Ottawa Divorce Lawyers

Our divorce lawyers are experienced in handling all types of divorce, including uncontested divorce, contested divorce, separation agreements, or other family law cases.

Are you looking for a reliable divorce lawyer in Ottawa who has your best interests at heart? We invite you to contact the divorce lawyers at Simple Divorce. Our lawyers are all rounded and can handle cases involving divorce, alimony, child support, child custody, and the division of property. Do not hesitate to contact us even if you are working on a constrained budget. We have flexible repayment options.

 

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Uncontested Divorce Lawyers In Ottawa

When you decide to file for divorce, you have two options: contested or uncontested divorce. You can avoid a lengthy litigation process, thus saving time and money by going for an uncontested divorce. Unlike a contested divorce process that can turn nasty and drain you emotionally, an uncontested divorce is more peaceful. Our lawyers at Simple Divorce can help you file for an uncontested divorce. We will negotiate for the best terms and review the settlement papers before you sign. We will do everything possible to negotiate a fair settlement.

Benefits of Uncontested Divorce

An uncontested divorce is more friendly and amicable since spouses choose to work together instead of engaging in unending court battles. The parties involved must still engage in intense negotiations. However, the negotiations are civil and concluded in a short period. With the help of an arbitrator or mediator, spouses work out mutual terms regarding child support and custody, alimony, and property division. You will not have to face the frustrating court process. An uncontested divorce can be completed even in two months, unlike a contested divorce, which takes longer to conclude.

How We Can Help

Our caring Ottawa divorce lawyers can help you understand how uncontested divorce works. We will also help you understand how divorce affects your children, property, and future. Given our experience and dedication, we can handle any uncontested divorce case, whether straightforward or intricate. We will work closely with you, your spouse, and your lawyer to come to a mutually beneficial agreement. We will safeguard your rights to ensure that you do not get a dollar less than you deserve. Contact us today. Our lawyers will swing to action, evaluate your case, determine if you qualify for an uncontested divorce, and represent you accordingly.

Contested Divorce

If you and your spouse disagree on some aspects of your divorce, an uncontested divorce may not be an option. You have to pursue a contested divorce. Your divorce will proceed to court, where a judge or jury will make a judgment. Some of the most contested issues in divorce include property division, child custody, alimony, child support, and division of debt. Before pursuing a contested divorce, you must have been separated for at least one year, as the law requires.

Intense court battles characterize most contested divorces. The judge decides after listening to the presentations made by both spouses and their lawyers. The judge’s decision may not align with your desires. Since contested divorces are lengthy and intricate, they are more costly than uncontested divorces.

What You Should Expect In a Contested Divorce

Here’s what you can expect in a contested divorce:

  • Step 1: This step involves filing a divorce case in court, whereby you request the court to issue a divorce agreement. You must disclose the reasons why you want to divorce your spouse. Common reasons include desertion, violence, infidelity, and insanity. Your spouse will be served a divorce petition.
  • Step 2: The other party’s lawyer will issue a response to your petition. You should not go it alone from this point. You need a divorce lawyer to liaise with your spouse’s lawyer on your behalf.
  • Step 3: At this stage, your lawyer will gather all the crucial documentation to help you prepare for a settlement or court hearing in case the case doesn’t settle out of court. Motions and pre-trial hearings may also commence.
  • Step 4: This stage involves reviewing the settlement offers made by the spouses. The divorce case will settle out of court if both parties are comfortable with the offer.
  • Step 5: If the parties do not resolve the divorce case out of court through mediation or arbitration, the case proceeds to court. The judge will decide on all the disputed issues and grant a divorce order.

If your divorce case proceeds to court, but you are not satisfied with the court’s decision, you can file an appeal. However, this will translate into additional time and costs.

Preparing for Trial In a Contested Divorce

Feeling anxious and uncertain when preparing for the trial process is normal. However, with an experienced family lawyer by your side, you don’t have to worry. Our devoted lawyers at Simple Divorce have presented countless clients in divorce trials. They have what it takes to safeguard your rights. We understand how overwhelming the trial process can be. We will do everything possible to negotiate a favourable outcome.

Separation Agreement

At the time of separation, couples sign a legal contract known as a separation agreement. This agreement outlines how the couple has handled the issues pertaining to the separation. The issues include property division, child access or custody, loans, and alimony. A couple has the freedom to sign a separation agreement or do without one. However, signing a written separation agreement is best since it makes the divorce process easier. You will need an experienced divorce lawyer in Ottawa to help you draft a separation agreement.

It is advisable to have a separation agreement if:

  • You have children since you must decide on the crucial financial responsibilities for their education, health, and overall well-being.
  • You have crucial roles or responsibilities that you need to share when you separate.
  • If you separate, you need to decide what will happen to your income, savings, or shared plans.

You can avoid future misunderstandings by having a well-drafted separation agreement in place. Our family lawyers at Simple Divorce can help you draft and sign a separation agreement.

When You Can Use A Separation Agreement

Even if you believe you don’t need a separation agreement, signing one has many benefits. With a separation agreement, it is easier and less costly to resolve issues instead of proceeding to court. You can use a separation agreement in the following ways:

  • If you don’t fulfill the requirements to be given a divorce, a separation agreement can serve as an alternative to divorce.
  • A separation agreement outlines the responsibilities and obligations of every spouse before the divorce, including how finances and assets will be distributed.
  • When you commence the divorce proceedings, a separation agreement comes in handy in proving when the separation began.

Either partner can challenge the separation agreement. If the judge finds the conditions unreasonable or unenforceable, the agreement can be nullified. However, a separation agreement still remains an important instrument that can assist in aligning both spouses’ expectations following the divorce.

Foreign Divorce Letter

If you divorce in another country and want to remarry in Canada, you must demonstrate that the divorce was legal in the nation where it was granted. For those intending to remarry in Canada, a foreign divorce opinion letter is necessary. A divorce opinion letter is a legal and recognized document in Canada under the Federal Divorce Act. Before remarrying, you must plan ahead of time and get the guidance of a divorce lawyer.

Is A Foreign Divorce Valid In Canada

The specific aspects of a divorce case determine whether the divorce will be acknowledged in Canada. The validity of divorce is also determined by decisions made under statutory law or case law. If your previous marriage was dissolved elsewhere other than Canada, you cannot get a marriage certificate except if you obtain written consent from the marriage office.

Some requirements must be met for the divorce to be recognized in Canada. For example, you must have both resided within the jurisdiction where you sought divorce for some time. Additionally, a foreign divorce must be validated and translated before it may be accepted in Canada. You need to speak with an experienced divorce lawyer to obtain an opinion letter detailing why the divorce should be granted.

Experienced and Licensed Divorce Lawyers In Ottawa

You should expect high professionalism, discretion, and respect from our team of divorce lawyers in Ottawa. When you choose us, we will walk with you until your divorce is concluded. You will never be in the dark. We pledge to be in constant communication with you and keep you up to date on the status of your case.

We handle all aspects of family law, including property division, child custody, child support, and spousal maintenance. If you choose us to represent you, we will do everything we can to make your transition as comfortable and uncomplicated as possible. We will review your alternatives, such as resolving disputes with the opposing party amicably through mediation, arbitration, or litigation. We take the time to understand our client’s needs and aspirations. Contact Simple Divorce today for trustworthy and reliable legal representation.