Consultations
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There is no playbook or checklist to follow when you are newly separated. Your situation is as unique as you are. Although there is much to read online it lacks that custom application to you.
I have been practicing family law throughout Southern Ontario since 1981 and have seen a lot. I have done a ton of court work, some mediation, and a little bit of collaborative law. Always negotiating and searching for solutions. At this point I am not doing court work and am very selective about the files that I will work on. There must be a good fit. The client and I and the other lawyer must be able to work well together. What I enjoy the most is helping people. At this stage of my career I am finding that initial consultations are the best way for me to help. I am not looking to secure your work on an ongoing basis – I am trying to understand you and your situation so we can highlight the primary legal issues and concerns and discuss options and approaches - the beginning of a playbook to help you navigate your way to better days ahead. I can refer or recommend lawyers, mediators, parenting and financial professionals and collaborative lawyers that I know or have worked with that could be a fit for you. Or it could be me. And if you are thinking about representing yourself because lawyers are too expensive - think again. There are cost effective options out there and regardless I can help you get started on the right track. My consultation fee is $400 +HST. One hour. Zoom or phone whichever you prefer. mjmarra6@gmail.com |
FAMILY LAW
Most family law cases are settled and in most family law cases court is unnecessary. I will work with you and the other lawyer to try to achieve a negotiated settlement in a fair and reasonable manner as quickly as possible. And I am a strong believer in mediation when we get stuck in the direct negotiation process. I am collaboratively trained and a member of Collaborative Divorce Toronto.
Settlements will happen.
Later in life separations, "divorce for seniors" , the "grey divorce" https://www.cbc.ca/radio/sunday/grey-divorce-five-women-s-stories-1.4440192 and changes in spousal support upon pending retirement are of great interest.
I am particularly adept at working with clients and financial professionals and advisors within complex financial situations to the best advantage of the client.
From 2019 - 2021 I was a member of the Ontario Bar Association Family Law Executive and was actively involved in sub-committees that have made submissions regarding the Children's Law Reform Act Amendments, the Superior Court's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Motion to Change reform and the LSO paralegal proposal.
CHILD SUPPORT & FRO
I was counsel for FRO for many years. I know the FRO & child support system. I offer thorough consultations to help you navigate a solution.
mjmarra6@gmail.com
Visit the Child Support in Ontario page for basic information regarding the Child Support Guidelines, Motions to Change and Retroactive Child Support.
Visit the Family Responsibility Office page for basic information regarding how FRO works, 50% wage deductions, driver's license suspensions, passport suspension, credit bureau reporting and default hearings.
ESTATE DISPUTES
I have recently worked with Whaley Estate Litigation (WEL Partners), one the best-known estate litigation boutiques in Canada. I have intensively developed a new practice area which intersects with family law:
Most family law cases are settled and in most family law cases court is unnecessary. I will work with you and the other lawyer to try to achieve a negotiated settlement in a fair and reasonable manner as quickly as possible. And I am a strong believer in mediation when we get stuck in the direct negotiation process. I am collaboratively trained and a member of Collaborative Divorce Toronto.
Settlements will happen.
Later in life separations, "divorce for seniors" , the "grey divorce" https://www.cbc.ca/radio/sunday/grey-divorce-five-women-s-stories-1.4440192 and changes in spousal support upon pending retirement are of great interest.
I am particularly adept at working with clients and financial professionals and advisors within complex financial situations to the best advantage of the client.
From 2019 - 2021 I was a member of the Ontario Bar Association Family Law Executive and was actively involved in sub-committees that have made submissions regarding the Children's Law Reform Act Amendments, the Superior Court's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Motion to Change reform and the LSO paralegal proposal.
CHILD SUPPORT & FRO
I was counsel for FRO for many years. I know the FRO & child support system. I offer thorough consultations to help you navigate a solution.
mjmarra6@gmail.com
Visit the Child Support in Ontario page for basic information regarding the Child Support Guidelines, Motions to Change and Retroactive Child Support.
Visit the Family Responsibility Office page for basic information regarding how FRO works, 50% wage deductions, driver's license suspensions, passport suspension, credit bureau reporting and default hearings.
ESTATE DISPUTES
I have recently worked with Whaley Estate Litigation (WEL Partners), one the best-known estate litigation boutiques in Canada. I have intensively developed a new practice area which intersects with family law:
- Dependent Support Claims
- Spousal Rights and Obligations upon Death
- Property Division and Equalization of Net Family Property upon Death
- Marriage and Cohabitation Agreement Issues on death
- Wills, Estates and Trust Disputes
- Power of Attorney Disputes
- The estate rights and obligations of spouses, prior spouses, and children on the death of the other spouse or parent is my specific focus. I have worked on a number of estate cases where the separated spouses had not completed their family law case when one of the spouses passed away. These cases present unique challenges procedurally and legally.