Family Lawyers in Burlington

Mediation involves a neutral third party helping both sides reach an agreement. Collaborative law involves each party having their own lawyer while committing to resolve matters outside of court.

Family law fees in Ontario typically range from $300 to $600+ per hour, depending on the lawyer’s experience and the complexity of the matter. Most firms, including ours, offer initial consultations at a reduced or fixed rate so you can get clear advice before committing to a retainer. Uncontested and mediated matters generally cost significantly less than contested litigation, which is one of the reasons we emphasize agreement-based resolutions wherever possible. During your first consultation at FDH Lawyers, we will walk you through the likely cost range for your specific situation so you can plan with clarity.

If cost is a concern, there are several options available to help you access family law support.

• Legal Aid Ontario may cover certain family law services for individuals who meet financial eligibility requirements. You can learn more by visiting legalaid.on.ca.
• Family Law Information Centres (FLICs), located at family courthouses including Hamilton, provide access to advice lawyers who can offer approximately 20–30 minutes of free general legal guidance.
• Unbundled legal services are another option. Many family lawyers, including FDH Lawyers, can assist with specific tasks such as document review, one-time advice, or drafting agreements, rather than full representation. This can help keep legal costs more manageable.
• Mediation is also often a more cost-effective alternative to litigation, particularly where both parties are open to reaching an agreement.

Even a single consultation with a family lawyer can help you understand your rights and avoid costly mistakes early in the process.

Rule 13 of Ontario’s Family Law Rules governs the financial disclosure you are legally required to provide when your case involves support, property division, or exclusive possession of the matrimonial home. In most cases, you will need to prepare a sworn financial statement and attach supporting documents such as recent tax returns, notices of assessment, pay stubs, bank and investment statements, and documentation of debts and assets.

Failing to provide full and honest disclosure can delay your matter, expose you to cost consequences, and, in some cases, invalidate an agreement years later. Our team helps clients prepare complete, accurate disclosures the first time.

If a court application is necessary, many Burlington family law matters proceed through the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, Family Court, in Hamilton. The family courthouse is located at 55 Main St. W., Hamilton, Ontario.

For married spouses, the matrimonial home has special treatment under Ontario’s Family Law Act. Even if only one spouse owns the home, both married spouses may have an equal right to possession of the matrimonial home unless there is an agreement or court order stating otherwise.

You should begin collecting financial documents such as income statements, tax returns, and information about assets and debts.

An uncontested divorce is typically faster, while contested matters may take longer depending on the circumstances. In most cases, married spouses must have lived separate and apart for at least one year before obtaining a divorce based on separation, although separation itself begins when you start living separate and apart and can, in some cases, happen while living under the same roof.

If you have questions about your situation, speaking with a lawyer can provide clarity and direction.