Common Sense Family Law

I can help you with your family law financial issues, either as your lawyer or as a mediator.  I will work with you in a calm, experienced, practical & fee friendly way. If you feel stuck in the court process please reach out. I have been in family court throughout my 40 year career and there are solutions. Any location. It's a virtual world now.    For a basic initial consultation my fee is $250.00 +HST. The purpose of the consult is to provide basic legal information regarding the family law financial issues you are facing, resolution processes and potential next steps.   mjmarra6@gmail.com

Please note that Legal Aid Ontario provides a  free summary 20 minute family law advice service  ​https://stepstojustice.ca/organization/legal-aid-ontario-lao-family-summary-advice 

Family Law                                                                     

​If you are looking for creative, custom options and solutions we could be a fit. Whether in or out of the court process I will work with you, the other lawyer and the court to achieve solutions in a fair and reasonable manner as quickly as possible.  

​Later in life separations, changes in spousal support upon pending retirement and comprehensive negotiation of marriage or cohabitation agreements are of great interest.
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I am particularly adept at working within complex financial situations with financial professionals and advisors to the best advantage of the client.

I am a member of the Ontario Bar Association Family Law Executive and have been 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.

Mediation

I am a well trained mediator and can help resolve financial issues with or without a lawyer. In particular, if you have a support issue, my years of experience can be invaluable. Changes in circumstances, arrears, section 7 expenses, retroactive support, termination of support, FRO and assignee claims are all issues that I have dealt with routinely over the course of my entire career.  Mediation is essential for the majority of folks facing or involved in a Motion to Change process.  All virtual. Reasonable fees. 

Lawyers - I am a past Dispute Resolution Officer in Milton SCJ. Consider a private Case Conference dealing with disclosure and temporary support.   

Fees
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I am an empathetic practitioner with a heightened sense of the cost of legal services and am always open to flexible and client focused fee arrangements.​​ I am a member of the Family Law Limited Scope Services Project https://www.familylawlss.ca/lawyer-directory/user/55/
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Estate Disputes 

For most of the past three years I have worked with one the best known  estate litigation boutiques in Canada. I have intensively developed a new practice area which intersects with family law : 
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​Wills, Estates and Trust Disputes   • Dependent Support Claims  Spousal Rights and Obligations upon Death • Property Division and Equalization of Net Family Property upon Death • Marriage and Cohabitation Agreement Issues • Power of Attorney Disputes • Elder Financial Abuse • Capacity & Guardianship • Marriage Validity and Predatory Marriages
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Most estate disputes in Toronto start in court but end up settled at mandatory mediation.  Where possible, my approach is to work towards an out-of-court settlement with all of the interested parties before vast amounts of money are spent in the court system.
 
I also deal with disputes between adult children regarding the care of their incapable parent and the management of that parent’s property. Unfortunately, with an aging population the frequency of these disputes is increasing. My experience and strong early resolution skills can help manage and avoid what can often become a devastating family conflict.  ​

Child Support & FRO

I was counsel for FRO for many years. I know the FRO & child support system.  I offer thorough consultations & coaching  to help you navigate a solution or I can mediate a new agreement or court order quickly and  cost efficiently. Any location in Ontario.  
mjmarra6@gmail.com

 Visit the Child Support in Ontario page for basic information regarding the Child Support Guidelines, Motions to Change, Retroactive Child Support and Termination of Child Support.
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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.