What We Do
Full-Service Family Law
Stanchieri Family Law provides legal advice and representation in all areas of family law. From negotiated agreements to litigated court orders, we assist clients in matters involving varying levels of conflict, complexity, and urgency.
Legal Issues
Disputes We Resolve
Family law matters typically involve parenting and financial disputes. Depending on the circumstances, we can address these issues individually or together as part of a broader resolution.
Child Support
Determining child support obligations based on income, parenting arrangements, and the applicable Guidelines.
Spousal Support
Assessing entitlement to spousal support and determining appropriate amount and duration based on the circumstances of the relationship.
Property Division
Determining how assets and debts are addressed following separation, including equalization, valuation, and exclusions.
Decision Making
Determining who has authority to make major decisions affecting a child’s education, health care, and overall well-being.
Parenting Time
Establishing parenting schedules and determining when a child spends time with each parent.
Relocations
Addressing proposed moves that would significantly affect parenting arrangements and a child’s relationship with a parent.
Common Situations
Matters We Handle
Family law matters can vary widely in scope, requirements, and circumstances. We work with clients in a broad range of situations, tailoring our approach to the specific legal needs of each matter.
Divorce & Separation
The legal and procedural steps involved in formalizing the breakdown of a marriage or relationship, including the resolution of related parenting and financial disputes.
Marriage & Cohabitation
Future planning through marriage contracts and cohabitation agreements to clarify financial rights and obligations in the event of separation.
Variations
Matters involving proposed changes to existing court orders or agreements where circumstances have materially changed over time.
Parenting Plans
The development or refinement of written parenting arrangements addressing decision-making and parenting time following separation.
Family Violence
Situations involving family or domestic violence affecting the safety of children or spouses and influencing parenting and financial matters.
Tort of Intimate Partner Violence
The tort of intimate partner violence addresses coercive and controlling conduct within intimate relationships that may give rise to a civil claim for damages.
Income Determination
Assessing income for support purposes, particularly where income is unclear, variable, or disputed, and may require review of financial records or supporting documentation.
Matrimonial Homes
Issues relating to the family home following separation, including rights of occupancy, property division, and decisions regarding possession or sale.
Business Valuations
The determination of business value where one or both parties have an interest in a privately held business, often requiring financial disclosure and expert evidence.
Urgent Matters
Time-sensitive circumstances requiring immediate legal intervention to address risks affecting children, finances, or court proceedings.
Complex Matters
Situations involving multiple interrelated legal issues or procedural complications that increase scope and strategic demands.
Simple Matters
Situations involving lower levels of conflict, limited complexity, and minimal urgency, resulting in a narrower and more contained legal scope.
High-Conflict Divorce
Circumstances where conflict dynamics significantly affect communication, cooperation, and the ability to resolve issues efficiently.
Cross-Border Matters
Situations involving jurisdictional questions, foreign court orders, or family law disputes across borders.
Child Protection
When Child Protection Services (CAS) initiates a proceeding concerning the safety and well-being of a child.
Independent Legal Advice
The review or second opinion for a wide range of legal needs in family law, including domestic contracts and ongoing matters.
Intersections of Law
Intersections of law arise when a family law matter also engages legal issues governed by another area of law. In Ontario, these overlaps are common and can materially affect legal risk, timing, and available options.
Appeals
The legal proceeding needed for reviewing a court decision for error in law or procedure.
Contracts & Agreements
The drafting or reviewing of various domestic contracts under family law, including marriage contracts, separation agreements, and cohabitation agreements.
Second Opinions
Reviewing advice, strategy, and process in an existing family law matter, with recommendations provided in an opinion letter.
Dispute Resolutions
Methods We Use
Family law matters can be resolved through different dispute resolution options. We use the legal methods most appropriate and practical for the circumstances, with particular attention to the level of conflict, complexity, and urgency involved in the matter.
Negotiation
A resolution-focused approach where parties exchange settlement proposals and work toward agreement, often allowing flexibility in timing, terms, and overall settlement structure.
Mediation
A facilitated resolution option where a neutral mediator assists the parties in narrowing issues and working toward agreement through structured discussion.
Litigation
A formal court-based option where unresolved issues are addressed through the Family Law Rules and decided through binding orders made by a judge.
Arbitration
A private adjudicative option where parties present issues to an arbitrator for a binding decision, often used where a structured determination is required.
Collaborative
A cooperative resolution option where parties and their lawyers commit to resolving issues through structured negotiation and transparency, without court involvement.
Dispute Resolutions
A comparison of all dispute resolution options, helping clarify how each legal method works and what factors typically influence selection.
Book a Consultation
Speak with a family lawyer to discuss your situation and the legal options available to you.