Integrity is the word best used to describe Michelle. Intelligence and compassion inform her approach to law and her clients. She will offer up practical solutions and will not advocate for an approach that will not meet a cost/benefit test. She has good judgement and good work ethic. I am so grateful for her guidance through a complicated time in my life. I would, without hesitation, recommend Michelle to anyone seeking clarity with their legal matter.
Sometimes you just need advice so you can negotiate your own agreements. Maybe you and your partner know what you want but need a Separation Agreement that reflects your decisions. Or you may need Independent Legal Advice on an agreement your partner has provided you. I can help.
Michelle empowers those separating to help themselves through legal advice and coaching. Michelle can help you understand your rights and responsibilities under the law and can coach you through the options so you can advocate for yourself. Michelle takes a creative, practical, resolution-oriented approach to resolving matters arising from the un-coupling process.
Michelle offers Strategy Sessions to individuals to help them understand their rights, responsibilities, options and processes available.
Where you and your partner have agreed to your terms of separation, Michelle can draft you a Separation Agreement. As Separation Agreement is binding like a court order. It is important to have a lawyer write and review these Agreements to ensure that the Agreement is fair under the law, can be upheld under the law, and that all parties understand the terms and consequences. ** For uncontested separations only**.
If your spouse provided you with a Separation Agreement, or you came an agreement in mediation with another mediator, Michelle can provide you Independent Legal Advice on that agreement prior to signing. Independent Legal Advice is a critical component of ensuring that all parties understand what they are agreeing to and will be bound by. **Agreement must have been drafted by a lawyer**.
Michelle will coach you so you can navigate your separation yourself. Michelle does not represent clients in their separation negotiations or in court. Her role is to empower you to do this yourself, where appropriate.
Michelle is doing family law differently. Michelle provides people with legal assistance so they can resolve their family law issues on their own, in an informed, efficient and cost-effective way. Michelle will not represent you or negotiate on your behalf in your family law manner or in court- she will help you help yourself.
Michelle provides the following services and packages at a flat rate. The flat rate provided on the SERVICES & PRICING page includes all fees and disbursements unless otherwise stated or agreed.
NOTE: The flat rate for services or packages are subject to change without notice and the fees as set out on this webpage on the date that you select the service is the price that you will pay for that specific service or package, and with the tasks or limitations as set out herein. All prices are in Canadian Dollars (CND$). Taxes are not included.
These packages are for uncontested separations only– this process is not suitable if you are in dispute with your partner. If you need advice on your rights, responsibilities and options, please book a Strategy Session.
If you and your partner have a good idea about what you want, are able to communicate well, and you both have a general knowledge of your rights and responsibilities, I can draft a legal Separation Agreement for you, reflecting the terms of your agreement.
The fees for these packages include a meeting between you and I before drafting starts to assess your rights and responsibilities under the law against the options for resolution; the drafting of the agreement based on your instructions; email correspondences as needed; a further meeting to walk through the draft agreement to tweak it with you for the final draft, and sign off.
The fees do NOT include correspondence or negotiation with your partner or their lawyer, further revisions, or in-depth legal advice on your rights and options (if you need this, book a Strategy Session first).
