/ Divorce & Separation

DIY Divorce

Going through a divorce can be a difficult and emotionally draining process. At Galbraith Family Law, we understand what you are going through.

We are here to make the divorce process as simple as possible and help in any way we can to ease the stress for you. That is why we’ve created the DIY Divorce package. Whether you’re trying to cut down on legal fees or you don’t need our assistance for every step of the divorce process, you now have the option to pick and choose which of our services you need.

The DIY Divorce Process

The first step is to complete a separation agreement that resolves the legal issues between you and your soon-to-be ex. For example, if you have children you will need to determine a parenting schedule and how parenting decisions will be made. Other issues may include child support, spousal support, division of property, and equalization of property. If you need help to finalize your separation agreement, we will be pleased to assist you.

If you have all of the issues resolved in a legally binding separation agreement, we will explain the divorce process. You can do it yourself or have us finalize the divorce for you. A divorce is obtained in Family Court and takes about 6 to 9 months to obtain depending on the judges’ workload.

Bring your list of questions, and you will leave with answers.

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

Not always. If you and your spouse agree and your situation is straightforward, you can handle much of the process yourself. Many people opt for a DIY divorce in Ontario to keep costs down, then bring in a lawyer only for the parts they'd rather not do alone, such as reviewing the separation agreement or finalizing the paperwork.

Unbundled legal services in Ontario let you hire a lawyer for specific tasks rather than for the entire file. For example, you might draft your own separation agreement and pay a lawyer only to review it, or ask them to handle the court filing while you manage the rest. It's a compromise between full representation and going it alone.

DIY works best when things are simple and cooperative. Where there are significant assets, a business, complex parenting issues, or real disagreement, an affordable divorce in Ontario, handled with some professional help, is often the safer choice, since mistakes in an agreement can be costly and hard to undo later. A brief consultation can help you determine which camp you're in.

Yes, and that's exactly what the DIY package is built around. You can get limited-scope divorce help in Ontario for just the steps you want support with, whether that's finalizing the separation agreement, explaining the court process, or completing the divorce, while doing the rest yourself to save on fees.

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

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St. Catharines, ON L2R 7E8
(905) 291-5231

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© 1993–2026 Galbraith Family Law Professional Corporation

All Rights Reserved

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