Keeping You Out of Court
Keeping you out of court is our top priority, and we’re here to help you find the right resolution with respect, care, and practical solutions.
Introduction
Do you want some help, not a war? Our first goal is keeping you out of court. Every day, we help folks resolve family law issues without going to Family Court. We also help people prevent problems before they happen by helping them with marriage contracts and cohabitation agreements.
We strive to treat our clients the way we would want to be treated, so that means getting a resolution in a timely and cost-effective way. Just as important, we want you to get the “right” resolution for you and your family. The firm owner, Brian, went through his own divorce, so he knows what it is like to be in your shoes. As a result of his experience, we do our best to be part of your “solution” and not “ part of the problem”.
We are ready to truly help you get through this difficult chapter of your life.
Our services include the following:
The first step is for you to have a consultation with one of our lawyers. Call our office, and our Confidential Client Care Team will listen to your story and set you up with the right lawyer for your case. During your consultation, your lawyer will assess your case and offer options for the next steps forward. You will leave the consultation with your roadmap going forward. Bring your list of questions with you, and you will leave with answers. We are ready to help. We usually do consultations in person, but we can do them by phone or video conferencing.
This firm has heart, and they take your matters through the process efficiently with your best interests in mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most family issues can be addressed without a hearing through negotiation, mediation, or collaborative practice. The goal of settling a divorce out of court in Ontario is to reach a written agreement that both parties will stand behind, which tends to hold up better over time than terms imposed by a judge. Court is reserved for issues that cannot be resolved in any other way.
There are a few well-known routes, and the right one depends on your circumstances. Common out-of-court divorce options in Ontario include direct negotiation between lawyers, family mediation with a neutral third party, and collaborative practice, where each spouse has their own trained lawyer. A brief consultation can help you determine which is best for your situation.
Usually, yes. A negotiated divorce settlement in Ontario typically involves fewer hours, fewer formal steps, and no drawn-out court appearances, so the overall cost is usually lower than in a contested case. Beyond the cost, it's usually quicker and much less stressful, especially when children are involved.
Sometimes a full settlement isn't possible, and that's alright. Pursuing family dispute resolution in Ontario often narrows disagreements, even if it doesn't resolve everything, leaving less to argue about if court becomes necessary. The goal is always to keep as much as possible settled between you rather than handing it to a judge.
Questions?
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.