Family Lawyers in Sarnia, Ontario

When a relationship ends or a family matter becomes a legal one, the decisions you face can feel overwhelming. Whether you are navigating a separation, divorce, working through parenting arrangements, or trying to understand your rights around support and property, having the right legal guidance matters. In Ontario, family law matters are governed by the Family Law Act, the Divorce Act, the Children’s Law Reform Act, and the federal Child Support Guidelines. The rules that apply to your situation depend on whether you are married or in a common law relationship, and the choices you make early in the process have lasting consequences.

Cohen Highley LLP has served individuals and families across Southwestern Ontario since 1974. Our Sarnia office provides Lambton County residents with direct access to a full-service family law team. We handle matters at every level of complexity, from collaborative settlements to contested court proceedings.

 

Family Law Services We Offer

Our Sarnia family law team assists clients across the full range of matters that arise when relationships change. Whether your situation is relatively straightforward or involves high conflict, we provide clear legal advice and steady representation.

Our Approach to Family Law Matters

Every family law matter is different, and the right path forward depends on your circumstances, your goals, and the nature of the issues involved. At Cohen Highley, we begin with a thorough consultation to understand your situation, clarify your priorities, and give you an honest picture of your options. From there, we guide you through the necessary steps: gathering financial disclosure, pursuing negotiated settlements through direct negotiation, mediation, or collaborative law where appropriate, and preparing legally sound agreements that protect you going forward.

When resolution outside of court is not possible, we represent clients in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, Family Court Branch, handling all aspects of proceedings from case conferences and motions through to trial. We also remain available after a matter is resolved, as support amounts, parenting arrangements, and other terms sometimes require adjustment when circumstances change.

 

Why Choose Cohen Highley LLP

Our family law team handles the full range of matters, from straightforward separation agreements to complex, high-conflict litigation involving significant assets, business interests, or challenging parenting disputes. We give clients honest advice and realistic expectations from the first consultation, so you can make informed decisions. Throughout the process, our team remains accessible, communicates consistently, and holds itself accountable for the quality of its work on every file. If you need help resolving a family law matter in Sarnia, contact us to arrange a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to go to court to resolve my family law matter?

Not necessarily. Many family law matters in Ontario are resolved without going to court, through negotiation between lawyers, mediation, or the collaborative family law process. In fact, Ontario’s family court rules require parties to make genuine attempts to resolve their dispute before proceeding to a hearing. Court becomes necessary when parties cannot reach an agreement on their own or with the help of a third party.

Does Cohen Highley handle both collaborative and contested family law matters?

Yes. Our family law team is experienced in both collaborative law and court-based litigation. For clients who want to resolve their matter outside of court, we have lawyers trained in the collaborative family law process. For matters that require court intervention, we are prepared to represent you at every stage of proceedings.

What will happen at my first consultation with a family lawyer?

During your first consultation, your lawyer will take time to understand your situation, including the history of the relationship, the issues in dispute, and your immediate concerns. You will receive an overview of how Ontario family law applies to your circumstances and a clear explanation of your options. It is helpful to bring any relevant documents, such as financial records or existing agreements, to your first meeting. The consultation is also an opportunity for you to ask questions and get a sense of how our team works before deciding to retain legal counsel.

How does a retainer work for family law matters?

A retainer is an upfront payment made to the law firm at the start of your matter. It is held in a trust account and drawn down as legal fees and disbursements are incurred. Your family lawyer will provide you with a retainer agreement that outlines the terms of the engagement, including the hourly rate and billing practices. As the retainer is used, you may be asked to replenish it. At the conclusion of your legal matter, any unused portion of the retainer is returned to you. The amount of the initial retainer varies depending on the complexity of your matter.

Where do family law cases in Sarnia get heard?

Family law matters for Sarnia and Lambton County residents are heard at the Sarnia Courthouse, located at 700 Christina Street North. Proceedings may also take place in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice or the Family Court Branch, depending on the nature of the matter.

How long does a separation or divorce take in Sarnia?

Timelines vary depending on how the matter is resolved. An uncontested divorce where both parties agree on all issues can often be completed in four to six months, subject to court processing times. Matters requiring negotiation or court proceedings take longer, and contested cases that proceed to trial can extend well beyond a year. A member of our Sarnia family law team can give you a realistic estimate based on your specific situation.

Our legal team is accessible, innovative, and professional.

We hold ourselves accountable for the quality of our work on every file and for every client. We are committed to meeting the needs of our clients, while acting fairly, firmly and with integrity. We will innovate and adapt to enable us to achieve practical and effective legal solutions.

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Morgan Aleven

Morgan Aleven

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Erin Burns

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Kelli McPhail

Kelli McPhail

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Erin O’Leary

Erin O’Leary

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Abhimanyu M. Rathod

Abhimanyu M. Rathod

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Laura Smith

Laura Smith

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