FINDING COMMON GROUND STARTS WITH TRUSTED GUIDANCE
Compassionate advice for separation, parenting, support, and family matters.
Compassionate guidance through life's difficult transitions.
Experienced representation for family law & divorce matters.
Focused on practical solutions and lasting resolutions.
FAMILY LAWYERS IN DARTMOUTH & HALIFAX
Family law matters are often among the most personal and emotionally challenging legal issues a person will face. Whether you are navigating a separation, divorce, parenting dispute, support issue, or property division matter, having experienced legal counsel can help you make informed decisions and move forward with confidence.
For families throughout Dartmouth, Halifax, and Nova Scotia, Landry McGillivray has earned a reputation for providing knowledgeable, compassionate, and practical family law representation. We understand that every family's situation is unique, and we work closely with our clients to develop solutions that protect their interests while considering the long-term well-being of everyone involved, especially children.
Family Law Services
Our family law team provides representation and guidance in a wide range of family matters.
Separation Agreements
When a relationship ends, important decisions often need to be made regarding parenting arrangements, support obligations, property division, debts, pensions, and the family home. A properly drafted separation agreement can provide clarity, certainty, and legal protection for both parties.
Parenting, Custody & Decision-Making Responsibility
Parenting arrangements are often one of the most important issues arising from a separation. We help parents establish parenting plans that address decision-making responsibilities, parenting time, communication, and the best interests of their children. Our goal is to help families create workable arrangements that support stability and healthy relationships.
Spousal Support
Spousal support may arise following the breakdown of a marriage or common-law relationship. Entitlement and amounts depend on several factors, including income disparity, financial need, contributions to the relationship, and future earning capacity. We provide practical advice and representation regarding both support claims and support obligations.
Marriage Contracts & Cohabitation Agreements
Planning ahead can help avoid uncertainty in the future. Marriage contracts, prenuptial agreements, and cohabitation agreements allow couples to address important financial and property matters before issues arise. These agreements can provide valuable protection and peace of mind for both parties.
Divorce
Whether your divorce is uncontested or involves more complex issues, our lawyers can guide you through the legal process while helping you understand your rights and obligations. We assist clients with divorce applications, negotiations, settlement agreements, and court proceedings when necessary.
Child Support
Child support is generally determined using the Federal Child Support Guidelines and is intended to ensure children continue to receive appropriate financial support following a separation. We assist clients with child support calculations, extraordinary expenses, post-secondary education expenses, and support variations.
Division of Property & Matrimonial Assets
The division of property can become one of the most complex aspects of a family law matter. Our lawyers assist clients with issues involving the matrimonial home, pensions, investments, businesses, vehicles, family debt, and other assets. We work to ensure clients understand their rights and options under Nova Scotia law.
Adoption
Adoption is a meaningful legal process that creates permanent family relationships. Our team can assist families in understanding the legal requirements and navigating the adoption process with confidence.
Supporting Married & Common-Law Couples
Family law issues affect both married and common-law couples. While the rights and obligations of common-law spouses are not always identical to those of married spouses, many legal considerations involving support, parenting, and property rights can still arise when a common-law relationship ends. We help clients understand how the law applies to their specific circumstances and provide guidance tailored to their situation.
A Culture of Collaboration
At Landry McGillivray, our goal is not only to achieve the best possible legal outcome but also to minimize the emotional and financial impact that family disputes can have on our clients and their families.
Whenever possible, we encourage resolution through negotiation, collaboration, mediation, and settlement discussions. Reaching a fair agreement outside of court often allows families to maintain greater control over the outcome while reducing stress, time, and expense. Litigation remains an option when necessary, but it is generally viewed as a last resort after other avenues have been explored.
Understanding Family Law & Divorce
Family law involves many important decisions regarding children, support, property, and future financial arrangements. Our Family Law & Divorce Guide provides additional information about separation, divorce, custody, access, child support, spousal support, common-law relationships, matrimonial property, and marriage contracts.
Download our Family Law & Divorce Guide to learn more.