Burlington and Oakville · Family law only
Separation and divorce can be a difficult and emotional time for everyone involved. You need a team that is dedicated, professional and experienced on your side. For over 20 years, lawyers at Stoner & Company have been getting the best possible outcomes for clients, efficiently and effectively.
390 Brant Street, Suite 406, Burlington. A second office on Bristol Circle in Oakville.Name and phone are all we need to start. Add the rest if it helps us understand what you are dealing with.
What we do
Stoner & Company helps clients resolve all family law matters, including both married and common law relationships. We are committed to achieving the most favourable results possible for you through negotiation, mediation, arbitration and, when necessary, litigation.
01
If you are considering a divorce, you may be feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and wondering where to start. Whether your divorce is contested or uncontested, we can review the process with you and make sure it is obtained at a reasonable cost.
02
A separation agreement is a domestic contract that can cover parenting arrangements, child support, spousal support and the division of property and assets, for married and unmarried partners alike. We help you understand and protect your rights.
03
Parents who are separated must make arrangements for their children, including decision-making and time-sharing schedules. It is important to always put the child's best interests first, and we are experienced advocates for your custody and access rights.
04
The amount of child support payable is determined by the Child Support Guidelines, including regular monthly support and contributions to special and extraordinary expenses. We set out what you owe and what you are owed.
05
Many factors go into calculating the amount and duration of spousal support. The income, assets and needs of both parties are a few of the variables considered. We make sure you meet your obligations and protect your rights.
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The division of assets is determined by provisions in the Family Law Act. Understanding how those provisions work is essential to a fair and legal sharing of assets, and that requires dedication and focus.
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Family law disputes can often be settled without going to court. We make every attempt to settle matters through negotiation, mediation, arbitration or collaborative family law before resorting to court.
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Collaborative family law lets both parties resolve a divorce without going to court, and is focused on cooperation, not confrontation. Our collaboratively trained lawyers guide you to an agreement that benefits all parties.
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It is important to get legal advice before entering into a marriage contract or cohabitation agreement. Drafted poorly, it may be set aside by a court, or you could be held to an agreement that does not protect your rights.
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There are several ways to adopt in Ontario, including adoptions by a relative or family member, public adoptions through Children's Aid Societies, private adoptions, and agency and international adoptions. We guide you through the process.
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You may need a document from your child's other parent if you are travelling out of the country with children under 18 without all of their custodial parents or guardians. We prepare the letter and statutory declaration.
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Retaining a family law lawyer can be expensive. We offer unbundled services, including limited scope retainer coaching and consultation for self-represented parties: coaching for a court appearance, mediation, one-time advice or ongoing consultation.
The firm
Specializing in family law allows us to thoroughly understand the often complex and evolving issues related to all aspects of family law matters.
Our experienced family law lawyers have a long and enviable track record of success. That record has been earned through hard work, experience, dedication and determination.
The firm's younger lawyers work closely with the more experienced ones so you receive optimal service and expertise as cost-effectively as possible. When you work with Stoner & Company you get the support of our entire team, if and when it is required.
That work covers divorce, separation, custody, access, support, adoptions, child protection, division of assets and other property matters. Every effort is made to settle your matter outside of court, and to avoid lengthy and costly court proceedings.
In family law that is not always possible. Should litigation be necessary, we are experienced and determined courtroom lawyers who will defend your rights.
Who you will be working with
Founder · Principal Lawyer
Ann Stoner is the founding lawyer at Stoner & Company Family Law in Burlington and Oakville, with a practice based primarily in litigation and alternative dispute resolution.
She holds an Honours B.A. in English and History from the University of Western Ontario and a Master's degree in Public Administration from Queen's University, and is a graduate of the University of Toronto Law School.
Also leading files
Principal Lawyer
Elliot Vine is a principal lawyer at Stoner & Company.
He graduated from Queen's University Law School, where he also earned an Honours B.A. in Economics.
How a file runs
It all begins with an initial consultation with one of our lawyers. In that meeting we give you preliminary advice that helps work out the best way to resolve the issues, whether through negotiation, mediation, arbitration or litigation. You may then retain the firm on a full or limited scope basis.
A review and analysis, together with you, of your case: financial disclosure, the key issues, and gathering the documents and other information needed to resolve your outstanding issues. We may encourage you to engage experts for pension valuations, custody assessments or business valuations.
We will always attempt to negotiate a resolution before proceeding with litigation or arbitration, whether through negotiation, mediation or during litigation. A successful negotiation results in a separation agreement or minutes of settlement.
Mediators are usually senior family law lawyers, social workers or psychologists. They act as facilitators and do not make decisions about your matter, but help you negotiate mutually agreeable resolutions for some or all of your issues.
Arbitration requires consent from both parties, and is usually conducted by a senior family law lawyer or a retired judge selected to resolve your matter.
If an out of court settlement cannot be reached through negotiation or mediation, an application to court is drafted on your behalf, or the firm responds to your spouse's application.
Client reviews
★★★★★
I contacted several law firms before making my decision, but Katherine stood out from the very beginning. I was going through my divorce and had many questions and concerns. She took the time to explain every step of the process clearly and patiently, which gave me confidence and peace of mind. After speaking with her, I knew I had chosen the right team.
★★★★★
Nicole Stasi is an amazing attorney, but more importantly an amazing human being. She helped me through one of the toughest years of my life with grace and compassion and kindness. Hopefully no one ever needs her services, but if you do, pick Nicole to be in your corner. she will fight for you.
★★★★★
I had an excellent experience working with Scott Wodhams. From start to finish, he was professional, patient, knowledgeable, and genuinely supportive throughout the entire process. He took the time to explain everything clearly, answered all of my questions promptly, and made what could have been a very stressful situation feel much more manageable.
Burlington and Oakville
The Burlington office is on Brant Street, a short walk from the Performing Arts Centre, where paid parking is available in the garage on Locust Street. The Oakville office is on Bristol Circle, with plenty of free parking outside. Come to whichever is closer to you.
Book a consultationCommon questions
The questions that come up before anyone picks up the phone, answered the way we answer them at the office.
The initial consultation lasts one hour and is charged at that lawyer's hourly rate. Free initial consultations are not available at Stoner & Company.
On an hourly rate basis, in six-minute increments, for the time spent on your matter. Individual lawyers have different rates based on their experience and expertise, and you are told the rate in advance.
For routine services such as an uncontested divorce, we can provide a block fee for a specific task.
Out of pocket expenses paid on your behalf: registration or filing fees, fees for experts' reports, photocopying charges, special postage or courier fees, parking and transportation costs.
Yes. We offer limited retainer coaching and consultation to self-represented parties, at affordable rates and packages tailored to your specific needs. That can be coaching for a court appearance, help with mediation, one-time advice, or ongoing consultation.
Yes. The firm helps clients resolve family law matters arising from both married and common law relationships.
The information on this page is general information only and is not legal advice. Speak with a licensed legal professional before relying on any of it.
Contact
Call reception during office hours and someone will point you to the right lawyer. If you would rather write, send a few details and we will come back to you.
(905) 632-8607Tell us what is going on and which office is closer to you, and the right lawyer will come back to you.