Getting Started: A Step-by-Step Guide to Separation and Divorce
Whether this decision was mutual, unexpected, or your own, navigating separation is never easy. Here's how to move through the process with clarity and as little stress as possible.
1. The Decision
You probably didn’t expect your marriage to end, but here you are. Whether you made the decision, it was mutual, or it was not your choice at all, your next goal is to get through this with minimal emotional and financial damage.
2. Read This Website
Our site has free, detailed information about separation, legal options, and parenting issues.
Explore it at your own pace, it will help you make the most of your time with our divorce lawyers (especially if you're in Newmarket, Barrie, or Orillia).
3. Book a Consultation
Making the first call can be the hardest step. You may wonder:
When you call, you’ll speak to a real person who genuinely wants to help. Our lawyers are drawn to family law because we care about helping people through tough times.
4. Prepare for the First Meeting
Things to think about before your consultation:
Read through our site so you’re familiar with the basics. Start brainstorming possible solutions, but stay open to alternatives. We’ll help you find a resolution that works for your family.
5. The Consultation
When you arrive:
During the meeting:
If you’re ready to proceed:
6. Narrow the Issues
Some clients work out many details with their spouse before involving lawyers. If you’ve already come to an agreement:
If you haven’t:
7. Disclosure
To create a legally binding agreement, full financial disclosure is required:
We’ll help you prepare a Financial Statement summarizing everything. Our law clerks can assist with collecting and organizing this info. (Note: While disclosure can be waived, we strongly advise against it.)
8. Negotiation Options
There are several ways to negotiate your agreement:
Kitchen Table
- You and your spouse work out the terms on your own.
- Then, your lawyer provides advice and prepares the agreement.
Mediation
- A neutral mediator helps guide discussion (but can’t give legal advice).
- Your lawyer finalizes the agreement after review.
Collaborative Process
- You each work with specially trained lawyers and professionals.
- You all commit to staying out of court.
- If one person chooses to go to court, new lawyers must be hired.
(We believe this is the best option for most families.)
Cooperative Process
- Your lawyers negotiate via email or letters.
- Sometimes, four-way meetings are held.
- If you can’t reach an agreement, court may follow.
Court
- The last resort.
- Expensive, time-consuming, and unpredictable.
- A judge makes the final decisions, not you.
9. Separation Agreement
Once you’ve agreed on terms:
Most property and financial terms don’t change. Parenting, child support, and sometimes spousal support can be revisited as life changes.
10. Divorce Section
The final legal step.
Our team focuses exclusively on family law.
We’ll guide you through this transition with care, efficiency, and cost-effective solutions.
You don’t have to do this alone.