Services

About Stephen and Jessica

Stephen and Jessica met at Osgoode Hall Law School in 2008. Both went on to practice family law in the GTA for the next decade – Jessica at a prominent family law firm, while Stephen established his own successful family practice. In 2023, sharing a vision of a firm of lawyers that can light the way for those enduring the darkest time of their lives, Lighthouse Family Law LLPwas born.

The Lighthouse team has grown to include a number of wonderful lawyers and support staff, who are here to assist our clients. We have lawyers and support staff who speak Polish, Cantonese, Mandarin and Hebrew.

Needing a family lawyer was never part of your plan. We understand this reality and are here to help make this difficult process as straightforward as possible. Our team of lawyers and mediators are here to help you navigate the nuances of family law.

Whether you are married or common law, going through a separation or divorce, we can assist with everything from child-related issues to support and financial matters. We are equally skilled in court or in a collaborative process – we tailor our approach based on your particular situation.

Service Areas

At Lighthouse Family Law^LLP we can assist you with a wide range of issues, including:

Separation

Divorce

Decision-Making/Custody

Parenting Time/Access

Grandparents and Grandchildren

Child Support

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Spousal Support (Alimony)

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Property Division and Equalization

Trust Claims

Adoption

Marriage Contracts

Cohabitation Agreements

Wills and Power of Attorney

Estate planning and administration

Lawyer Assisted Negotiation

Where possible, we encourage parties to resolve issues by way of negotiation. Parties are often able to find an amicable resolution when it comes to parenting plans, division of assets, or determining appropriate financial support . We are here to provide you with strategic legal advice to bring about an effective resolution and to represent your interests when negotiating with the other side on your behalf.

Mediation

Sometimes a neutral third party can be effective to bring about resolution. At Lighthouse, all of our lawyers have experience using mediation as an alternative dispute resolution tool. Mediation is often a cost-effective and empowering way to resolve family law disputes – it can be as effective when addressing parenting issues as it is in resolving property issues and child or spousal support. The process is voluntary and confidential, as well as relationship-focused. You are involved in generating options that work for your family’s unique situation.

Litigation

Although at Lighthouse we try to assist parties without requiring court intervention, there are situations in which recourse to the Courts is necessary. This can be particularly important in situations of domestic violence, where Restraining Orders or urgent court action may be necessary. Commencing Court action may also be appropriate where urgent property relief is required or where negotiation and alternative dispute resolution efforts have not succeeded. Our lawyers are experienced litigators, able to diligently represent parties at any stage of the proceedings, and in any level of court.

Limited Scope

Not everyone requires full scope representation. Maybe you need help with disclosure, or strategic advice, or assistance with a particular court attendance. Our lawyers can assist you only to the extent you need, helping you towards an effective resolution while saving money.