Divorce & Family Lawyer Kitchener-Waterloo
Marriage breakdown creates urgent legal needs. Our family lawyers in Kitchener-Waterloo guide clients through custody arrangements, support calculations, and asset division with strategic precision.
Separation decisions have lasting financial and emotional consequences. Ontario family law’s procedural requirements, documentation standards, and filing deadlines demand professional attention. Self-representation risks costly errors that take years to remedy. Qualified legal counsel protects your interests while you focus on rebuilding your life.
About Our Kitchener-Waterloo Family Law Practice
For over 30 years, Stephen Durbin and Associates has provided dedicated family law representation across Waterloo Region. Our approach balances negotiation with litigation readiness.
We understand the complexities of technology-sector employment, equity compensation issues, and professional partnership disputes common in this region. From Cambridge to Waterloo, Kitchener to surrounding communities, we serve families facing separation with compassionate, results-focused advocacy.
Our Kitchener-Waterloo Divorce Lawyers are Focused on a Fair Path
Effective divorce representation requires understanding your priorities and developing a strategy accordingly. Our team of seasoned legal professionals tackles every issue tactfully.
Uncontested divorce: Mutual agreement simplifies the process. We prepare accurate documentation and manage court filings for efficient finalization.
Contested divorce: Fundamental disagreements demand strong advocacy. We develop evidence-based positions, negotiate from a position of strength, and litigate forcefully when necessary.
Post-divorce: Circumstances change. Career transitions, health issues, remarriage; we modify existing orders to reflect current realities.
Our Family Law Services in Kitchener-Waterloo
From application through judgment, we handle complete divorce proceedings. Our divorce lawyers in Kitchener and Waterloo ensure proper documentation, timely filing, and procedural compliance.
Effective parenting arrangements balance children’s needs with practical realities. We negotiate comprehensive plans addressing residential schedules, decision-making authority for health, education, religion, and extracurriculars, and holiday allocation. Whether advocating for primary residence, shared parenting, or specific decision-making structures, children’s best interests guide our approach.
We calculate child support precisely using Federal Guidelines, accounting for base amounts and section 7 expenses.
Support entitlement, quantum, and duration depend on multiple factors: income differential, length of marriage, roles during the relationship, career sacrifices, and future earning capacity. We thoroughly analyze circumstances, apply Advisory Guidelines appropriately, and structure support as time-limited, indefinite, or lump-sum to achieve fair outcomes.
Equalization requires accurate asset valuation and proper application of exclusions. We address complex holdings: startup equity, professional partnerships, stock portfolios, defined benefit pensions, and real estate investments. Waterloo Region’s tech sector creates unique valuation challenges we routinely navigate.
Well-drafted agreements provide certainty. We prepare separation agreements that resolve all issues comprehensively. Cohabitation agreements establish property and support expectations for new relationships, protecting both parties.
Settlement-focused approaches reduce conflict and cost. We support clients through mediation, arbitration, and collaborative processes, ensuring agreements protect their rights while avoiding courtroom battles.
When settlement fails, we litigate effectively. Our courtroom experience includes emergency motions, lengthy trials, and complex appeals. We advocate relentlessly for clients’ interests.
Why People Choose our Family Law Services in Kitchener-Waterloo
Extensive experience. Three decades of handling family law matters provide perspective on what strategies succeed.
Direct communication. We translate legal complexity into plain language and provide honest assessments.
Balanced approach. We pursue settlement earnestly while maintaining litigation preparedness.
Regional expertise. Understanding Waterloo Region’s employment landscape helps address complex compensation and valuation issues.
Legal Services In Family Law
We have several offices conveniently located in the heart of each city located across the GTA
Custody and Access
“Custody” refers to parental decision-making in relation to children in four major areas: health, religion, education, and major recreational activities. Custody can take several forms: Sole custody, where one parent is responsible for all decision-making; Joint custody, where parents make decisions jointly or through parallel parenting, wherein one parent is responsible for some decisions (e.g. […]
Disclosure and Failure to Disclose Assets
The importance of full and frank financial disclosure cannot be understated: it is the cornerstone of financial issues in family law. Parties are required to provide all financial disclosure openly and honestly during negotiations, mediation, arbitration, or litigation. Courts do not look kindly upon people who hide, deplete, or fail to disclose assets in order […]
Enforcement of Orders
For many, having a court order in hand finalizes the underlying issues of a family law matter. Unfortunately, in some circumstances court orders are disobeyed or disregarded. Custody and access orders that are not being followed could give rise to the offender being held in contempt. A contempt finding may result in fines or imprisonment. […]
Equalization of Net Family Property and Property Division for Married Spouses
This applies only to married parties. In Ontario, marriage is treated like a business partnership. When the marriage ends, the assets accumulated during that partnership are subject to a process called “equalization.” Equalization attempts to ensure the assets are reviewed so that each party leaves the marriage on equal financial footing. Generally speaking and following the exchange of full and frank financial disclosure, both parties calculate and compare the growth in their respective net worth from the date of marriage to the date of separation. The individual with a higher net worth must give to their estranged spouse one half of the difference so that the parties are in an equal financial position in the context of the relationship.
Grandparents’ Rights
Under some circumstances, grandparents can apply to a court for custody, access, and/or child support for a child (in cases such as if a parent dies, is unavailable, is an incredibly poor caregiver, or if the grandparents previously cared for the child and their access was cut off). It is most common for a court […]
High Value and Complex Assets and Income Streams
Complex income streams and assets comprised of partly or wholly owned corporations, employee stock options, offshore holdings, securities, trusts, pensions and so forth, can add a layer of complexity to a family law matter. Understanding how to deal with these assets and incomes in a family law context can be difficult, particularly considering the financial […]
Independent Legal Advice
When you’re ready to sign a domestic contract, like a separation or cohabitation agreement, you might feel worn out from negotiations and disclosures. However, rushing to sign can lead to issues. After investing time and effort, it’s crucial to aim for the best standard in domestic contracts. Independent legal advice is key to achieving this. […]
Joint Venture and Trust Claims
Although common law spouses do not share property in the same way as married spouses, it may still be possible for a common law spouse who accumulated less wealth to make a claim against a common law spouse who accumulated greater wealth over the course of the relationship. Stephen Durbin and Associates can help clarify […]
Maintaining Child Support and Section 7 Expenses
Child support are the periodic payments made by separated parents to the other parent, for the day-to-day expenses associated with raising children. The Federal Child Support Guidelines require monthly child support payments from any parent whose children spend more than 60% of their time with the other parent. In matters where the children spend roughly […]
Marital Fraud
Marital Fraud: If your spouse deceived you as to his or her identity or marital status (i.e., that he/she was actually married) when he/she married you, you may have grounds to dissolve your marriage and seek an annulment as opposed to a divorce. An annulment and a divorce are two distinct legal concepts. An annulment […]
Mobility
A mobility issue arises where one parent wishes to move to a distant, new residence with the children. This is among the most complex issues in family law, given that relocation will inevitably affect the non-relocating parent’s access rights. In determining whether to allow a parent to relocate, a multi-factor analysis is applied to many […]
Same-Sex couples
The dissolution of a marriage or common law relationship between same-sex parties is treated identically to that of an opposite-sex couple. Under s.2 (1) of the Divorce Act, the definition of spouse is “either of two persons who are married to each other,” but “spouse” can have other meanings in family law. The definition of […]
Spousal Support
Following separation, one party of a married or common law couple may be required to provide financial assistance to the other party by paying spousal support. Depending on the situation, the purpose of spousal support may take different forms, including helping ease the transition of the lower-earning spouse into a life of greater independence; providing […]
Variation of agreements and orders
It is common in family law for the terms of a separation agreement or a final order to need to be changed at some point. A variation in an order is appropriate where there has been what is known as a “material change” in circumstances (and had that change been known at the time the […]
Guiding You Through Divorce & Family Matters – Simple, Steady Process
-
Mediation first, when appropriate: Alternative dispute resolution methods offer faster, less expensive paths to settlement when both parties negotiate in good faith.
-
Equalization of property: We gather complete financial information, value assets accurately, and calculate equalization obligations properly.
-
Full financial disclosure: Complete transparency is legally required and essential for fair outcomes. Hiding assets carries serious consequences.
-
Separation agreements by consent: We negotiate comprehensive agreements addressing all issues to avoid prolonged litigation.
-
Litigation as a last resort: When negotiation fails, we transition seamlessly to courtroom advocacy.
What Our Clients Say
“Choosing SDA was the best decision we made. Their team truly cares about their clients.”
Noah
Stephen and his team helped my parents settle their divorce ammicably after 20 years of separation! I am glad I didn’t have to mediate or take sides – really appreciate all the hard work that was put into my family’s situation and that we can all put it behind us.
I contacted Stephen some time ago with a problem I was having with my business. My landlord wanted to buy me out of my lease. Business was pretty bad anyway so I was almost willing to take a very small amount that he offered $68,000 (all numbers expressed here are in current value dollar amounts).
Mariusz Cnota
I have the honor to express my deepest admiration for the work and exceptional professionalism of Stephen Durbin. He is not only a brilliant lawyer but also a person of impeccable reputation, remarkable intelligence, and a rare sense of justice.
Stephen Durbin embodies the qualities that distinguish true masters of their profession: outstanding competence, strategic thinking, impeccable tact, and genuine respect for every individual. His approach to every case is thoughtful, precise, and rooted in a profound understanding of the law. He has a remarkable ability to identify the essence of even the most complex legal situations, make balanced decisions, and defend his position with dignity and strength. Thanks to his professionalism and dedication, many people have received not only legal protection but also restored confidence in justice.
Stephen Durbin is a lawyer you can trust without hesitation. His name has become a symbol of reliability, intelligence, and the highest standards of legal excellence.
Read more
Craig
My initial consult went very well. Lisa took extra time to listen to the merits of my case, offered me meaningful short and long-term advice and gave me the confidence to proceed with SDA for my family law needs.
Annette
I had Stephen Durbin represent me in my family law matter. My matter was a bit harder because my ex lived out of Province and I had no contact with him for many years.
If you are looking for top-quality representation – then Stephen Durbin & Associates is right where you need to be. From day one they gave me peace of mind during a very difficult time in my life. When I had met briefly with Stephen during my consultation, I was told that I could trust them to take care of me with my family law matter. Nazifa Islam and her team – Hope and Chyvonne – were extremely professional, efficient, and completely transparent throughout the entire process. I needed someone attentive. I needed someone to advocate for me and my son. I needed this team – and they exceeded my expectations! They went above and beyond for me and not once made me feel like I was just another “File Number” to them. They were always available when I had questions or concerns, and truly made me feel at ease. Nazifa was brilliant and very knowledgeable; I was lucky to have her by my side. She advised me through my separation agreement, always pursuing not just what I wanted but what was in the best interests of me and my son. The outcome was in my favour. Stephen Durbin & Associates gave me a voice when I felt silenced. Worth every single dime!! I highly recommend.
Read more
George
What a difference an experienced lawyer does make. With Stephen, It was a legal experience, but it was also therapeutic in some ways because he seemed to know exactly what I was going through and his confidence gave me confidence through the process. Can’t thank him enough. It’s great to move on.
Nancy
Stephen is my go-to lawyer during difficult times. His knowledge, wisdom, and expertise is simply unparalleled. He puts you right at ease and knows exactly how to handle any situation. Thank you for all your help.
Divorce in Kitchener-Waterloo: What to Expect & Family Law FAQs
Compile complete financial documentation: tax returns, employment records, asset statements, debt information, and property valuations. Include any court documents, agreements, or custody-related correspondence.
Hourly rates typically range from $300 to $600+ based on experience and matter complexity. Uncontested matters cost considerably less than contested litigation, which requires extensive court time. We outline fee structures clearly during consultations.
An uncontested divorce with complete agreement on all issues may minimize costs. Both parties cooperating, providing full disclosure, and negotiating reasonably significantly reduce legal fees.
Avoiding court through settlement saves thousands compared to contested litigation. However, ‘cheap’ shouldn’t mean accepting unfair terms; proper legal advice prevents costly long-term mistakes.
Consider experience level, communication style, fee structure, and approach to conflict resolution. Meet potential lawyers, assess whether they listen and explain clearly, verify family law specialization, check references, and ensure personality compatibility. Choose lawyers who balance aggressive advocacy with practical settlement focus.
Ontario’s equalization regime entitles spouses to half the growth in net family property accumulated during marriage. This includes an increase in the value of homes, pensions, investments, and businesses, minus debts.
Spousal support depends on income disparity, the length of the marriage, and the roles during the relationship. Child custody and support focus on children’s best interests, not gender. Rights apply equally regardless of which spouse files.
One year of separation is required unless adultery or cruelty grounds exist. You can file a divorce application before the year ends, but the finalization will not take place until 12 months have passed. Separation means living apart from at least one spouse, with the intention of permanence.
Speak With a Kitchener-Waterloo Family Lawyer Today
Stephen Durbin & Associates serves Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, and the rest of Waterloo Region with experienced family law representation. Call 1-855-694-5222 to schedule a confidential consultation.
Our family lawyers understand regional employment complexities and local court procedures, delivering strategic advocacy when families need it most. Whether facing custody battles, complex asset division, or support disputes, we provide the guidance and representation your case requires.
Let's Finds the Best Solution For Your Family
Please complete the form and we’ll get right back to you.
Locations
Locations Near You in the GTA
We have several offices conveniently located in the heart of each city located across the GTA
1-855-694-5222