Your questions answered
Brampton divorce & family-law FAQs
Do you offer a free consultation?
Yes. Request a free 15-minute introductory consultation to discuss the general nature of your enquiry, the services available and possible next steps. Detailed legal advice, document review and representation require an agreed engagement.
How much does an uncontested divorce cost in Brampton?
Our standard legal fee is $999 + HST. Court and registry fees are $669 additional, giving a base subtotal of $1,797.87 before applicable additional expenses. The fixed fee covers divorce-only work through obtaining the Divorce Order. A Divorce Certificate and ancillary disputes are excluded.
What family-law assistance do you provide?
We assist with uncontested and contested divorce, separation agreements, parenting time and decision-making responsibility, child and spousal support, property and pension issues, family-law agreements and changes to existing orders. Scope and fees are agreed for the work required.
Can I obtain an uncontested divorce if we have children or property?
Yes, this may be possible. The court must be satisfied about reasonable child support arrangements. A divorce-only order does not resolve property, parenting or support disputes. We review outstanding issues, existing proceedings and deadlines before advising whether the divorce-only process is appropriate.
Do we need a separation agreement before applying?
Not in every case. An agreement can record financial and parenting arrangements, but it is not a universal prerequisite to divorce. Outstanding issues and the consequences of obtaining a divorce should be reviewed with your lawyer.
Does my spouse have to sign the divorce application?
For a simple application, the other spouse’s signature on the application is not required, but proper service and an opportunity to respond are generally required. Both spouses participate and sign in a joint application. We do not act for both spouses in a dispute.
How long does a divorce take in Brampton?
Processing usually involves several months and depends on service, separation dates, registry clearance, complete documents and court workload. A straightforward uncontested divorce is generally decided on written materials without personal attendance, but the court can require further steps. There is no guaranteed timeline.
Can I work with your lawyers online?
Yes. We offer remote communication and appointments for Brampton clients, with signing arrangements confirmed for the documents involved. Online service does not remove court filing, commissioning or service requirements. In-person meetings are available by arrangement.
How are property, parenting and support issues decided?
Parenting decisions focus on the child’s best interests. Child support generally depends on the applicable guidelines, income and parenting arrangements; spousal support requires an assessment of entitlement and the circumstances. Married spouses’ property claims may involve equalization and special matrimonial-home rules. We assess your specific rights rather than assuming each asset is automatically split in half.
What if we cannot agree or I want to change lawyers?
We can assess negotiation, suitable dispute-resolution options and court representation where agreement is not possible. You may seek to change counsel during a proceeding; arrange transfer carefully to protect deadlines, manage costs and comply with applicable court procedure.
Where can Brampton clients meet with a lawyer?
Shaikh Law Firm is headquartered in Mississauga and serves Brampton clients. Remote service is available and in-person appointments can be arranged at a confirmed firm location. Contact us before visiting.
Can I get a divorce if I was married outside Canada?
A foreign marriage may qualify if it is legally recognized in Canada and the jurisdictional and divorce requirements are met. Provide the marriage certificate and any required translation. Tell us if the certificate cannot be obtained so that the appropriate procedure can be assessed.
What are unbundled legal services?
Also called limited-scope representation, these services allow you to retain a lawyer for an agreed task while handling other parts of your matter yourself. We assess suitability and confirm the services, limits and fees in writing.
How is child support calculated in Brampton?
The applicable child support guidelines, income, number of children and parenting arrangements inform the calculation. Special or extraordinary expenses and other circumstances may affect the amount. Income disclosure and individual advice help identify the appropriate support arrangements.
What happens to the matrimonial home during separation?
Ontario law contains special rules affecting possession of a matrimonial home and married spouses’ property equalization. A sale, buyout or continued occupation requires review of title, financing, agreements, orders and the parties’ rights. The home is not automatically dealt with by a divorce-only order.