Oakville Separation Agreement Lawyer

Clarity & Stability For Your Separation

Ending a relationship is hard enough without worrying whether your future is properly protected. A separation agreement in Ontario sets out how you and your former partner will handle parenting, support, and property, and it can affect your life for many years. If you need guidance from a separation agreement lawyer Oakville residents can turn to, our team is here to help.

At Feldstein Family Law Group P.C., we work with clients who want clear, practical advice and a written agreement that reflects their reality, not just abstract legal rules. We know you may feel overwhelmed, unsure what is fair, and concerned about avoiding unnecessary conflict. Our role is to bring structure, calm, and informed guidance to a time that often feels anything but.

Our firm has focused on family law in Ontario since 1994 and has an office in Oakville to serve local families. We help clients negotiate, review, and finalize separation agreements that are tailored to their circumstances, with the goal of creating arrangements that are workable today and sustainable in the future.

To speak with our experienced Oakville separation agreement lawyers, call us at (905) 581-7222 or contact us online today. 

Why Work With Our Family Law Team

When you are dividing a household, arranging time with children, and planning for financial support, you need advice that reflects how Ontario family law is applied in real cases. Our firm has been devoted to family law since 1994, which means we have spent decades guiding people through separation, divorce, and related issues across the province.

Because we focus exclusively on family law, our lawyers work daily with the same kinds of questions you may have right now. We regularly assist clients who are separating in Oakville and the surrounding area, so we understand the expectations that courts in the Halton Region generally apply if an issue ever comes before a judge. This practical experience helps us explain how different options may play out, not only in theory but in day-to-day life.

Accessibility also matters at a time like this. We have offices in Markham, Oakville, Mississauga, and Vaughan, which allows clients to meet where it is most convenient while still benefiting from the resources of a larger family law team. Whether you prefer in-person meetings at the Oakville office or remote consultations, we work with you to find an approach that fits your schedule.

Education is a core part of how we serve clients. Our founder, Andrew Feldstein, hosts the monthly "Ask Andrew Show," where he answers family law questions from the public. This initiative reflects how we approach our work with clients, which is to explain your options clearly, in everyday language, so you can make decisions with confidence.

What Your Separation Agreement Should Cover

A separation agreement is more than a summary of your breakup. It is a legally significant document that can shape parenting, finances, and property rights for years. In Ontario, courts often look at these agreements when questions arise later, which is why clarity and thoroughness are so important.

Every family’s situation is different, but there are common topics that most written agreements address. We help you think through each area in a structured way so that nothing important is overlooked and you understand the implications of your choices.

Key issues your separation agreement may address include:

• Parenting arrangements, including decision-making responsibility and parenting time schedules
• Child support and how special or extraordinary expenses will be shared
• Spousal support, including entitlement, amount, and duration where appropriate
• Division of property and equalization of net family property under Ontario law
• Responsibility for existing debts and ongoing joint obligations
• Possession or sale of the family home and other major assets
• Day-to-day matters such as holidays, communication, and dispute resolution mechanisms

For parents in Oakville, parenting arrangements are often the most emotionally charged part of the agreement. We work with you to craft parenting plans that are practical for school, work, and activities, and that reflect the best interests of your children. This can include detailed schedules, approaches to decision-making, and guidelines for communication so everyone knows what to expect.

Financial terms also require careful attention. Child support is influenced by the Child Support Guidelines, and spousal support may depend on factors such as the length of the relationship, roles during the relationship, and income differences. Property division involves identifying and valuing assets and debts, then applying Ontario’s equalization rules. Our goal is to help you understand how these concepts apply in your situation, so that your separation agreement reflects not just what seems reasonable today, but also what aligns with Ontario family law.

Our Separation Agreement Process

Knowing the steps ahead can reduce a great deal of anxiety. We follow a structured process that leaves room for your specific needs, while keeping your matter moving forward in a steady and organized way.

The process typically begins with an initial consultation. During that meeting, we listen to your story, ask questions about your children, finances, and living arrangements, and learn what matters most to you. We also explain how separation agreements work under Ontario law, including the importance of full financial disclosure and independent legal advice for both parties.

Once we understand your situation and priorities, we help you gather the information that is needed, such as income documents, statements for assets and debts, and details about children’s schedules and expenses. With that foundation, we assist in identifying the key issues that must be resolved, for example decisions about the family home, support, or specific parenting arrangements for school days and holidays.

Negotiation is often the next phase. Some clients work through terms directly with their former partner and ask us to draft or review the agreement. Others prefer that communication take place between lawyers. Our team can support either approach. We focus on constructive problem solving and aim to resolve matters through agreement where possible, rather than through court proceedings.

When terms have been agreed in principle, we prepare a draft separation agreement or review a draft you have been given. We explain the document in plain language, identify any areas that may not reflect your understanding or that could create issues later, and discuss potential revisions. Each party should receive independent legal advice before signing, and we provide this advice to our own clients as part of a careful review process.

Timelines vary depending on how quickly information is exchanged and how complex your situation is. Some agreements can be finalized relatively quickly when both parties are cooperative and organized. Others take longer if there are significant disagreements or more complicated financial structures. Throughout the process, our aim is to keep you informed, answer your questions, and help you move forward at a pace that is realistic for your circumstances.

Common Concerns About Separation Agreements

Many people come to us with similar worries at the start of a separation. Addressing these concerns early can make it easier to take the next step and to approach your agreement with a clearer mind.

Cost is one of the first questions. Legal fees depend on how complex your situation is and how much negotiation is required. We discuss likely ranges with you based on what we see in the initial consultation and work to handle your matter efficiently. Focusing on settlement and preparation often helps reduce both financial and emotional cost over time.

Another common concern is the fear of going to court. A carefully drafted separation agreement is often an effective way to keep matters out of the courtroom, provided both parties participate in good faith and follow the terms they have agreed to. While some situations do end up before a judge, many clients in Oakville are able to resolve their issues through negotiated agreements without starting court proceedings.

People also worry about what happens if they and their former partner cannot agree at first. Disagreement at the beginning does not mean that settlement is impossible. With structured negotiation, careful explanation of legal principles, and sometimes the help of mediation or other settlement-focused discussions, many disputes narrow over time. We help you understand which points may be most important to stand firm on and where there may be room for compromise.

Parents often ask how to put their children first during this process. We work with you to develop parenting plans that are realistic and child-focused. This can involve thinking about school locations, extracurricular activities, and each parent’s work schedule, then building a schedule that supports stability for the children.

Most of all, clients want to feel that they are not facing this alone. Our team guides you through each stage, explains documents before you sign them, and responds to your questions as they arise. The goal is for you to leave the process with a written agreement that you understand and that reflects carefully considered decisions, not rushed choices made in a moment of stress.

To speak with our experienced Oakville separation agreement lawyers, call us at (905) 581-7222 or contact us online today. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do both of us need our own lawyer?

Each of you should receive independent legal advice on a separation agreement. This helps ensure you both understand the terms and that the agreement is more likely to be respected later. We advise only our client and the other party can retain their own family law lawyer for advice.

How long does a separation agreement usually take?

There is no single timeline. Some agreements are finalized within weeks if issues are straightforward and both sides cooperate. More complex situations, or cases with significant disagreement, can take longer. During your consultation, we can discuss factors that are likely to affect timing in your situation.

What if we already agree on everything?

If you already agree on the main terms, that can be helpful. You still benefit from a written separation agreement that is clearly drafted and consistent with Ontario law. We can review your informal understanding, flag potential issues, and prepare or review a document that properly records your arrangements.

Can you help us avoid going to court?

Many clients come to us hoping to resolve matters without starting a court case. We focus on negotiation and settlement wherever possible. Court is usually considered when other approaches do not resolve key issues or where urgent orders are needed, which is not the situation for most clients.

How should I prepare for our first meeting?

It helps to bring basic financial information, such as recent tax returns and statements for major assets and debts, as well as any notes about your children’s schedules. Think about your main concerns and goals. We use this information to give more focused and practical advice from the start.

Talk To Our Oakville Family Lawyers

A well-structured separation agreement can provide clarity about parenting, support, and property and can reduce conflict in the years ahead. If you are separating and want guidance that reflects Ontario family law and your specific circumstances, our lawyers are ready to speak with you.

Feldstein Family Law Group P.C. has focused on family law since 1994 and serves clients in Oakville and across Ontario. When you contact our Oakville office, you can expect respectful, confidential discussions about your situation and practical advice about your options. Taking the step to speak with a lawyer is often the best way to move from uncertainty toward a plan.

To speak with our experienced Oakville separation agreement lawyers, call us at (905) 581-7222 or contact us online today.