Our Services
Family Law Services
At Third Street Law, we practice exclusively in family law. That single focus means every lawyer at our firm brings deep, specialized experience to your matter—whether it calls for negotiation across a table, an alternative dispute resolution process, or advocacy in a courtroom.
Life rarely unfolds the way you plan, and family transitions can be some of the hardest changes to navigate. We offer a full range of paths forward so the process you choose fits your family’s unique situation, not just the default route.
Strategic Negotiation
We provide strategic negotiation services for clients who are ending a marriage or common-law relationship and need clear legal guidance on how to move forward. Every situation is different: some couples agree on most issues and need structured legal support to finalize details, while others face complex disputes requiring firm, experienced advocacy. We walk you through your legal rights and obligations, then help you navigate a clear path toward a fair, durable resolution outside of court.
We regularly guide clients through negotiation regarding:
Property and asset division
Parenting arrangements and decision-making responsibility (formerly custody and access)
Child support and spousal support
Domestic Contracts & Family Law Agreements
We draft and negotiate domestic contracts for couples who want clear legal arrangements in place—whether you are getting married, moving in together, or formalizing a separation. A marriage contract, cohabitation agreement, or separation agreement establishes how property, debts, parenting, and support are handled, giving both parties certainty and protection.
We draft tailored agreements that accurately reflect your situation and guide you through the process to ensure the end result is fair, informed, and legally enforceable.
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Court is not the only way—and often not the best way—to resolve family law disputes. We offer a full spectrum of alternative dispute resolution processes designed to yield efficient, tailored, and durable outcomes:
Mediation
We offer family law mediation—a voluntary, collaborative process led by our mediator to help both parties work through issues and reach a mutually agreed-upon resolution.
Arbitration
We offer family law arbitration—an efficient out-of-court process where our arbitrator hears your case and issues a binding arbitration award or determination on a streamlined timeline.
Med-Arb
We offer med-arb, a hybrid process that begins with mediation to resolve as many issues as possible, transitioning seamlessly into binding arbitration to deliver a final determination on any remaining unresolved points.
Parenting Coordination
We guide parents through post-agreement or post-order disputes, helping resolve day-to-day parenting conflicts constructively so your family stays out of court long-term.
Mediation
We offer family law mediation—a voluntary, collaborative process led by our mediator to help both parties work through issues and reach a mutually agreed-upon resolution.
Arbitration
We offer family law arbitration—an efficient out-of-court process where our arbitrator hears your case and issues a binding arbitration award or determination on a streamlined timeline.
Med-Arb
We offer med-arb, a hybrid process that begins with mediation to resolve as many issues as possible, transitioning seamlessly into binding arbitration to deliver a final determination on any remaining unresolved points.
Parenting Coordination
We guide parents through post-agreement or post-order disputes, helping resolve day-to-day parenting conflicts constructively so your family stays out of court long-term.
Children’s Law & Child Protection
Children deserve a clear voice and specialized protection during family transitions. Our practice includes dedicated services focused specifically on children’s legal rights and well-being:
Child Representation
We provide independent legal representation for children to ensure their views, interests, and legal rights are fully protected.
Voice of the Child Reports
We conduct structured, impartial assessments to capture a child’s perspective, helping inform parental decisions and legal proceedings.
Child Inclusive Mediation
We safely incorporate the child’s voice and lived experience into the mediation process in a supportive, age-appropriate way.
Voice of the Child Reports
We represent parents and family members involved with the Children’s Aid Society or other child welfare agencies, advocating for outcomes that protect child welfare and family integrity. We also act as counsel to child welfare agencies and First Nations communities across Ontario.
Litigation & Appellate Practice
When a matter cannot be resolved through negotiation, mediation, or agreement, we provide strong, steady trial and appellate advocacy. We represent clients through every stage of the court process—from initial urgent motions to full trials and complex appeals.
We are experienced appellate counsel, representing clients before higher courts, including the Court of Appeal for Ontario. We prepare every file thoroughly and advocate firmly on your behalf, while providing honest, transparent guidance regarding costs, timelines, and realistic court outcomes.
Independent Legal Advice (ILA)
We provide independent legal advice for individuals who have been presented with a proposed contract or agreement, including separation agreements, marriage contracts, and cohabitation agreements. We review the document with you, explain your legal rights and obligations, ensure you understand the terms, and protect your interests before anything is signed.
Adoptions
We assist families navigating the legal process of adopting a child. We guide you through the required court applications and documentation, explain what to expect at each stage, and ensure the adoption is finalized properly—whether you are adopting a stepchild, a relative, or completing a private adoption.
Ready to Explore Virtually or In-Person?
Our office is on Third Street in downtown Cobourg, and you are welcome in it. We are equally set up to meet by Zoom, Teams, or phone with clients throughout Ontario, so distance is never what decides who you work with. If you are not sure where to begin, book a consultation.