Emma WhiteAccording to CBC News, 4 out of 10 marriages in Canada end in divorce. So, it’s important to remember that when facing divorce, having a reliable and experienced lawyer by your side can make all the difference.
To help you, we rounded up the best divorce lawyers in Ottawa. From negotiating settlements to standing up for clients in court, these experts work hard to secure fair outcomes and ease the burden of divorce for their clients.
| How much is a divorce lawyer in Ottawa? The cost of hiring a divorce lawyer in Ottawa typically includes an average retainer fee of $1000 and an initial consultation fee of $200 per hour. Legal and court representation fees may also cost $250 per hour. For contested divorces, litigation expenses can cost up to $45,000. |
How We Chose the Best Divorce Lawyers in Ottawa
1. Mann Lawyers LLP
Business Address: 11 Holland Ave #300, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4S1
Website: mannlawyers.com
Instagram: instagram.com/mannlawyers
Phone Number: (613) 722-1500
Business Hours: Mon – Fri: 8:30 AM – 5 PM
Mann Lawyers is a firm that covers various practice areas with over 25 years of experience. Led by Alison Boyce, their family law department specializes in divorce cases, boasting experience in litigation, negotiation, mediation, and dispute resolution.
Recognizing the unique circumstances of each family, Mann Lawyers’ divorce lawyers adopt a personalized approach. They work closely with clients to develop tailored strategies that align with their long- and short-term objectives.
They also use alternative dispute methods and settlement options to address various divorce and separation issues, including custody, support, and asset division.
Beyond legal representation, Mann Lawyers actively engages with the community through participation in charitable events and volunteer work.
Additionally, they host educational events, providing clients and partners with opportunities to learn from their team.
Pros
- Over 25 years of experience
- Adopts a personalized approach
- Experienced in litigation and negotiation
- Offers alternative dispute methods and settlement
- Participates in charitable events and volunteer work
- Hosts educational events
Cons
- Lack of responsiveness
Exceptional law firm with a compassionate team
“I had the privilege of working with Alison Boyce and I must say, her expertise in the field of family law is truly remarkable. Her in-depth knowledge, coupled with her compassionate approach, sets her apart as an exceptional lawyer. Throughout our engagement, Alison was very understanding of my family law case, providing me with great advice and guidance every step of the way. Her attention to detail and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for her clients is truly commendable. It’s not just her legal expertise, but also her ability to empathize and communicate effectively that makes working with her an absolute pleasure. If you’re seeking a dedicated family law expert who goes above and beyond, Alison Boyce is undoubtedly an excellent choice. Thank you, Alison, for all your hard work! Also, Mann Lawyers is an exceptional law firm with a compassionate and understanding team that delivers outstanding service.”
– Maesha Islam, Google Review
Mann Lawyers has been our family law firm for many years
“Mann Lawyers has been our family law firm for many years as they are the best there is. Through the complexity of our latest legal needs, Jason Peyman was able to coordinate and complete the signing of documents by what seemed like an army of us. Almost all of it was done virtually which was quite the undertaking but very appreciated.”
– Karin Sharp, Google Review
2. Nelligan Law
Business Address: 50 O’Connor St #300, Ottawa, ON K1P 6L2
Website: nelliganlaw.ca
Instagram: instagram.com/nelliganlaw
Phone Number: (613) 238-8080
Business Hours: Mon – Fri: 9 AM – 5 PM
Nelligan Law, founded by John Nelligan and Denis Power in 1969, has grown to become one of Ottawa’s largest law firms, boasting a team of over 55 lawyers. They were also recognized as one of the National Capital Region’s Top Employers for 2023.
At Nelligan Law, clients benefit from a collaborative team approach.
Divorce cases are handled with care by lawyers like Kiran Uppal, who guides clients through the legal process with compassion. She also handles child and spousal support, property division, and marriage contracts.
Navigating divorce proceedings is made easier with their hands-on team, which handles everything from filing paperwork to representing clients in court.
Beyond their legal work, Nelligan Law is committed to giving back to the community. Kiran Uppal, for example, volunteers with Campfire Circle, a non-profit organization offering camp programs to children and families affected by childhood cancer.
Pros
- Over 50 years of experience
- National Capital Region’s Top Employers for 2023
- Adopts a collaborative team approach
- Handles everything from filing paperwork to litigation
- Child and spousal support, property division, and marriage contracts
- Gives back to the community
Cons
- Reports of rude staff
Felt in good hands the minute we communicated
“I was treated with urgency and like my concerns mattered. I was given superb advice and felt in good hands the minute we communicated. There was a very successful outcome and I would trust them with any legal matter.”
– Lisa Barrett, Google Review
Lawyers are knowledgeable and helpful
“I deal with lawyers and assistant at this well established and reputable Law Firm. Staff are professional and helpful. Lawyers are knowledgeable and helpful. Fees are competitive.”
– JJ Gagne, Google Review
3. AGB Lawyers
Business Address: 2249 Carling Ave Suite 210, Ottawa, ON K2B 7E9
Website: agblawyers.com
Instagram: instagram.com/agblawyers
Phone Number: (613) 232-8832
Business Hours: Mon – Fri: 9 AM – 5 PM
AGB Lawyers, established in 1996, offers a personalized approach to legal services in Ottawa, focusing on family law, mediation, estate planning, and estate administration.
Their divorce lawyers will guide you through the divorce or separation process. They’ll strive to empower you while providing compassionate support.
At AGB Lawyers, they believe in exploring all avenues to achieve a resolution. Whether through negotiation or mediation, their goal is to simplify the process, reduce costs, and maintain amicable relationships.
They also handle post-divorce modifications, making sure that separation agreements cover essential provisions. These include child support, spousal support, and business operations.
Note that their court representation services are available for divorce cases that require adversarial hearings.
Pros
- 28 years of experience
- Provides compassionate support
- Offers negotiation or mediation
- Handles post-divorce modifications
- Court representation services
Cons
- Reports of clients feeling ignored
Great, calming, informative, and amazing firm
“AGB Lawyers, was a great, calming, informative and amazing firm. Even just a 30 minute consultation and they made us feel like part of the family. Eased our minds, knowing what our rights were and didn’t confuse us with legal jargon.”
– Kaitlyn Doxtater, Google Review
Trusted family lawyer for more than a decade
“AGB has been my parents’ trusted family lawyer for more than a decade. While executing my father’s will, and most recently when updating my mother’s estate plan — her will and powers of attorney — I have appreciated Gaetan and Mafanway’s responsiveness, frank and thoughtful advice, as well as their blend of empathy, gentleness and humour with my elderly mother. Extremely satisfied with AGB: thank you!”
– Gerald Crotty, Google Review
4. The Riley Divorce & Family Law Firm
Business Address: 116 Albert St #300, Ottawa, ON K1P 5G3
Website: therileyfirm.ca/ottawa-family
Instagram: instagram.com/therileyfirm
Phone Number: (613) 706-4293
Business Hours: Mon – Sun: Open 24 hours
The Riley Divorce & Family Law Firm boasts over 35 years of combined experience in family law, led by Managing Director Paul Riley. His family law expertise made him a trusted legal analyst for media outlets seeking insight into family law matters.
Unlike other firms, you can schedule consultations from the comfort of your own home via Zoom video calls.
For uncontested divorces, they offer streamlined processes that save time, reduce conflict, and minimize costs. Parties can opt for a joint divorce, simplifying the procedure and promoting amicable resolutions.
In cases of contested divorces requiring litigation, their client-centered team handles various issues. These include child custody, asset division, spousal support, and more.
Additionally, they specialize in property division and marital property allocation.
Beyond legal services, they foster community engagement by hosting events like their 2023 Divorce Professional Social event.
Pros
- Over 35 years of combined experience
- Legal analyst for media outlets
- Offers Zoom consultations
- Uncontested and contested divorces
- Property division and marital property allocation
- Hosts events
Cons
- Limited range of services
The Riley Firm has become an extension of my family
“The Riley Firm has become an extension of my family, called upon when needed the most. The are always there to support you, from coaching, to help you manage the emotion and complexity of the situation, to top-notch legal advice and support from the highest calibre of legal minds in the business. They listen to you, help you focus on priorities, and navigate the complexities of the judicial system. At the core of their service is a personal lens to all they do – they are good people helping others in a difficult time, always guiding you to the light.”
– George Enei, Google Review
Exceptional team who has been there every step of the way.
“The company slogan is true! Divorce is tough… this firm is an exceptional team who has been there every step of the way. When choosing a law firm, I suggest looking for one with a good reputation, processional and exceptional knowledge of family law. I have been supported by a professional and dedicated team. I have been educated on choices and given feedback in the divorce process.”
– Rachel Tubman, Google Review
5. Fresh Legal
Business Address: 240 Bank St Suite 402, Ottawa, ON K2P 1X4
Website: https://www.freshlegal.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fresh.legal
Phone Number: +1 866-248-0822
Business Hours: Mon – Fri: 9 AM – 5 PM
Founded by Jennifer Reynolds in 2015, Fresh Legal focuses on kindness, compassion, and knowledge. With over a decade of experience as a family lawyer, she guides clients through the process with empathy.
Jennifer emphasizes out-of-court solutions like mediation and collaborative law. And, as an Accredited Family Mediator and trained collaborative family law professional, she provides clients with dispute resolution tailored to their needs.
For clients outside Ottawa, Cornwall, or Toronto, Fresh Legal offers online mediation services, ensuring accessibility and convenience.
Additionally, the firm provides “shuttle mediation” both in-person and virtually, allowing couples to participate in mediation sessions from separate rooms.
Fresh Legal excels in addressing other family law matters, including parenting and property issues, child and spousal support, and safety planning. The firm also drafts separation agreements and parenting plans.
Pros
- Over a decade of experience
- Specializes in uncontested divorce
- Accredited Family Mediator
- Trained collaborative family law professional
- Offers online mediation services
- Provides “shuttle mediation”
Cons
- Reports of disappointing outcomes
Jillian was determined to help me achieve the best possible results
“In a difficult time, Jillian was so supportive, patient and determined to help me achieve the best possible results for my family. She worked with me on finding ways to achieve these goals on my budget and kept me aware of all updates in my case. I like how she was honest with me and told me which of my goals were realistic, and which ones I would just have to learn to live without. Hopefully I wont need a family lawyer again, but if I do, I’ll be coming back to her!”
– Danielle Veal, Google Review
They are the best!!
“They are the best!! Soo amazing thank you soo much!!!!”
– Lexi Brotton, Google Review
