Best Family Lawyer Firms
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The 7 Best Family Lawyer Firms in Ottawa

 Whether you’re looking to have prenup done, having wills and estates handled, or going through a divorce, it’s a much easier process to go through with a lawyer on your side. That’s why in this article, we’re bringing you to the best family lawyers in Ottawa.

We’ll break down what to look for when hiring a lawyer, the average costs of divorce in Canada (because it’s the top reason for seeking a family lawyer here), and some answered FAQs at the end. Let’s begin!

What to Know before Hiring a Family Lawyer

Let’s start off with the basics of what you want in a family lawyer.

1.  Solid reviews

Going online and doing some research on a few lawyers is the best way to start – many of the first results will be ads, so try to avoid those at all cost! They generally say nothing of how good a lawyer really is.

A good lawyer has their reviews speak for themselves.

2. Consultations

Many firms and lawyers offer free consultations – but oftentimes, the goal is to get you to sign with them as a client rather than help you with your case.

Sometimes paying for a consultation with a good lawyer will be well worth the extra money spent and the hassle saved from not having a lawyer – or even worse, hiring a bad one.

Remember that the lawyer’s goal should be to give you advice. If it’s starting to sound like a sales pitch, they might not be the one to work with.

3. Fees and Estimations

Transparency is crucial, so ask all the questions you need about fees and estimations. They should be able to provide a printed list of all these and walk you through the breakdown.

See if you can do some of the work yourself too, as this should reduce your costs.

4. Have you handled cases like these before?

No two cases are exactly alike. It helps with ease of mind if you end up working with a lawyer that has had plenty of experience in cases similar to yours.

A good way to figure this out is to ask them what strategies they plan to take regarding the case.

5. Experience

Nothing beats experience. If your lawyer has worked in family law for a longer time and has the right credentials, they can generally go through the process much quicker and with more confidence.

Having an experienced lawyer on your side also does wonders for your emotional security during tough cases like divorce.

How Much Do Family Lawyer Services Cost in Ottawa?

We’ve provided the costs of legal documents in the table below as well as the average of how much a lawyer will cost. Bear in mind that actual lawyer’s fees vary!

ServiceAverage cost
Filing for Application of Divorce$157
Search Registry Fee$10
Process Server Fee$64.20
Motion for Judgement Fee$280
Court Clerk Fee (For filing attendances)$53.50
Final Certificate of Divorcev(Optional)$19
Lawyer’s feesVariable

Top Family Lawyer Firms in Ottawa

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get to the firms that have the best reputations throughout Ottawa:

1. Davies law Firm

Davies law Firm
BEST FOR    
SERVICESSpousal and Child Support
Disposal of the Marital Home
Separation Agreements
Contract and Agreements
Child Custody and Access
Property and Complex Asset Division
Family Law
Prenuptial Agreement
Property Claims
Post-Divorce Order Modifications
Litigation
Division of Property
Amicable
Contentious Divorce
WEBSITEwww.daviesdivorcelaw.com
ADDRESS275 Slater Street, Suite 900, Ottawa, ON K1P 5H9
CONTACT DETAILS(613) 688-0462
[email protected]
OPERATING HOURSMon – Fri 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sat – Sun Closed

Davies Law Firm is an experienced and highly skilled divorce firm in Ottawa that’s been operating since 2010. The firm was given the title of Top Choice Family Law Firm of 2020 in Ottawa by Top Choice Awards.

They have the expertise and technical skills required to make your path through the legal process as stress-free as possible. They take the time and necessary steps to make sure everything that is relevant to each client is discussed so they can take the best course of action.

Clients who worked with them have a pretty high level of satisfaction and believe they chose the best available legal representation. They also say that the level of professionalism and customer service is unparalleled.

Pros

  • Specialize in family law
  • Locations in Ottawa and Toronto

Cons

  • Higher lawyer’s fees than average

Customer Reviews

With a long-standing good  reputation and specialization on their side, Davies Law Firm has done great work practicing family law. Check out these positive reviews:

“Excellent law firm. I have been using Davies Law Firm for family law and I have had a great experience. Been working with Maria and Tanya on my matter and they have been very helpful, responsive and have helped me navigate through the complicated process of divorce. You are in great hands with Davies Law.”  -Bill G

“I was desperate to find a lawyer to help with a bad divorce, child care issues that had been dragging for the last 4 years. As soon as I got in contact with Tania she took my case and assigned me Maria to help out. I was impressed with their understanding of my situation and for the first time I felt that  we were finally getting somewhere. They are an amazing team of lawyers and I have faith that with their help and dedication my case will be resolved and my child and I will finally be able to find peace. Thanks for all that you are doing.”  -Annie Guindon

2. Daniels Law Firm

Daniels Law Firm
BEST FOR   General needs
SERVICESModifications, Spouses
Post-Separation
Family Law
Adoption and Surrogacy
Immigration
Post Separation Modification
Marriage Contracts or Cohabitation and Prenuptial Agreements
Support and Variations
Hague Applications
Child Custody and Access
International Child Abduction
Parenting-Time Arrangements
Personal Injury Litigation
WEBSITEwww.lawyerinottawa.com
ADDRESS116 Albert Street, Suite 312, Ottawa, ON K1P 5G3
CONTACT DETAILS(613) 867-6871
(800) 491-9279
[email protected]
OPERATING HOURSMon – Fri 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sat – Sun closed

Daniels Law Firm is a boutique law firm in Ottawa. Their staff includes attorneys in the courts as well as specialized attorneys providing a wide variety of legal services.

They’ve served clients in Ontario and the surrounding area since 2005 and have represented thousands of clients, making them highly experienced in various fields of Canadian law. Their legal strategies are tailored to fit the needs of each and every client while ensuring that they have full understanding of the process as they walk through each step.

Regardless of the forum, the staff and lawyers at Daniels Law Firm strongly enforce the rights of their clients, who are more often than not satisfied with their work.

Pros

  • Highly experienced
  • Great customer service

Cons

  • Not specialized in family law
  • Higher legal fees than average

Customer Reviews

Thanks to their large team of experienced attorneys, Daniels Law Firm is one of the top law firms in Ottawa. Check out these reviews from satisfied customers:

“Daniels Law Firm was recommended to me by an acquaintance to handle my family separation and divorce. Angela worked on my case diligently and at the end I got all I wanted in my divorce. I received a great service and I highly recommend, I will go to Daniels Law Firm in the future for any family court proceedings.”  -Melvin Novak

“I found Angela by chance (googled top lawyers in Ottawa) after having mediocre results with another lawyer for my family law case.  I was looking for a lawyer who was willing to take my case to court and fight for my rights.  When I met Angela for the first time, she seemed a little more quiet than what I was looking for, but turned out to be a total powerhouse and fought for me and got me a huge win.  I highly recommend Angela and her team.  She is smart and extremely savvy and took the case right out of the defences hands, sorted it out and dropped it right back on their lap.  Exactly the lawyer you don’t want to be up against but certainly the lawyer you want representing you.” -Kevin Thulbeck

3. Clayton Law

Clayton Law
BEST FOR   Custody and Settlement
SERVICESProperty Division
Guardianships
Custody
Tax Issues
Mediation
Physical Custody
Child and Spousal Support
Domestic Contracts
Collaborative Family Law
Settlement
Spouse
Estates
Children Matters
Parent’s Rights
Wills & Annulments
WEBSITEwww.ottawafamilylaw.com
ADDRESS2249, Carling Avenue, Suite 412, Ottawa, ON K2B 7E9
CONTACT DETAILS(613) 596-2424
[email protected]
OPERATING HOURSMon – Fri 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sat – Sun closed

Clayton Law has over 20 years of practice in family law, making them one of the older specialized law firms in the area. Thanks to their experience and length of time operating, they’ve served thousands of people across Ottawa and the surrounding area

Their goal is to get clients into and out of the settlement process as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible. Each client is given a clear idea about the jury process and what the necessary steps are to ensure that they get what they need.

 Clayton Law offers thirty minutes of free consultation and according to clients, put a lot of effort into making sure that they are comfortable and confident in the process.

Pros

  • Specializes in family law

Cons

  • Relatively high lawyer’s fees

Customer Reviews

With a focus on customer care, Clayton Law has a solid track record of being one of the top family law firms in Ottawa. Check out these reviews:

“Darrin and his team are very professional, kind and courteous. They helped me solve my family law issue quickly and efficiently with a great overall outcome. I highly recommend you give Darrin and his team a call for all your needs.”  -Lisa Hurlbert

“During my separation, I went to Clayton law and immediately felt comfortable, supported and in good hands legally speaking.” –Sifate Zaman

4. LMS Lawyers

LMS Lawyers
BEST FOR   General needs
SERVICESCorporate law
Criminal law
Real estate
Civil litigation
Family law
Employment and labour law
Estate law
Immigration law
Personal injury law
WEBSITEwww.lmslawyers.com
ADDRESS190 O’Connor Street, 9th Floor, Ottawa, ON K2P 2R3
CONTACT DETAILS(613) 230-5787
OPERATING HOURS 

Each of the family law lawyers of Ottawa at LMS Laywers LLP have many years of experience in every area of family law, including spousal support litigation, custody disputes, and divorce.

They offer free 30-minute consultations, accept Legal Aid Ontario funded clients, and charge no fees until the case is either settled or won. Even then, the lawyer’s fees are quite affordable compared to many other firms.

Clients who have worked with them often say that their legal processes went smoothly. Being guided and walked through the whole process by the lawyers of the firm made a huge impact on dealing with the emotional aspect of the situation as well.

Pros

  • Great website
  • Strong emotional support

Cons

  • Specializes in injury

Customer Reviews

Thanks to their broad range and years of experience, LMS Lawyers has provided top-notch services to their clients. Check out these reviews from a couple of them:

“I have dealt with a number of lawyers from this firm. Hunter, Jeff, Paulo and Israel. I have been so impressed with there work and highly recommend them in family, criminal and realestate law. Thank you for all your service and dedication.”  -Moira Taylor

“If you need a lawyer and want a succesful case, this is the law firm to go to and hire! Highly skilled lawyers in every area of law out there!”  -Majid Watfa

5. Delaney’s Law Firm

Delaney’s Law Firm
BEST FOR   General needs
SERVICESDivorce
Adoption
Prenuptial agreement
Family law
Real estate law
Estates
Personal Injury
WEBSITEwww.ottawalawyer.com
ADDRESS487 Lewis St 2nd Floor, Ottawa, ON K1R 5J9, Canada
CONTACT DETAILS(613) 223-700
OPERATING HOURSMon – Fri 9am – 5pm
Sat – Sun closed

Delaney’s Law Firm was founded in 2006, a year after owner Brian Delaney began his practice. 15 years later the firm has built a solid reputation in Ottawa for legal services in family law, real estate, personal injury and wills and estates.

While they don’t focus on only one area of Canadian law, they are still highly adept when it comes to family law. A large fraction of their clients come in with cases related to divorce, child custody, and the like.

They may make up a small team of 4 attorneys, but they don’t fall short when it comes to ensuring that their client is comfortable and treated with the utmost respect and compassion throughout the process. They provide free consultation and offer other legal services as well if needed – you only have to ask.

Pros

  • Informative website
  • Provides other legal services if needed

Cons

  • Doesn’t specialize in family law
  • Small team

Customer Reviews

Thanks to the small team’s dedication and professionalism, they get the job done just as well as a larger firm. Check out these positive reviews:

“I initially called Delaneys law firm to discuss a complex divorce.  I retained Bryan Delaney.. I was treated with compassion and honesty. Although my case is challenging I was directed to a solution that suited my needs at this time.  Bryan spoke with eloquence and was empathetic to my situation.. I will not hesitate to recommend Bryan to anyone in need of any professional advice or guidance moving forward with their journeys.”  -Lisa Newberry

“Extremely grateful for Mr. Delaney’s seasoned insight and input. His honesty, experience, and realistic approach to navigating family law has helped make what has felt like an insurmountable situation feel manageable. Very appreciative of his knowledge and professionalism.”  -Laura Alexandra

6. Duplain Law Corporation

Duplain Law Corporation
BEST FORAll aspects of Family Law
SERVICESFamily Law, Collaborative Practice & Mediation, Wills & Power Attorneys
WEBSITEhttps://www.duplainlaw.net
ADDRESS500 Lacolle Way, Suite 300, Orleans, ON K4A 0N9
CONTACT DETAILS613.238.0818 | [email protected]
OPERATING HOURSBy appointment only

Duplain Law Corporation is a firm that specialises in all aspects of Family Law, including mediations and the creation of wills. This humble firm was established by one Steve André Serge Duplain (B.A. (Hons.), LL.B.) who now works with Laura Pilon (B.Sc. (Hons.), J.D.) and Chelsea Ross (B.A. (Hons.), Paralegal Graduate).

Together, they endeavour to accessible, affordable legal services because family matters most. New clients of Duplain Law Corporation will find that the three-person team is understanding and constantly tries to deliver positive results to their clients.

These results are not gained without consultations and detailed meetings, so if you choose Duplain Law Corporation for your Family Law needs, you may find yourself meeting with their team frequently, so that the Duplain Law Corporation team can fully understand what you need.

Aside from being understanding and communicative, Duplain Law Corporation is also mindful of our clients’ cultural, linguistic, and ethnic diversity. This highly professional and inclusive firm has served diverse clientele from all over the world.

Pros

  • Practice area includes all aspects of Family Law
  • Professional, personal and communicative team
  • Reasonably priced law services

Cons

  • Small team

7. Lister-Beaupré

Lister-Beaupré
SERVICES Family Law
WEBSITEhttp://listerlawyers.com 
ADDRESS200 Catherine St Suite 301, Ottawa, ON K2P 2K9, Canada
CONTACT DETAILSTelephone: 613-234-2500
Fax: 613-234-2501
E-mail: [email protected]
OPERATING HOURSMonday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5 PM

If you’re looking for professional lawyers that are not only experienced in their field but are also dedicated to helping you every step of the way, then look no further away from Lister-Beaupré. 

Their attorneys are skilled drafters, and critical thinkers, who are also effective communicators who collaborate to satisfy the unique requirements and exceed the expectations of each of their clients. 

Whether you need help starting or organizing a business, buying or selling real estate, resolving issues with an employer or employee, protecting your human rights, navigating a marital dissolution, initiating or defending a lawsuit, or anything else, you can count on their dedicated team of lawyers and support staff working tirelessly in your corner when you call on them.

They ensure that you are on board with every decision as they tailor a strategy designed to lead you to the best possible result for your legal matter. With everything they have to offer, we highly recommend Lister-Beaupré for their extremely competent family lawyers.

Pros

  • Professional and experienced family lawyers
  • Affordable rates
  • Great customer support

Cons

  • Closed on weekends

Customer Reviews

I highly recommend Lister Beaupre, you want them in your corner

“Lister Beaupre was recommended to me after finding myself unexpectedly in need of representation. Andrew and Chantal were patient, hard-working and diligent. My wife and I were always updated as to what the legal process was and informed every step of the way. I cannot express enough how much  we appreciated their knowledge and experience. I highly recommend Lister Beaupre, you want them in your corner.” – Darren Sproule

I will always be grateful for the work Andrew and his firm did for me 

“Andrew Lister was my personal injury lawyer for a very complicated, multi-year case.  It required a complicated litigation and involved many different parties.  Andrew was professional and respectful throughout the entire case.  He provided strong support and guidance to me until the case was successfully settled.  I will always be grateful for the work Andrew and his firm did for me and I highly recommend his legal expertise.”  – Kelly Forbes

FAQs About Family Lawyers


That concludes our list of the best family lawyer firms in Ottawa! We hope you found this helpful.

Did we miss a company you recommend? Tell us all about it, we’d love to hear from you!

If you have other legal needs, we have a few other legal service roundup articles! Check them out when you can.