Emma WhiteIn family law, lawyers do more than handle divorces.
They help with estate planning, adoptions, and guardianships and offer guidance on wills, trusts, and child custody. They also mediate disputes, assist with prenuptial agreements, and advocate for children’s rights in custody battles.
To resolve your family law issues, we rounded up Ottawa’s best family lawyers. These experts will help you and your loved ones receive the best legal protection available.
| How much does a family lawyer cost in Ottawa? The cost of hiring a family lawyer in Ottawa can vary significantly, with some lawyers offering free consultations, while others may charge between $100 and $400. Hourly rates typically start from $250. Factors such as case complexity and lawyer experience can further influence the overall cost. Additionally, flexible fee structures and payment plans may be available to accommodate clients’ needs. |
How We Chose the Best Family Lawyers in Ottawa
1. Delaney’s Law Firm
Business Address: 487 Lewis St 2nd Floor, Ottawa, ON K2P 0T2
Website: ottawalawyer.com
Instagram: instagram.com/delaneyslawfirm
Phone Number: (613) 233-7000
Business Hours: Mon – Fri: 9 AM – 5 PM
Delaney’s Law Firm, led by Bryan Delaney, has been assisting clients in Ottawa for over 15 years. Bryan focuses on finding affordable solutions, striving to resolve disputes promptly but is ready to vigorously advocate in court if needed.
With a focus on family law, the firm addresses various issues like custody, child and spousal support, and property division.
They also handle complex family matters related to pension, business, and real estate divisions. In addition to real estate transactions, they provide comprehensive services including commercial lease review, acquisitions advice, and asset management.
They recognize the importance of proper estate planning, offering guidance on will preparation to alleviate stress and conflicts for loved ones in the future.
Moreover, the firm handles personal injury cases, providing dedicated legal support for individuals seeking compensation and justice.
Pros
- Over 15 years of experience
- Custody, child and spousal support, and property division
- Pension, business, and real estate division
- Wills and estate planning
- Also handles personal injury cases
Cons
- Reports of rude lawyers
I would give 6 stars if I could.
“I would give 6 stars if I could. Mr Brian Delaney and team helped our family in a rather complicated estate matter. They were proactive, responsive and very knowable on the processes. Great guidance and great value for money, would recommend them to anyone and they did this during COVID when most firms were not accepting new clients based on workloads / complexity”
– Darko D, Google Review
Empathetic, knowledgeable, and professional
“I contacted Delaney’s law while I was going through a devastating divorce. My case was complicated with many elements. The office quickly responded to my emails. Bryan listened to my entire story with patience. He was very empathetic, knowledgeable and professional. He spoke slowly and clearly, which is very important for someone like me. He gave me good legal advice to move forward with my case and also answered my questions. I highly recommend Delaney’s law.”
– Sou Mya, Google Review
2. 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 is a boutique full-service legal practice specializing in family law, estate planning, estate administration, and real estate matters. Their goal is to provide dependable solutions for clients going through life’s transitions.
Yvonna Conte, the firm’s family and estate lawyer, is fluent in Russian, offering bilingual assistance. She guides clients through marriage contracts, property division, and support claims, while also providing estate planning services.
Leveraging her experience as a mortgage broker, Yvonna facilitates smooth real estate transactions, including purchases, sales, and refinances.
Her clients can benefit from a complimentary assessment to discuss their concerns and develop a strategic plan moving forward.
Each client is also assigned a dedicated Client Services Representative who assists them throughout their case.
Furthermore, they offer notarization services for various documents, including affidavits, statutory declarations, travel letters, and document certifications.
Pros
- Speaks Russian
- Marriage contracts, property division, and support claims
- Also handles estate planning and real estate transactions
- Complimentary assessment
- Assigns a Client Services Representative
- Offers notarization services
Cons
- Pricey
Had a fantastic experience with AGB Lawyers/YBC Law
“I had a fantastic experience with AGB Lawyers/YBC Law. The entire team was incredibly professional and kind throughout my interactions with them. Their expertise and dedication were evident in every step of the process. I highly recommend AGB Lawyers/YBC Law. for anyone seeking legal services. They exceeded my expectations, and I am grateful for their outstanding support. A truly top-notch team!”
– Shirley Cosentino, 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
3. Low Murchison Radnoff LLP
Business Address: Carling Executive Park, 1565 Carling Ave 400, Ottawa, ON K1Z 8R1
Website: lmrlawyers.com
Instagram: instagram.com/lmrlawyers
Phone Number: (613) 236-9442
Business Hours: Mon – Fri: 8:30 AM – 5 PM
Formed in 2011 by joining two respected Ottawa law firms, Low Murchison Radnoff LLP has a long history dating back to 1938.
Their family lawyer, Mimi Marrello, offers legal help in family matters like divorce, parenting, and adoption. She’s known for her clear advice and support, providing clients with personalized help.
Notably, she’s a former Ottawa Family Services à la famille Board Member and the current Co-Chair of the CCLA Family Law Institute Conference.
Her firm promotes peaceful resolutions, with its legal team acting as mediators and collaborative lawyers. They also represent clients in court effectively, aiming for positive outcomes.
Besides family law, the firm handles business, personal injury, and civil cases.
Committed to community welfare, Low Murchison Radnoff LLP supports charitable causes like the Ottawa Food Bank.
Pros
- 86 years of experience
- Handles divorce, parenting, and adoption
- Members of prestigious clubs
- Has mediators and collaborative lawyers
- Also handles business, personal injury, and civil cases
- Supports charitable causes
Cons
- Lack of responsiveness
Was a bulldog in and out of the courtroom
“My husband used Mimi Marello throughout his entire divorce case and post for continuous issues that arose. She was wonderful to work with and stayed fierce while facing the wrath of his ex who was trying to slander his name through the mud with vicious and spiteful lies and keep his children away from him after finding out about me. She was a bulldog in and out of the courtroom and stuck to the facts that brought a win for 50-50 custody and other nonsense. I would highly recommend her as she will tell you how it is and never lead you down the wrong path.”
– Olivia Kraglund, Google Review
Kind, warm, communicative, and supportive
“My partner and I had to deal with a new-property agreement that we signed before seeing our lawyer here, which was weighted heavily against us and which we were later told was unfair and inequitable in core ways, and different from many other such agreements as such. He (Michael Wong) was phenomenal in getting this sorted out and us completely out of the red, after dealing with an incredibly difficult and well-resourced legal team on the side of the housing company. Michael is the best in his profession and is kind, warm, communicative and supportive with his clients. We won’t see anyone else going forward.”
– LC, Google Review
4. CCY Family Law
Business Address: 1400 Clyde Ave. Suite 208, Nepean, ON K2G 3J2
Website: ccylaw.ca
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/ccy-family-law
Phone Number: (613) 727-9698
Business Hours: Mon – Fri: 9 AM – 5 PM
Founded in 1986 by Gerald Yemensky, CCY Family Lawyers has become a trusted name in family law. Specializing in mediation, collaborative family law, arbitration, and traditional court litigation, they offer a range of options to resolve family disputes.
Karla Policelli is their family lawyer. As an accredited Family Law Mediator and collaborative lawyer, she’s committed to helping clients find peaceful resolutions to their family issues.
Her firm’s initial consultations offer clients an assessment of their situation along with cost estimates, ensuring transparency from the start.
They offer collaborative family law, a process aimed at minimizing conflict and reaching balanced solutions. They also provide mediation services, providing a cost-effective approach to resolving marital disputes.
Additionally, the firm provides legal coaching and litigation support, empowering clients to navigate the legal process effectively.
Pros
- Over 35 years of experience
- Specializes in collaborative family law
- Offers mediation, arbitration, and litigation
- Conducts initial consultations
- Also offers legal coaching and litigation support
Cons
- Hard to reach via calls or emails
Karla Policelli at CCY is by far the best
“I have worked with several family law lawyers over the years, and Karla Policelli at CCY is by far the best. Karla has patiently, professionally and thoughtfully guided me through a complicated family law matter, and has consistently gone above and beyond in her timely responses to my many questions, and in her support in preparing for and entering into our court case. Karla is fighting very hard to bring my matter to resolution, while frequently advising me what can be done to keep my costs to a minimum. I can’t say enough about how quickly and expertly Karla understands and advises on the best path forward, and how hard she has worked to support my case. I would recommend her to anyone who is looking for top-quality family law legal representation.”
– Lawrence Keyte, Google Review
Used CCY for 30 years now and have always been impressed
“I have used CCY for 30 years now and have always been impressed with their service, honesty and thoroughness and would recommend them to anyone. Gerry Yemensky has been particularly generous with his time and patience.”
– Jane Ellens, Google Review
5. Kelly Santini LLP
Business Address: 2301 Carling Ave #301, Ottawa, ON K2B 7G3
Website: kellysantini.com
Instagram: instagram.com/kellysantinillp
Phone Number: (613) 829-7171
Business Hours: Mon – Fri: 8:30 AM – 5 PM
With a legacy dating back to 1976, Kelly Santini LLP has been a trusted legal partner for individuals and businesses alike.
Led by partner Zachary Gaulin, their family law team assists clients with a wide range of matters, including separation, divorce, custody, and support issues.
He also specializes in drafting family law agreements. From marriage and cohabitation agreements to estate planning, Zachary offers comprehensive support to his clients.
In addition to family law, Kelly Santini LLP handles estate administration and real estate transactions. They guide clients through the estate planning process and provide legal assistance in residential real estate matters.
Beyond legal services, the firm is actively involved in charitable endeavors, supporting organizations like Special Olympics Ontario and Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Pros
- 48 years of experience
- Separation, divorce, custody, and support issues
- Drafts family law agreements
- Estate administration and real estate transactions
- Actively involved in charitable endeavors
Cons
- Reports of subpar service
This law firm is outstanding
“This law firm is outstanding. They can provide support for many areas (family, real estate, corporate, employment, general business law, contract review, etc.. just to name a few). All staff and lawyers are exceptionally kind and knowledgeable people who truly strive to provide you with the best experience, no matter what your needs are. If you want a personalized experience and people who care about your well-being, I definitely recommend contacting Kelly Santini.”
– Courtney Craig, Google Review
Have had Kelly Santini as lawyers for over twenty-years
“We have had Kelly Santini as lawyers for over twenty-years. They have helped us with real estate, estate planning and employment law. I would recommend them without reservation.”
– Matthew Jones, Google Review
