Richmond Hill Divorce Lawyer
Clear Guidance For Separation & Divorce Decisions
Thinking about separation or divorce can feel overwhelming, especially when you are trying to protect your children, your home, and your financial future. If you live or co-parent in Richmond Hill, you may be searching for a divorce lawyer who can explain your options under Ontario family law in plain language.
At Feldstein Family Law Group P.C., we help people across Ontario understand what divorce involves and how to move from uncertainty toward a workable plan. Since 1994, our firm has focused on family law, including divorce, parenting arrangements, support, and property division.
Our team understands that no two families are the same. We take the time to listen, explain the law, and help you decide on next steps that fit your situation, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.
To speak with our experienced Richmond Hill divorce lawyers, call us at (905) 581-7222 or contact us online today.
Why Work With Our Family Law Team
When so much is at stake, it can be hard to know who to trust. Many people search for the best divorce lawyer Richmond Hill has to offer because they want someone who understands both the law and the practical realities of family life in this area. We believe the right fit is a firm that combines focused experience with clear communication.
Since 1994, Feldstein Family Law Group P.C. has concentrated on family law in Ontario. This long-standing focus means we work every day with the legislation, court processes, and practical issues that affect separation and divorce. Our firm is led by Andrew Feldstein and supported by a dedicated team of family law lawyers who handle a wide range of family matters.
We also know that accessibility matters. Our offices in Markham and Vaughan provide convenient options for clients who live or work in and around Richmond Hill. These locations, together with our other offices, reflect a stable practice that is structured to support families from first consultation through to resolution.
Our goal is to work toward fair, realistic outcomes that reflect your unique circumstances. That can include solutions focused on your children’s routines, your income and support obligations, and your long-term financial stability. We strive to give you the information you need to make informed decisions, even when the choices are difficult.
How Divorce Works In Ontario
Understanding the legal framework can make the next steps feel more manageable. In Ontario, divorce is the legal end of a marriage. It usually follows a period of separation, which is when spouses live separate and apart and begin to arrange their lives independently, even if they remain under the same roof for a time.
The divorce itself is only one part of the picture. Most families also need to address parenting arrangements for children, child support, spousal support, and division of property. These issues can often be resolved through negotiation or mediation. In some situations, court processes through the Superior Court of Justice in nearby municipalities become necessary when agreement is not possible.
Although every situation is different, many people go through stages such as deciding to separate, making temporary arrangements for children and finances, exchanging financial information, negotiating or mediating terms, and, where required, asking a court to decide remaining issues. Timelines depend on factors such as how complex your finances are and how much you and your former spouse are able to agree on.
When you are just starting to consider separation, it can be helpful to take a few concrete steps before making big decisions.
Practical first steps you can consider:
- Gather key documents such as recent tax returns, pay statements, mortgage information, and statements for major assets or debts.
- Write down your main concerns about children, housing, and finances so you can raise them clearly in a consultation.
- Avoid making major financial moves or signing documents about property or support before you understand your rights.
- Consider how any immediate changes to living arrangements may affect your children’s day-to-day routines.
Our team applies Ontario family law every day to help clients understand how these principles may relate to their circumstances. In an initial consultation, we can explain how the law may apply to you, outline possible paths forward, and discuss what information you would need if you decide to proceed.
Key Issues In A Richmond Hill Divorce
People in Richmond Hill often share the same core concerns as families across Ontario, but local factors such as commuting patterns, school locations, and housing costs can influence decisions. When you work with us, we look at how the law and your day-to-day life fit together so that any arrangement is practical as well as legally sound.
For parents, parenting arrangements are often the most important issue. Ontario law focuses on decision-making responsibility and parenting time, rather than the older terminology of custody and access. We help parents build child-focused schedules that take into account school locations in and around the area, extracurricular activities, and parents’ work hours, with the goal of providing stability for children.
Support is another central concern. Child support is generally guided by the Child Support Guidelines, which consider income and the parenting schedule. Spousal support is more individualized and depends on factors such as length of the relationship, roles during the relationship, and current means and needs. We work with clients to understand potential ranges rather than relying on guesses or informal figures.
Division of property is handled through the equalization of net family property. In plain terms, this involves identifying each spouse’s assets and debts on the date of marriage and on the date of separation, calculating growth in net worth, and then determining which spouse owes an equalization payment. The treatment of the matrimonial home, pensions, business interests, and investments often requires careful analysis.
Main areas we typically address in a divorce:
- Parenting arrangements, including decision-making responsibility and parenting time.
- Child support, including special or extraordinary expenses where applicable.
- Spousal support, whether you may pay or receive support and for how long.
- Division of property, including the home, pensions, savings, and debts.
- Separation agreements that set out all terms in a clear, enforceable document.
Our team regularly assists clients whose matters proceed in courts that serve residents of this region. We use this experience to help you understand not only what the law says, but also how different approaches may play out in practice for families living in and around Richmond Hill.
How We Support You Through Divorce
Reaching out to a family law firm can feel like a big step. Our aim is to make that step as straightforward as possible. When you contact us, you have an opportunity to describe your situation in a confidential setting and ask questions about your rights and options under Ontario family law.
During an initial conversation, we work to clarify what is most important to you. That might be staying in the home, minimizing conflict for children, or securing a stable financial foundation. We then explain possible paths such as negotiation, mediation, or, if necessary, court processes, and we discuss what each path generally involves.
Communication is a central part of our approach. We focus on explaining legal concepts in everyday language and outlining what to expect at each stage, including likely next steps and what information we may need from you. Our goal is that you do not feel unsure about why something is happening in your case.
For many clients, reducing unnecessary conflict is a priority. We work to identify issues that can be resolved through negotiation or alternative dispute resolution, while still protecting your interests when firm positions are needed. Child-focused planning is central, particularly when creating parenting arrangements that reflect children’s needs and the realities of living in or close to Richmond Hill.
Education is another way we support people who are thinking about or going through divorce. The Ask Andrew Show, hosted by our founder Andrew Feldstein, offers discussion of family law topics in a practical and understandable way. This same focus on clarity and honesty guides our work with clients one-on-one.
Taking The Next Step
You do not need to have every detail figured out before you speak with a lawyer. Many people contact us when they are still deciding what to do and simply need clear information about their options. If you live or co-parent in this area, our team can help you understand how Ontario family law may apply to your circumstances.
By meeting with Feldstein Family Law Group P.C., you gain access to a family law firm that has focused on these issues since 1994 and that serves the region through nearby offices in Markham and Vaughan. Our role is to give you informed guidance, help you weigh choices, and work with you toward fair and workable arrangements for your family.
If you are looking for a divorce lawyer in this area and want practical, tailored advice, we invite you to contact us to arrange a confidential consultation.
To speak with our experienced Richmond Hill divorce lawyers, call us at (905) 581-7222 or contact us online today.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I talk to a divorce lawyer?
It can be helpful to speak with a lawyer as soon as you are seriously considering separation. Early advice can clarify your rights and help you avoid decisions that are difficult to change later. We can also outline options so you do not feel rushed into a choice.
How much will my divorce cost?
The cost of a divorce depends on factors such as how many issues are in dispute and how quickly agreement can be reached. Simple, negotiated matters generally cost less than complex, contested ones. We explain our billing structure clearly so you understand how fees are calculated.
How will you help protect my children?
Our focus is on child-centred planning. We work with you to develop parenting arrangements that consider your children’s schedules, schooling, and relationships. We also help you understand how support works so that children’s financial needs are addressed as part of any overall resolution.
Do I need to go to court in Richmond Hill?
Many family law issues can be resolved through negotiation or mediation without a full court process. If court involvement becomes necessary, the specific court usually depends on where you live. We discuss these options with you and help you choose an approach that fits your situation.
Can you help if my spouse already has a lawyer?
Yes. We often assist clients whose spouse has already retained a lawyer. Our role is to advise you on your rights, communicate on your behalf when appropriate, and work toward fair arrangements. Having your own legal advice can help you feel more balanced in discussions or negotiations.
To speak with our experienced Richmond Hill divorce lawyers, call us at (905) 581-7222 or contact us online today.
Meet Our Dedicated Team of Lawyers
Over a Century of Collective Experience
-
Andrew Feldstein FounderRead BioAndrew Feldstein graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School in 1992. Prior to focusing exclusively on family law, Andrew’s legal practice covered many different areas, including corporate commercial. One of Andrew’s fundamental objectives is to achieve those goals mutually and collaboratively, as set out by him and his client.
-
Daphna Schwartz LawyerRead BioDaphna Schwartz joined Feldstein Family Law Group, P.C. in 2007 as an associate lawyer. She was previously practising family law in the Barrie area. Her practice includes all areas of divorce and family law, including custody and access, child support, spousal support, and property issues. Daphna is also qualified to practise Collaborative Family Law.
-
Anna Troy LawyerRead BioAnna Troitschanski joined the team at Feldstein Family Law Group, P.C. in 2012. Prior to that, she practised Family Law at a boutique Newmarket firm. Her experience covers all areas of divorce and family law, including custody and access, child support, spousal support, division of property, and alternative dispute resolution.
-
Nick Slinko LawyerRead BioNick Slinko attended York University from 2003-2007 where he majored in both Law & Society and Philosophy. Nick graduated in 2007 with an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree. He proceeded to earn a Juris Doctor in Law at the University of Western Ontario in 2011. Nick was Called to the Bar in June of 2012 after completing his Articling term.
-
Veronica Yeung LawyerRead BioVeronica Yeung joined the Feldstein Family Law Group, P.C. as a summer student in 2014 and returned as an articling student in 2015. Following her call to the Ontario Bar in June 2016, Veronica was welcomed to the team as an associate lawyer. Veronica attended York University for her undergraduate studies and was on the Dean’s Honour Roll.
-
Shana Gordon-Katz LawyerRead BioShana joined Feldstein Family Law Group P.C. as an articling student in 2017. Following her call to the Ontario Bar in June 2018, Shana was welcomed back to the firm as an associate. While completing her articles, Shana assisted with legal matters covering all areas of family law. Shana attended the University of Western Ontario.
-
Rachel Zweig LawyerRead BioRachel joined Feldstein Family Law Group P.C as a Summer Student in 2019 and returned as an Articling Student in 2020-2021. Following her Call to the Ontario Bar in April 2021, Rachel was welcomed back to the firm as an Associate. Rachel completed her legal studies and obtained her Juris Doctor at the University of Ottawa.
-
Lauren Harvey Associate LawyerRead BioLauren joined Feldstein Family Law Group as a Summer Student in 2020 and returned as an Articling Student in 2021-2022. Following her Call to the Ontario Bar in April 2022, Lauren was welcomed back to the firm as an Associate. Laura completed her legal studies and obtained her Juris Doctor at the University of Western Ontario.
-
Quinn Held Associate LawyerRead BioQuinn spent two years as a Summer Student and then completed her Articling term at a boutique Family Law firm in Orangeville, where she was exposed to various complex Family Law matters. Following her Call to the Bar of Ontario in June 2022, she became an Associate with the Feldstein Family Law Group.
-
Kyla Johnson Associate LawyerRead BioKyla joined Feldstein Family Law Group P.C as an Articling Student in 2023. Following her Call to the Ontario Bar in April 2024, Kyla joined the team as an Associate. Prior to completing her legal studies and obtaining her Juris Doctor at the University of Ottawa, Kyla graduated from Queens University with a Bachelor of Arts with Honors.
-
Sofia D'Amico Associate Lawyer