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Contested Divorce Lawyer Ottawa

At Walker Legal Professional Corporation, we focus on clear communication, personalized legal strategies, and practical guidance so you can make informed decisions with confidence. Our approach is straightforward, respectful, and centered on what matters most to you.

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Introduction

Legal matters involving contested divorce can feel overwhelming—especially when they affect your family, finances, or future. At Walker Legal Professional Corporation, we focus on clear communication, personalized legal strategies, and practical guidance so you can make informed decisions with confidence. Our approach is straightforward, respectful, and centered on what matters most to you. We challenge obstacles, protect priorities, and support you every step of the way.

Why Choose Us

At Walker Legal Professional Corporation we pledge the highest standards of professional legal services. We treat clients as people, not files. Our team—led by George Walker—takes time to understand your goals and designs personalized, client-focused strategies that minimize stress and pursue fair outcomes. With proven results in family law, we guide clients through mediation, negotiation, or court proceedings, offering clear legal counsel, steady communication, and support at every stage.

Our Services

  • Contested divorce representation in negotiation and court
  • Advice and pleadings under the Divorce Act and Ontario family law
  • Child custody and parenting arrangements (parenting plans, parenting time, decision-making authority)
  • Child support and spousal support claims, calculations, and enforcement
  • Property division, including net family property and matrimonial home issues
  • Financial disclosure, including requests for production and enforcement of full financial disclosure
  • Drafting and negotiating separation agreements and consent orders
  • Alternative dispute resolution and mediation services where appropriate
  • Representation in Superior Court and family courts for divorce proceedings and contested matters
  • Enforcement and variation of existing divorce orders, support orders, and custody arrangements

Our Process

  1. Initial confidential consultation to understand priorities, concerns, and immediate risks

  2. Document and financial disclosure review to identify key legal issues (property, support, parenting)

  3. Strategy meeting: options, likely outcomes, costs, and timelines under Ontario family law and the Divorce Act

  4. Negotiation and settlement efforts, including drafting separation agreements and consent orders

  5. Preparation for court if settlement is not possible: pleadings, affidavits, and evidence management

  6. Court representation, arguing for fair division of property, appropriate child support and spousal support, and parenting arrangements

  7. Post-judgment support: enforcement, variation applications, and practical next steps for implementation

Service Areas

  • Ottawa and surrounding areas
  • Ontario family courts and Superior Court matters in Eastern Ontario
  • Clients across the Ottawa region seeking family law services and contested divorce counsel

Call to Action

If you are facing a contested divorce in Ottawa, contact Walker Legal Professional Corporation for a confidential consultation. Speak with George Walker or a member of our team to get clear legal counsel, personalized strategies, and steady support throughout the divorce process. We listen, challenge obstacles, and work to protect what matters most to you.

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FOR FAST & PRACTICAL RESULTS

  • Strategic Legal Guidance
  • We Fight for Your Rights
  • WE PROTECT YOUR INTERESTS
  • Free 30-Min Consultation

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What our clients are saying

Google

Working with George was easy & fast. George was very responsive and kind. He offered valuable advice & expertise. It was easy to navigate his website & he was quick to respond to my inquiry. I would highly recommend working with George and his team.

Erin Fast

Google

Walker legal was able to help me with my custody agreement. George was responsive and explained things well. Everything was completed within months of meeting George.

Matt B

Google

Walker Legal was great to work with. My simple divorce has taken over 4 years to complete. In only a few months, George was able to remove the ridiculous requests my ex wanted in the proposed separation agreement and corrected the errors of my ex’s lawyer’s prepared divorce documents to the court. Fast, excellent service.

Jennifer W

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR LEGAL ASSISTANCE FROM A SKILLED LAWYER? CONTACT US TODAY

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a contested divorce under Ontario law?

A contested divorce is a divorce proceeding where spouses disagree about one or more key issues—such as child custody, child support, spousal support, or division of property—and cannot resolve them through negotiation or an uncontested process. Under the Divorce Act and Ontario family law, contested matters proceed to court if parties cannot reach a settlement. A contested divorce may involve motions, disclosure disputes, and hearings before a judge.

Either spouse can start a divorce in Ottawa if they meet the jurisdictional requirements under the Divorce Act—typically one spouse must be resident in Canada for at least one year. For contested matters, you file a divorce application and then serve the other party. Eligibility to raise particular claims depends on family law rules and whether you were married or in a common law relationship.
Rights and obligations can include parenting time, decision-making responsibility, child support, spousal support, and division of property (including net family property and the matrimonial home). Both parties must provide full and accurate financial disclosure. Courts focus on children’s best interests and equitable division of family property.
An uncontested divorce involves agreement on all major issues and is typically faster and less costly. A contested divorce involves disputes requiring negotiation, mediation, or court hearings, and is often more complex and time-consuming.
Legal representation is strongly recommended. Contested divorces involve complex legal rules, procedural requirements, and significant financial and parenting consequences. A lawyer protects your rights and represents you effectively in negotiations and court.
Timelines vary widely. Some matters resolve in a few months through settlement, while complex cases involving property or custody disputes can take a year or longer, depending on disclosure, court scheduling, and willingness to negotiate.
Common mistakes include failing to provide full financial disclosure, making emotional decisions without legal advice, hiding assets, delaying protective legal steps, and relying on informal agreements without proper documentation.
Yes. Orders for support, parenting, or property division may be enforced or varied if legal standards are met, such as a material change in circumstances. Enforcement tools include garnishment and court orders.
Costs depend on complexity, negotiations, and court involvement. Contested matters are generally more expensive than uncontested divorces. Fees, billing methods, and cost-management strategies are discussed during the initial consultation.
Bring applicable documents such as your marriage certificate, any separation agreement, court documents, financial records (tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements), property and mortgage documents, pension statements, and notes about parenting arrangements.
Courts prioritize the best interests of children in parenting decisions. Property is divided using net family property rules, with special treatment for the matrimonial home. Support is determined using guidelines and case law, affecting long-term finances.
If negotiation fails, the court decides based on evidence, affidavits, disclosure, and sometimes expert reports. Mediation or collaborative law may still be options to avoid trial.
A negotiated agreement offers more control, lower cost, and faster resolution. Court proceedings may be necessary if one party refuses to negotiate in good faith or conceals assets.
Full financial disclosure involves exchanging complete and accurate financial information. It is essential for fair support calculations and property division, and courts can penalize parties who fail to disclose.
Child support follows the Federal Child Support Guidelines. Spousal support depends on factors such as relationship length, roles, need, and ability to pay, guided by the Divorce Act and Ontario family law.
Yes. Business interests, pensions, and investments require valuation and expert input, increasing complexity and timelines. Accurate disclosure and expert assistance are critical.
Common law couples do not divorce, but they may bring claims for support or property-related remedies under Ontario law. Rights differ from married spouses.
Gather financial documents, document parenting arrangements, avoid major financial changes, seek legal advice early, and consider mediation if appropriate.
We provide focused, evidence-based advocacy—preparing pleadings, affidavits, motions, and evidence; advising on disclosure; negotiating where possible; and representing you at hearings and trial to pursue fair outcomes.

Yes. Working with an experienced divorce lawyer in Ottawa can significantly reduce the emotional toll of a contested divorce. An experienced family law lawyer manages the legal process, court proceedings, and negotiations so you can focus on your well-being. Clear legal counsel, realistic expectations, and structured advocacy often help reduce emotional strain while working toward fair outcomes.

A contested divorce lawyer in Ottawa addresses legally complex family law issues by applying Ontario family law, the Divorce Act, and the Family Law Act. This includes managing financial disclosure, property division, child custody, child support, spousal support, and parenting arrangements. Experienced family lawyers also coordinate expert evidence for complex assets or business interests where needed.

A family lawyer guides clients through every stage of the divorce process, from filing a divorce application to negotiating separation agreements or representing clients in Superior Court. Family law services include legal advice, drafting court documents, mediation services, alternative dispute resolution, and court advocacy to ensure fair and enforceable divorce orders.

Yes. Ottawa divorce lawyers assist with both contested divorce and uncontested divorce matters. While a simple divorce or uncontested divorce is typically faster and less expensive, divorce lawyers can also transition a case into a contested divorce proceeding if disputes arise over parenting issues, support issues, or dividing assets.

Under Ontario law, property division between married spouses is based on net family property calculations. This includes family property, the matrimonial home, and other assets acquired during the marriage. A family law lawyer ensures full financial disclosure and works toward an equitable division and fair division of property in accordance with the Family Law Act.

If one spouse refuses full financial disclosure, the court can compel disclosure and impose penalties. Full financial disclosure is essential for child support, spousal support, net family property calculations, and fair outcomes. An experienced family law lawyer can bring motions during court proceedings to protect your legal rights.

Yes. A divorce lawyer in Ottawa helps develop parenting plans that address parenting time, decision-making authority, and decision-making responsibility. Courts focus on the best interests and well-being of the children, and family lawyers work to create parenting arrangements that are practical, enforceable, and child-focused.

Business interests and complex assets often make contested divorce proceedings more legally complex. Valuations, expert reports, and detailed financial disclosure are usually required. Experienced family law lawyers work with accountants and valuation professionals to protect business continuity while ensuring equitable division and fair outcomes.

Yes. While common law couples do not file for divorce, they may still face family law matters such as child support, spousal support, parenting issues, or property issues through unjust enrichment claims. A family law lawyer can explain available legal services and rights under Ontario family law.

Legal fees and court fees vary depending on the complexity of the legal matters, length of court proceedings, and whether settlement or mediation services are successful. During a confidential consultation, a lawyer in Ottawa will explain anticipated legal fees, court fees, and cost-management strategies such as alternative dispute resolution.

Experienced family law lawyers represent clients by preparing evidence, managing financial disclosure, and advocating in court proceedings before the Superior Court. Their goal is to ensure fair outcomes related to division of property, parenting issues, support issues, and divorce orders while navigating a legally complex process.

In many cases, yes. Mediation services and alternative dispute resolution can help resolve contested divorce issues without a full trial. Even during a contested divorce proceeding, family lawyers often pursue negotiated solutions to reduce emotional strain, legal fees, and time spent in court.

Resolve Your Legal Challenges

Legal matters, whether in family or employment law, can be stressful and time-sensitive. Our Ottawa lawyer specialize in providing focused, practical solutions designed to protect your rights and achieve effective outcomes.

By booking an appointment with our team, you take a concrete step toward resolving disputes, understanding your options, and safeguarding your future. We handle each case with precision and care, ensuring your unique situation is fully addressed. Don’t wait—secure your appointment today and move forward with confidence knowing experienced legal support is on your side.

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