Family Law
Family disputes often combine reason and emotions. Mainly for this reason, our lawyers accompany you to have a clearer understanding and to take good decisions in regards to your own interests and the interests of your children.
Whether in the case of the break-up of a De facto union, the management of a divorce that includes family patrimony, the handling of a matrimonial regime or even in relation to child or former spouse support, it is important that your rights are defended rightfully. This is done by ensuring the case is correctly administered.
Moreover, it is important to keep an open mind to alternative dispute resolution methods and to be able to recognize when the parties’ positions are so irreconcilable that litigation is inevitable.
Our lawyers also work with various specialists, such as social workers, psychologists and psychoeducators, and use their services as needed to help you and your family through this difficult time.
To take an appointment it's fast and easy
La Prairie, Laval, Longueuil, St-Basile-le-Grand, Sherbrooke
1 844 659-1717 or Online appointment.
Frequently asked questions
Marriage contract or not?
This page is only available in French.
How is child support calculated?
Child support is usually calculated from the Quebec model for determining child support. From the income of both parents and the number of children, the tables determine an annual budget for children's basic needs.
This budget is then divided between the parents according to the proportion of the income of the parents and the custody time. The budget should follow the children. So, this means that if the kids are in the sole custody of one of the parents, the total budget must be available to that parent. This is called a transfer request from one parent to the other and creates the alimony obligation. In joint custody, the budget must be 50% on each side. When parental incomes are unequal, the proportion of the budget held by each parent is not equal to 50%. The alimony support thus serves to balance the budget.
Visit our brochure "Understanding child support" to learn more.
For more information on the expenditure included in alimony, do not hesitate to contact us.
What if our income changes over time?
Under section 596.1 CCQ, parents have an obligation to keep up-to-date of changes in their income. On request, the other parent must provide the information on their income annually. With this information it is possible to adjust the payment of maintenance by performing a new calculation. Judgment may however be necessary to ensure that these modifications will take effect.
10 tips to reduce legal costs
Avoid the dispute and be open to alternative dispute resolution methods
Your attorney may recommend that you try to resolve the conflict through an alternative method, such as mediation or off-court settlement. Although your lawyer is an experienced litigator, it is common that the most effective and inexpensive way to resolve a case is through these methods. With the help of a neutral person, it is possible to reach an agreement that will work for you and the other party. Be realistic in your demands and try not to be motivated solely by revenge, guilt or anger. Try to be as objective as possible.
Give complete and detailed information
The facts are different in each case. Lawyers do not have a crystal ball and rely on you to provide them with the information they need. Submit an accurate summary of the facts that you consider relevant in chronological order.
Be honest
Remember that you benefit from confidentiality in your relationship with your lawyer. They must be aware of all relevant facts, even if they may appear contrary to your interest. Your lawyer will manage and lead the file accordingly. The worst case scenario for your case is when your attorney is negotiating before the judge and realizes that you have not told them everything.
Pay your bills on time
It's a matter of respect. You do not leave your mechanic's garage without paying for the repairs he has done on your vehicle. It's the same for your lawyer. You receive a service which must be paid for. When you fail to pay bill on time, additional costs can be charged with interest.
Be organized
To properly prepare your case, your lawyer will certainly need several documents. Make the necessary steps to obtain the documents that are under your control, such as birth certificates, marriage contract, lease, notarized contract, bank statements, etc. Organize the documents for your attorney, in a binder or otherwise, but make sure that everything is clear. Remember that if your lawyer must take time to file your documents, this will appear on your next bill. The fees that you pay should not be used to sort and organize documents.
Be consistent in your instructions
Once your lawyer has clearly explained to you your rights, obligations and possible actions, be clear in your instructions and do not change your mind constantly along the way. If you change your mind along the way about the direction of the case, quickly tell your lawyer in order to prevent them from working in the wrong direction.
Be prepared
In order not to drive up your bill, have your list of questions at hand when you call your lawyser. Keep up to date by keeping copies of the documents that you give to your lawyer. Archive emails and documents that are sent to you. Keep an updated log of events that may occur along the way, such calls from the opposing party and note the specific dates when important events occur.
A picture is worth a thousand words
Feel free to provide your lawyer with photographs that illustrate your lifestyle, such as holiday pictures or pictures of you taking care of your children, etc. These photographs may be submitted in evidence at the hearing.
Stay in touch
If something important happens and your lawyer is not aware, notify them quickly. A quick email will suffice to make them aware of the things that occurred, either in relation to the other party, a witness or otherwise.
Do not take your lawyer for your psychologist
Despite the fact that you are going through difficult times, your lawyer is not a psychologist. You have approached us to direct you regarding your rights and obligations. Turn to the appropriate resources for psychological support. We can gradly direct you to the appropriate resources for your situation.