Cynthia has been practising family law for over twenty years. She has assisted many clients entering into relationships to prepare marriage or cohabitation agreements. She has even more experience helping people navigate through the stressful period following a separation. Cynthia can assist with negotiating a separation agreement, parenting agreement or obtaining a court order. If you already have a separation agreement or court order, but your former spouse is not following it, or your situation has changed, Cynthia can also help negotiate an amending agreement or bring a Motion to Change.
During your first meeting with Cynthia, the two of you will discuss your rights and responsibilities. She will discuss the different processes to obtain your goals and help you choose the right one for you.
No matter which process is best for you, or whether you are at the start of your relationship, separated, considering separation, or requiring a change to an agreement or court order, you will need to find out what the financial situation of the other party is and you will have to provide him or her with the information about your financial situation. It is helpful if you gather up your last three years’ income tax returns and assessments, statements for your bank and investment accounts, your loans and your credit cards. For parties just separated, statements at the date of marriage (or the date of the commencement of your cohabitation, if not married) and the date of separation are required. For those wanting a change in support provisions in a separation agreement or court order, only income information and current statements of assets and debts may be required. Please note that although it is helpful to have this information at your first meeting, it is certainly not essential so just bring what you can!
Cynthia has extensive experience in negotiating agreements on behalf of her clients. She has obtained her Certificate in Conflict Management and Mediation – Advanced from the University of Waterloo (Conrad Greibel) and continues to pursue her education in this field to better serve her clients.
Where a family’s issues cannot be resolved through negotiation or mediation, Cynthia has significant experience in dealing with court matters and has appeared in courts throughout the area, including Stratford, Goderich, Guelph, Kitchener, Walkerton and Owen Sound.
Let Cynthia help you with:
- Custody
- Access
- Child Support
- Spousal Support
- Division of Assets
- Guardianship
- Private Adoptions
- Pension Valuations
- Divorce
- Marriage Contracts
- Cohabitation Agreements
- Amending Agreements
- Motions to Change