Services

Navigating family and domestic disputes can be challenging and emotionally taxing. We specialize in providing expert legal guidance and representation to help you resolve these issues effectively and compassionately.

What We Offer

Family and Domestic Disputes

Services We Offer:

Child Custody and Access: Advocating for the best interests of your children and ensuring fair access arrangements.

Child and Spousal Support: Calculating and negotiating support payments to ensure financial stability for you and your family.

Domestic Violence Protection Orders: Securing protection orders to ensure your safety and well-being.

Property Division: Ensuring equitable division of marital property and assets.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • A: Child custody is determined based on the best interests of the child, considering factors such as the child’s needs, the parents’ ability to meet those needs, and the child’s relationship with each parent.

  • A: You can apply for a protection order through the court. The process involves submitting an application outlining the reasons for the order and attending a court hearing.

  • A: Mediation involves meeting with a neutral third party to discuss and negotiate a resolution. The mediator helps facilitate the conversation but does not make binding decisions. Agreements reached in mediation can be made legally binding through a court order.

  • A: Yes, grandparents can seek visitation rights. Courts consider the best interests of the child, including the nature of the relationship between the grandparent and the child.

  • A: Courts consider the income of both parents, the needs of the child, and the amount of time each parent spends with the child. The Federal Child Support Guidelines provide a framework for calculating support.

Divorce and Separation

Divorce and separation can be complex and require careful legal navigation to ensure your rights and interests are protected. Our firm provides comprehensive legal support to guide you through this process.

Services We Offer:

Division of Property: Assisting in the equitable division of marital assets and liabilities

Spousal Support: Negotiating and determining appropriate spousal support arrangements.

Child Custody and Support: Ensuring fair custody arrangements and support payments that prioritize the best interests of the children.

Collaborative Divorce: Facilitating a collaborative approach to divorce to minimize conflict and legal costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • A: The timeline for a divorce can vary, but typically it takes at least one year from the date of separation. The process can be longer if there are disputes over custody, support, or property division.

  • A: Separation is when spouses live apart but are still legally married, while divorce legally ends the marriage. Separation can be a step towards divorce.

  • A: To file for divorce, you need a completed divorce application, a marriage certificate, financial statements, and any previous court orders related to your marriage or children.

  • A: Spousal support is calculated based on factors such as the length of the marriage, the roles and responsibilities during the marriage, the income and financial needs of both parties, and any agreements made prior to or during the marriage.

  • A: A separation agreement is a written contract between spouses outlining terms of separation, including property division, child custody, and support. It is legally binding if both parties agree to the terms and it is signed and witnessed.

Wills & Estate Planning

Effective estate planning ensures that your assets are managed and distributed according to your wishes. Our firm offers tailored estate planning services to provide peace of mind and financial security for you and your loved ones.

Services We Offer:

Drafting Wills: Creating comprehensive wills that clearly outline your wishes.

Establishing Trusts: Setting up various types of trusts to manage and protect your assets.

Power of Attorney: Appointing trusted individuals to make decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated.

Probate Administration: Assisting with the probate process to ensure the smooth administration of estates.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • A: If you die without a will, your estate will be distributed according to provincial intestacy laws, which may not align with your wishes.

  • A: It’s advisable to review and update your will every few years or after major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or significant changes in your financial situation.

  • A: A will outlines how your assets will be distributed after your death, while a living will (or advance healthcare directive) specifies your wishes for medical care if you become incapacitated.

  • A: Yes, you can change your will at any time by creating a new will or adding a codicil to the existing will, as long as you are mentally competent.

  • A: Probate is the legal process of validating a will and administering the estate. It is required when the deceased person has assets solely in their name that need to be transferred to beneficiaries.

Wealth Preservation

Preserving your wealth for future generations requires strategic planning and expert legal advice. Our firm specializes in creating customized solutions to protect your assets and ensure long-term financial stability.

Services We Offer:

Tax Planning: Developing strategies to minimize tax liabilities.

Asset Protection: Implementing legal measures to safeguard your assets from potential risks.

Business Succession Planning: Ensuring a smooth transition of your business to the next generation.

Charitable Giving: Structuring charitable donations to maximize benefits for both you and the recipients.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • A: Effective estate tax planning involves strategies such as gifting, setting up trusts, and utilizing tax-efficient investment vehicles.

  • A: Legal strategies such as establishing trusts, transferring ownership, and proper insurance can protect your assets from potential creditors.

  • A: A family trust is a legal arrangement where assets are transferred to a trustee to manage on behalf of beneficiaries. It can help minimize taxes, protect assets, and ensure they are used according to your wishes.

  • A: Strategies include creating a succession plan, setting up buy-sell agreements, training successors, and considering tax implications to ensure a smooth transition.

  • A: Charitable giving can be incorporated through donations, establishing charitable trusts, or creating donor-advised funds, which can provide tax benefits and support causes you care about.

Real Estate (Buy & Sell)

Buying or selling real estate involves significant financial transactions and legal considerations. Our firm provides expert legal assistance to ensure your real estate transactions are smooth and compliant with Canadian laws.

Services We Offer:

Contract Review: Thoroughly reviewing and drafting purchase and sale agreements.

Due Diligence: Conducting detailed due diligence to uncover any potential issues with the property.

Title Searches: Ensuring clear and marketable title for the property.

Transaction Closing: Facilitating the closing process to ensure all legal requirements are met.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • A: A real estate lawyer ensures that the transaction complies with legal requirements, conducts title searches, prepares and reviews documents, and facilitates the closing process.

  • A: Title insurance protects against potential issues with the property’s title, such as fraud or undisclosed liens. While not mandatory, it is highly recommended to protect your investment.

  • A: A fixed-rate mortgage has a set interest rate for the entire term, providing predictable payments. A variable-rate mortgage has an interest rate that can fluctuate based on market conditions, potentially offering lower initial rates but with more risk.

  • A: Key areas to inspect include the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical systems, HVAC, and any signs of water damage or structural issues.

  • A: Closing costs are fees associated with finalizing a real estate transaction. They typically include legal fees, land transfer taxes, title insurance, appraisal fees, and home inspection costs.

“Colin Lyle was very helpful with our Family Responsibility case, keeping his focus on the children’s welfare. An agreeable compromise was reached by all parties. He is strict and will call you on any bad behaviour, making sure you understand the law and encouraging you to work towards familial harmony. I like that he didn't make grandiose promises, but kept the goal about setting up a guide for all of us to follow. Would use him again.”

– Regan Noble

Get In Touch

If you're interested in working with us, complete the form with a few details about your project. We'll review your message and get back to you within 48 hours.