Ending your marriage is never an easy decision. It is important to seek advice from right people, and in your best interests, you need to hire a divorce lawyer. Filing for divorce in Ontario doesn’t have to be complicated. As long as you meet the residency and separation requirements, you can get the divorce, even if your spouse doesn’t want the same. In this post, we are sharing more on when and how to hire the right Ottawa divorce lawyer.
When you definitely need a divorce lawyer
At a time when you are dealing with stress, separation, and emotional trauma, it can be hard to think straight. Hiring a divorce lawyer is all about easing the process and protecting your rights and interests. You also need to get a lawyer if –
- Your spouse has been threatening you
- You don’t expect cooperation from your spouse
- You need help with your separation agreement
- You are unsure of the paperwork
- You have considerable marital assets
Ask the right questions
Most divorce lawyers will be happy to offer a free initial consultation, either on phone or in person. This is a good window to ask a few important questions, like –
- How long have you been practicing as a divorce lawyer in Ottawa?
- How much do you charge? What is the cost of getting divorced in Ontario?
- Have you handled divorces similar to mine?
- Will you handle my case personally?
- Can you help me with child support mediation?
Cost of hiring a divorce lawyer in Ontario
Most family law attorneys and divorce lawyers work on an hourly rate, although some may ask for a retainer fee. For obvious reasons, divorce lawyers don’t work on a contingency basis. There can be other costs related to the divorce, and it’s best to get a ballpark estimate from the lawyer, so that you can work on your finances accordingly.
Comfort is key
Before you decide about a divorce lawyer, consider their interest in the case. Keep in mind that you need to feel comfortable with the attorney, to discuss your marriage, important aspects like child support, alimony and custody. Ask the attorney about the due divorce process and how long it can take to get your decree. Note that a separation period of one year is mandatory, unless you can rely on other grounds to get a divorce.
A good lawyer will never give false hopes or make promises that are too good to be true.
