Collaborative Practice
Collaborative Practice is a voluntary process in which separating spouses (both married and common law) settle the issues arising from their relationship or marriage, without resorting to Family Court.
Family Lawyers in Newmarket
Family legal matters touch every corner of your life, and facing them on your own can feel like a lot to carry. At Galbraith Family Law in Newmarket, we understand the weight of what you are going through, and we meet you where you are.
Our founder Brian Galbraith went through his own separation and built this firm around the kind of support he wished he'd had — so the care you receive here is grounded in genuine personal understanding. With a family lawyer from our Newmarket team, the focus remains on you: your situation, keeping things as practical and calm as possible, and helping you move forward with a steadier footing.
We are located in Newmarket and serve all of York Region, including Newmarket, Aurora, King City, East Gwillimbury, Bradford, and surrounding areas.
Do You Need Help With a Family Law Matter in Ontario?
Maybe you're putting together a marriage contract. Maybe you're working through a separation, sorting out parenting time, or facing questions about support and property. Whatever brought you here, our team handles the full range of family law matters under Ontario law, from planning ahead to resolving a dispute that is already underway. Sound guidance early on tends to make everything that follows more manageable.
Our family lawyers in Newmarket will...
Is a Family Lawyer Necessary in Newmarket?
Some family matters are genuinely straightforward, and when they are, the process can move quickly. Even so, a separation agreement or court filing is a binding legal document that will shape your finances and parenting for years, so getting the details right matters more than it may seem at first.
You can read about our settlement-first philosophy on our Keeping You Out of Court page.
Many York Region families have finances that are more intertwined than they first appear: a home, pensions, RRSPs, investments, a business, and shared debts, all of which require careful handling under Ontario's Family Law Act and Divorce Act. Our Division of Property Agreements page explains how we approach a fair, lasting split. And when children are part of the picture, clear plans for parenting and child support matter enormously, as our Parenting Arrangements page covers in detail.
What Areas of Family Law Do We Handle in Newmarket?
Family law covers a surprising amount of ground, and our Newmarket team handles it all, treating each matter on its own terms. The areas clients ask us about most often include:
- Marriage and cohabitation agreements are used to set clear expectations and protect assets before or during a relationship
- Separation agreements that resolve property, support, and parenting without a courtroom
- Parenting arrangements built around what keeps children stable and supported
- Child and spousal support, calculated using the Federal Child Support Guidelines and the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines
- Division of property and debts under Ontario's equalization rules
- Mediation and collaborative practice for clients who'd rather avoid court altogether
Because family law is all we do, our team can usually identify what is truly at stake early and work with you toward a resolution efficiently.
You'll find the complete list on our Services page.
Types of Family Law Matters We Handle in Ontario
1
Marriage Contracts and Prenuptial Agreements
Whether it's a first or second marriage, a carefully drafted contract provides both partners with clarity and helps reduce future uncertainty. We work carefully to draft agreements that are clear, properly structured, and tailored to your actual situation.
Learn more on our Prenup and Marriage Contracts page.
2
Separation and Divorce
This is what most clients come to us for. We handle uncontested issues quickly and effectively, and contested issues with care, always first considering settlement methods such as mediation and collaborative practice when they are realistic options.
3
Parenting Disputes
The most emotionally significant aspects of any family matter are usually parenting time, decision-making responsibility, and child support. We assist parents in making practical, child-centred plans that are built with the future in mind.
Our Parenting Arrangements page has more.
4
Common-Law Relationships
In Ontario, common-law partners have legal rights and obligations, especially in the areas of support and property. If you are unsure where you stand, we will explain your rights clearly and help you reach a resolution that reflects what Ontario law provides.
5
Step-Parent Adoption
When a step-parent's relationship with a child becomes official, it can provide a blended family with a true sense of stability. Our Step-Parent Adoption page explains the process.
How We Can Help You in Newmarket
Family law is at the heart of what we do, so you get the focused attention of a team that practises exclusively in family law. We use modern tools and a settlement-first approach to keep the process organized and moving forward, and we remain committed to resolving family conflict with heart. If that is the kind of support you are looking for, we would be glad to help.
Newmarket Office
1195 Stellar Drive, Unit 4
Newmarket, ON L3Y 7B8
Phone: (289) 319-0634
We also serve clients across Ontario from our offices in Barrie, Oakville, and St. Catharines.
Frequently Asked Questions
This depends on the complexity of your matter and the approach you choose to resolve it. We discuss fees openly during your initial consultation so there are no surprises. Our settlement-first approach, using negotiation, mediation, or collaborative practice where appropriate, typically keeps the process more efficient than contested court proceedings, which helps manage overall costs.
Often, yes. Even when both parties agree in principle, having a family lawyer review the agreement helps ensure the terms are clear, properly structured, and reflect your actual circumstances, reducing the risk of issues arising later. A modest investment in early legal advice can be worthwhile, particularly when children, property, or support are involved.
Look for a clear focus on family law, straightforward communication, and a process that puts your goals first. A family lawyer who listens carefully, explains your options without overwhelming you with jargon, and is transparent about what to expect will serve you well. The best way to find out if we're a good fit is to schedule a consultation.
Yes. We strongly prefer to resolve matters outside of court, and most cases are settled through negotiation, mediation, or collaborative practice. However, when litigation is necessary, our team is equipped to represent you in court as well, so your legal support continues without interruption.
Helpful, honest advice—even without a long-term commitment
Charles was excellent. He answered my questions and understood what I was looking for. Even without a guarantee of retaining long-term services, he explained what I could do to minimize my expenses and make the most cost-effective use of his knowledge and experience.
Remi Welch
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.
