Divorce Lawyers in St. Catharines
Going through a divorce can be a traumatic experience – and our professional, caring lawyers understand what you are going through.
/ Divorce & Separation
Divorce is a major life change. We're here to help.
Even when it's the right choice, divorce brings significant emotional and financial challenges, and can be overwhelming.
At Galbraith Family Law, we understand what you're going through - many of our lawyers, including founder Brian Galbraith, have experienced divorce firsthand. With compassion and expertise, we guide clients through even the most complex cases, ensuring you have what you need to move forward.
Are you getting divorced?
Whether you're looking for a simple uncontested divorce or facing complex issues including the division of assets and liabilities, child decision-making responsibility, parenting time/parenting orders, child support, spousal support or the division of business interests, our lawyers can help you to navigate the complexities of divorce law.
Our lawyers will...
Is a divorce lawyer necessary?
When the circumstances and finances of the couple are simple, the divorce process is also typically quite simple and may even be expedited. However, in most cases the services of an experienced divorce lawyer will be necessary to ensure your rights are protected.
Many married couples have complex financial assets to untangle, including real property, business investments, retirement assets, and joint assets. Debts also need to be untangled and allocated in a fair way.
It may also be that one of you has a right to receive spousal support payments. This complex arrangement certainly requires the services and advice of an experienced family law lawyer. Spousal support issues are usually complex and require the expertise of our legal team. Perhaps the most complex of all situations is when the couple has children. In these cases, it is necessary to establish custody (how decisions will be made), parenting time and child support payments.
How do you determine child support in divorce cases?
The amount of child support depends on the income of each party as well as the number of children and how much time they spend with each parent.
The court may also consider special circumstances and may deviate from the written guidelines on occasion.
Child support ends when each child reaches the age of 18 unless they are unable to become independent due to health issues or if they're continuing to attend school on a full-time basis.
We deal with child support every day. Thus, we can explain your options and obligations and help you to get this issue resolved quickly.
Types of divorce
1
Uncontested divorce
Also known as a simple divorce, both spouses agree on all matters, including parenting time arrangements, child support, spousal support and property division. No court intervention is needed beyond granting the divorce. A divorce application is still required, and if the responding spouse does not file an Answer within the deadline, the divorce proceeds uncontested.
2
Contested divorce
When spouses disagree on any key issue, the divorce becomes contested. While courtroom battles are not always necessary, litigation may be required for unresolved disputes. Mediation, collaboration, or negotiation often help resolve conflicts. Galbraith Family Law protects your rights throughout the process.
3
High net worth divorce
Divorces involving substantial assets—such as businesses, real estate, and investments—are more complex. Asset concealment and prenuptial agreements may be concerns. Our divorce lawyers ensure a fair division of assets and work toward the best possible outcome.
4
Grey divorce
Grey divorce refers to the separation of couples aged 50 and older, often after many years of marriage. While divorcing couples in their fifties and sixties do not normally have to worry about decision-making responsibility and parenting time with their children, they do face certain financial challenges, such as the division of retirement benefits, investment accounts, pensions, and marital property accumulated over decades.
5
Same-sex divorce
Although same-sex marriage has been recognized in Canada since 2005, same-sex couples often face a number of unique family law issues during divorce. To properly navigate the legal system, it is important you seek advice from a qualified lawyer who understands the specific needs of same-sex couples.
Frequently Asked Question
When searching for divorce lawyers near me, focus on family-law experience, fee transparency, and the lawyer's approach to dispute resolution. Look for a lawyer who prioritizes keeping you out of court, communicates clearly, and has strong client reviews. Galbraith Family Law serves Ontario with offices in Barrie, Newmarket, Oakville, and St. Catharines.
An experienced Ontario lawyer should combine deep family-law expertise with genuine empathy for what you're going through. Look for someone who explains your options clearly, provides honest cost estimates, prioritizes settlement when possible, and has handled cases similar to yours, whether involving children, a business, or significant assets.
Yes. The cost of an affordable divorce lawyer in Ontario depends on the complexity of your case. Uncontested divorces are typically the most cost-effective option. At Galbraith Family Law, we discuss fees upfront and offer alternatives like collaborative practice and mediation to help keep total costs manageable.
Yes. An experienced Ontario separation lawyer handles the full range of cases, from straightforward, uncontested divorces where both spouses agree on all terms to highly contested cases involving litigation. A good lawyer will recommend the most efficient path forward based on your specific circumstances and priorities.
Dedicated lawyers who truly care about outcomes and family
This firm has heart, and they take your matters through the process efficiently with your best interests in mind.
Erik Zander
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.
