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Uncontested Separation Agreement Lawyers
We draft separation agreements for ex couples that are on the same page (or close to it). Completing your agreements is faster and more affordable when you can resolve things collaboratively. Agreeing on property, support and parenting, all you need is the signed legal documents to make this binding.
Our boutique family law firm handles uncontested separation agreements virtually for one flat fee price in 3-6 weeks.
$2,995-$3,995
3 – 6 Weeks
NO RETAINERS
Virtual
Our Simple Process
Our Separation Process
Consult Call
Book a 30 minute consultation to discuss your situation with one of our lawyers. We will answer your questions and tell you honestly whether an uncontested separation agreement is the right fit for you. We also offer mediation services for contested separations.
ID & Document Uploads
Sign the legal services agreement, verify your identity virtually, and both you and your ex-partner each complete our onboarding questionnaire.
Virtual Meetings (2 or 3)
You meet with your lawyer virtually to review your questionnaires, drafting your agreement, discuss your circumstances, and talk through the possibilities and legalities. Simpler matters are typically completed in 2 meetings. More complex situations may require 3 meetings.
Independent Legal Advice
Before signing, your ex-partner reviews the final agreement with their own lawyer for independent legal advice. This helps protect both parties and strengthens the enforceability of the agreement. We are happy to provide recommendations but your partner is also welcome to choose whomever they would like!
Virtual Signing
Once everything is finalized, you sign the separation agreement with your lawyer virtually. You then receive a closing letter and a fully executed copy of your agreement for your records. We can also file your divorce application for you for one flat rate.
How Our Flat-Fee Pricing Works
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Meet Your Separation Agreement Lawyers
What Makes Separation Agreements Legally Binding?
Your separation does not require a court order to be valid, but it is governed by the Family Law Act. This means it needs to define how your property, assets, debts, spousal support, child support and parenting arrangements will be handled. Both parties need to understand, agree to this and review with their own lawyers.
Angrove Law handles uncontested separation agreements. That means we work with couples who are already aligned on the key issues and simply need a qualified lawyer to draft and execute a proper legal document. We offer flat-fee pricing with no retainer and serve clients virtually across Ontario as part of our family law services.
If you have a more contentious matter, we recommend using our separation mediation services. And, if you want to take your former spouse to court we can provide great recommendations for trial lawyers, but do not do trail law (litigation) at our firm.
Do You Need a Lawyer for a Separation Agreement?
Technically, no. You can create and sign an agreement without a lawyer in Ontario. But agreements prepared without proper legal advice are far more likely to be disputed or thrown out by a judge. Especially when important financial or parenting issues are not fully addressed, or unconscionable.
Further, many institutions will not accept agreements that are not prepared by lawyer. For example, if you are trying to change the names on a mortgage, you need a lawyer signed separation agreement.
A separation agreement without legal review can be set aside by a court if a party later claims they did not understand it, were under pressure, or that there was inadequate financial disclosure. If you don’t want your agreement challenged in the future, we highly recommend using lawyers.
Improperly drafted agreements often miss important issues involving child support, spousal support, pensions, RRSPs, taxes, or future obligations. Those mistakes usually become much more expensive to fix later. If you agree on something that isn’t allowed by law there can also be complications.
Even in an amicable separation, having independent legal advice for both parties protects each person and significantly strengthens the enforceability of the agreement. Oftentimes it’s amicable until one party starts dating again, then things change.
When are we considered Separated in Ontario?
In Ontario, a legal separation simply means you are living apart with no intention of getting back together. You do not need to file special paperwork with the court to be “legally separated” but the date needs to be stated in writing (such as an email).
“A separation agreement is simply the contract that documents the terms you both agree to. It can cover everything from the matrimonial home and spousal support to parenting time and the division of assets. It gives both parties clarity so you can move forward with your lives.”
~Hilary Angrove, Founder & Lawyer
How does a separation compare to a divorce? It is important to remember that a separation agreement does not end a marriage. The divorce is the legal termination of the marriage itself, while a separation agreement resolves the practical and financial matters.
Easy, Transparent, No Retainers
Compare Angrove Law To Others
| Software / AI | Angrove Law | Traditional Firms | |
|---|---|---|---|
Legally compliant | |||
Legal Advice | |||
Clear Process | |||
Flat-fee Pricing | |||
$0 Retainer Fee | $5,000+ | ||
Price Range | $0 – $500 + independent legal advice | $2,695 – $3,695 + ex-partner’s independent legal advice | $3,500+ + your partner’s lawyer |
What Can You Include In Your Separation Agreement?
You can address almost every aspect of a couple’s financial and family life after separation. Under the Section 52 of the Family Law Act , couples have broad flexibility to decide their own terms around property, support, parenting, and financial responsibilities.
Most separation agreements we draft include some combination of the following:
One clear limit: Child support and parenting terms must follow the Child Support Guidelines and the child’s best interests. Courts will always prioritize the child’s wellbeing and can override terms that do not properly protect them.
How is Property Is Divided in an Ontario Separation?
In Ontario, married spouses typically divide property through equalization of net family property, meaning the growth in each spouse’s wealth during the marriage is shared equally, unless they set their own terms in a marriage contract. Common law spouses are treated differently and are not automatically entitled to equalization. Common law spouses can also get separation agreements to deal with their affairs, and can set expectations in advance with a cohabitation agreement.
The matrimonial home is treated differently from other assets. Under Ontario law, both spouses have equal rights to live in the home regardless of whose name is on title, and neither person can sell or refinance it without the other’s written consent. Further, each party has the right to 50% of the equity in the matrimonial home even if one spouse paid for the entire thing! Your agreement can address this directly. It can set out who keeps the home, how equity is divided, and what timeline applies for any buyout or sale. You can make tradeoffs.
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What Our Clients Say About Our Lawyers
I had Angrove do my pre-nup and they were simply wonderful to deal with. Very pleasant and knowledgeable.
Adrianna was awesome. She was very knowledgeable and was able to help me get my agreement done efficiently.
FAQs on Separation Agreements
What is a separation agreement in Ontario?
A separation agreement is a legally binding contract between two separating spouses or common law partners. It resolves the big issues like property division, spousal support, child support, and parenting arrangements. In Ontario, these are governed by the Family Law Act. You do not need a court order. The agreement itself becomes the legal document once both parties sign it in front of witnesses.
How much does a separation agreement cost in Ontario?
At traditional law firms billing hourly it can cost $5,000 to $25,000 or more. Angrove Law charges flat fees: $2,695 for a simple separation (limited assets, no conflict) and $3,695 for a standard separation (low-conflict or complex financials). The initial consult call is 30 minutes. Your ex-partner’s independent legal advice is a separate cost.
Is a separation agreement the same as a divorce?
No. A separation agreement is a contract that handles the practical and financial side of your separation. A divorce is a court order that formally ends the legal marriage (allowing both parties to get re-married). Many couples sign an agreement and never actually get a divorce, especially if they don’t plan on getting remarried. While a divorce requires a court application, a separation agreement does not.
Do I need a lawyer for a separation agreement in Ontario?
You are not legally required to have a lawyer, but it is strongly advised, because many financial institutions (like your mortgage) will not execute changes without an agreement executed by lawyers. DIY divorce softwares and documents are much easier to challenge or overturn later, and typically fail to address critical legal issues.
How long does a separation agreement take?
Angrove Law’s process typically takes 4 to 6 weeks from the initial consult to your signed, executed documents. This depends on how quickly both parties review the draft, respond to revisions, and arrange independent legal advice for the ex-spouse.
Can a separation agreement be changed after signing?
Yes. Almost any agreement can be varied by mutual written consent of both parties at any time. Child support can also be varied by a court if circumstances change significantly (for example, a major change in income). Spousal support variation depends on what the agreement says about it.
Does Angrove Law handle contested separations?
Yes, with our mediation services we ngrove Law handles uncontested separation agreements only. We work with couples who are already generally aligned on the major issues and want a lawyer to properly draft and finalize the agreement. If there is ongoing conflict, litigation, or major disagreement about the terms, you will likely need a family litigation lawyer instead.
When You Should Consider a Separation Agreement?
Anytime a relationship ends and you need to formalize how you are dividing your lives. You do not need a courtroom battle to have one. In fact, most people who work with Angrove Law simply want a clear, professional record of what they have already agreed to. Here are the situations where a separation agreement is most useful:
Dividing Real Property
Set out who keeps the home, how equity is divided, or whether the property will be sold and the proceeds shared.
Child Support
Document child support obligations clearly and in accordance with the Child Support Guidelines so both parents understand exactly what is expected going forward.
Spousal Support
Set expectations around support payments, duration, and future changes rather than leaving those decisions to a judge later.
Parenting Arrangements
Create a clear parenting schedule covering decision making, parenting time, holidays, and responsibilities so both parents and children have stability.
Business Interests
Clarify how business assets, shares, or professional corporations will be treated after separation to avoid future disputes that affect ongoing operations.
Retirement Savings
Address the division of RRSPs, pensions, and investments accumulated during the marriage using proper rollover procedures.
Common-Law Separation
Common law couples in Ontario do not have the same automatic property rights as married spouses. A separation agreement is often one of the clearest ways to document financial arrangements after splitting up.
Staying Amicable
Even when both parties agree on everything, having a lawyer-drafted agreement creates an official record and protects both people from future disputes.
Mortgage
When one or both spouses need to get off a mortgage the financial institutions often ask for a valid agreement signed by a lawyer.
What Makes These Agreements Enforceable?
Written, Signed & Witnessed
Your agreement must be in writing, signed by both parties, and witnessed. Verbal agreements about these terms are not legally binding.
Full Financial Disclosure
Both parties must disclose all assets, debts, and income. An agreement can be set aside if a court finds that disclosure was inadequate or misleading.
Independent Legal Advice
Both parties having their own lawyer significantly strengthens enforceability. We represent one spouse and help arrange ILA for the other.
No Duress
Any legal document signed under pressure, without adequate time to review, or without understanding its terms can be challenged and set aside.
Fair Terms for Children
Any terms relating to child support or parenting must align with the Child Support Guidelines and the best interests of the child. Courts can override provisions that fail this test.
Proper Execution
Correct signing procedures, dates, and witness signatures matter. Procedural errors can expose the agreement to a successful challenge even years later.
When you work with our lawyers at Angrove Law, every enforceability requirement is built into our process from day one.