.

What We Offer:

  • Family Court document creation (advice and strategies only).
  • Separation Agreement creation (advice and strategies only).
  • Advice about negotiating a separation agreement, marriage contract, or cohabitation agreement
  • Advice on how to respond to correspondence from the other side
  • Out-of-court advice and strategies regarding the Family Court process
  • Attending Court with you for a motion or conference, but not the whole court process

If you just need an hour of our time, we will be there to answer your questions and help you create a plan moving forward.

Your lawyer will listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and outline how we can help. Whether in person, by phone, or via video call, we ensure you feel comfortable and confident throughout the process.

Powerful legal support with compassion through a four-year journey

Top-notch professionalism with just the right amount of compassion. A powerhouse legal firm that immediately made me feel like my divorce litigation was in the best hands. Galbraith was a huge part of my life for four years. Everyone from Caroline on the front desk, to my incredible lawyer, supported me through the toughest time in my life. I felt I was treated with respect and understanding. Alison took the time to make sure I understood my options every step of the way. When opposing counsel stooped to underhanded tactics, my lawyer responded with dignity, patience and straight law. I will always be grateful for this amazing Firm.

Lesley Trentadue

Frequently Asked Questions

You can. There's no legal requirement to have a lawyer draft it, and many amicable couples prepare their own separation agreement. That said, a DIY separation agreement in Ontario is a binding contract, so it's worth having a lawyer review it before you sign, since fixing a flawed agreement later usually costs far more than a review now.

A few things matter. A self-drafted separation agreement in Ontario generally needs to be in writing, signed and witnessed, supported by full and honest financial disclosure from both parties, and accompanied by independent legal advice for each party. Miss one of those, and the agreement becomes far easier to challenge down the road.

Yes, and it's one step worth not skipping. Even if you've largely prepared an affordable separation agreement in Ontario yourselves, each person should get independent legal advice before signing. One lawyer can't advise both of you, and that separate advice is a key reason agreements hold up if they're ever disputed.

The main risk is an agreement that doesn't do what you think it does. With unbundled separation help in Ontario, you can draft most of it yourself and bring in a lawyer only to catch gaps, vague terms, missed assets, or clauses a court might not enforce. This is often the sensible balance between saving money and staying protected.

Questions?

Contact us

At Galbraith Family Law, we have years of experience helping individuals and families navigate complex legal matters with clarity and support. Whether you're facing divorce, separation, or other family issues, our experienced team is here to guide you.

We proudly serve clients in Barrie, Newmarket, Oakville, and St. Catharines, Ontario.

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Servicing Simcoe County, York Region, the GTA, & Niagara Region.
Barrie

124 Dunlop Street West
Barrie, ON L4N 1B1
(705) 727-4242

Newmarket

1195 Stellar Drive, Unit 4
Newmarket, ON L3Y 7B8
(289) 319-0634

Oakville

209 Speers Road, Unit 13
Oakville, ON L6K 0H5
(905) 291-6634

St. Catharines

110 James Street, Unit 105
St. Catharines, ON L2R 7E8
(905) 291-5231

© 1993–2026 Galbraith Family Law Professional Corporation · All Rights Reserved

© 1993–2026 Galbraith Family Law Professional Corporation

All Rights Reserved

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