Family Lawyer Ottawa

Expert Guidance and Support

Family Lawyer Ottawa- Odette Rwigamba Lawyers P.C

At Odette Rwigamba Lawyers, we understand that family matters are often both emotionally complex and legally challenging. Whether you’re dealing with separation, child custody, or financial support, our family law experts are here to provide the guidance and support you need throughout the process.

Prioritizing Your Goals

With over 20 years of experience mediating and litigating family law matters in Ottawa, our team offers practical, results-oriented, transformational legal advice to the families we serve. We are dedicated to providing efficient, client-focused solutions that prioritize your goals while minimizing conflict. We also understand the emotional toll that family disputes can take, and we are committed to providing compassionate, personalized guidance every step of the way.

Problems We Resolve:

Parenting Custody & Access
Child Support
Child Protection Matters (CAS)
Division of Family Property
Spousal Support
Variation of previous orders and agreements
Travel and Mobility
Separation Agreements
Marriage contracts
Restraining Orders
Legal opinions on foreign divorces
Uncontested and contested divorce

Our Approaches to Family Law Issues:

Mediation
Negotiation
Litigation (Court action)
Arbitration
Trials
Appeals
Private settlement meetings

Divorce & Separation

We assist families through contested and uncontested family law matters, helping them to finalize their separation smoothly. A key aspect of separation is creating detailed agreements that address property division, spousal support, and parenting plans if needed. Our team ensures these agreements meet your needs while adhering to applicable laws in Ottawa. If you are filing for divorce or need a separation agreement, we will guide you through the steps for a successful resolution. Learn More >

Child Custody & Parenting Plans

Our goal is to help parents develop parenting plans that prioritize the best interests of their children. Legal custody, which involves decision-making authority, and parenting time, which relates to physical access to the child, are essential elements of these plans. We work with families to create practical and sustainable arrangements while also providing legal support in cases where disputes arise over custody and access. Learn More >

Child Support

When it comes to child support, we help parents calculate payments based on the Child Support Guidelines. If changes in financial circumstances occur, we assist in modifying existing support orders to reflect the new reality. Ensuring compliance with child support agreements is also a priority. In cases where enforcement becomes necessary, we work with Ottawa’s Family Responsibility Office (FRO) to make sure that payments are made as required. Learn More >

Spousal Support (Alimony)

We provide expert advice on spousal support, helping clients determine eligibility based on income disparities, the length of the relationship, and other relevant factors. Our team negotiates both temporary and long-term support arrangements, ensuring they are fair and appropriate for each situation. If circumstances change over time, we can assist in adjusting existing spousal support orders to reflect the new conditions. Learn More >

Division of Property & Assets

In Ottawa, property is divided according to the principle of equalization of net family property, which ensures a fair distribution of assets accumulated during the marriage. We guide clients through the division of family homes, investments, pensions, and business assets. For those seeking to protect personal property or pre-marital assets, we also provide legal advice on prenuptial and cohabitation agreements. Learn More >

Domestic Contracts

Our firm helps clients draft and review a variety of domestic contracts, including cohabitation agreements, marriage contracts (also known as prenuptial agreements), and separation agreements. We ensure these agreements are legally enforceable and tailored to meet your specific needs and circumstances. Whether you are planning for the future or managing a separation, we are here to protect your interests.

Adoption & Guardianship

We assist families with private and step-parent adoptions, ensuring that the legal process is completed smoothly and efficiently. For individuals seeking to become legal guardians of children in need, we provide guidance on guardianship applications, ensuring compliance with Ottawa’s legal requirements. Our goal is to help families grow and provide children with the care and support they need.

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

Not every family law matter requires court intervention. We offer mediation and collaborative family law services to help clients resolve disputes outside of the courtroom. This approach focuses on finding mutually beneficial solutions and promoting long-term cooperation, helping you save time, reduce stress, and avoid unnecessary legal costs.

High-Net-Worth Family Law FAQ

1What qualifies as a high-net-worth divorce in Ottawa?

A high-net-worth divorce involves families with significant assets, including multiple homes, corporations, professional practices, investment portfolios, trusts, international property, or luxury assets.

At Odette Rwigamba Lawyers PC, we manage complex financial structures with precision, ensuring your wealth and long-term financial security are protected during separation or divorce.

2How does property division work in a high-asset divorce in Ontario?

Ontario uses equalization of net family property, but high-net-worth families require a more detailed and technical approach.
Our team coordinates:
• Business valuations
• Corporate structure review
• Property and real estate valuations
• Trust and inheritance tracing
• Investment and pension analysis
We ensure all assets—local and international—are identified, valued correctly, and protected during equalization.

3What happens to my business or professional corporation if I separate?

If you own a business, professional corporation, medical practice, dental clinic, consulting company, or family business, its value will be part of the financial analysis.
Our firm protects you by:
• Securing an accurate business valuation
• Preventing inflated goodwill estimates
• Structuring equalization payments to protect cashflow
• Ensuring your business remains operational and stable
We understand how to safeguard corporate continuity and professional reputation.

4How are stock options, RSUs, bonuses, and executive compensation treated?

Executives and high-income professionals often have complex compensation packages that include:
• Stock options
• RSUs and PSUs
• Deferred bonuses
• Performance payments
• Pensions
These can affect both equalization and support.
We analyze vesting schedules, tax treatment, and long-term value to ensure each component is handled fairly under Ontario family law.

5How is spousal support determined for high-income earners?

The Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines (SSAG) apply, but incomes above the guideline ceiling require customized analysis.
We assess:
• True income and cash flow
• Tax implications
• Lifestyle and historical spending
• Needs vs. ability to pay
• Lump-sum spousal support options
Our goal is to achieve fair, predictable, and sustainable support outcomes.

6How are children’s expenses handled in high-income families?

Child support for high-net-worth families goes far beyond the basic table amount. We frequently negotiate:
• Private/independent school fees
• Extracurricular elite programs (sports, arts, travel teams)
• Nanny or domestic staffing arrangements
• International travel
• Post-secondary planning
We ensure your children maintain the standard of living they enjoyed before separation.

7Should I have a marriage contract or cohabitation agreement to protect my wealth?

Yes. These contracts help protect:
• Businesses and corporate ownership
• Trust interests and inheritances
• Investment portfolios
• Pre-owned properties
• Family wealth and succession planning
Odette Rwigamba Lawyers PC drafts enforceable, clear, and customized domestic contracts for professionals, executives, and high-asset individuals.

8How does your firm protect privacy and discretion in high-profile cases?

We regularly represent clients who require confidentiality, including executives, entrepreneurs, medical professionals, and other public figures. Our strategies include:
• Private negotiation and mediation
• Arbitration to avoid public court proceedings
• Tight confidentiality clauses
• Controlled disclosure of financial information
• Reputation-sensitive litigation strategy
You can expect discretion, professionalism, and strategic privacy protection.

9How does Ottawa family law treat cross-border assets and international wealth?

Many high-net-worth clients hold property and investments outside Canada.
We coordinate with foreign counsel and tax experts to handle:
• U.S. and overseas real estate
• International corporations
• Offshore accounts
• Foreign pensions
• Multi-jurisdictional tax issues
Our firm ensures your global wealth is fully accounted for and protected under Ontario equalization rules.

10How should I prepare for a consultation with Odette Rwigamba Lawyers PC?

Preparing key documents helps us create a tailored strategy immediately. Bring:
• A net-worth overview
• Corporate financial statements
• Tax returns (personal and corporate)
• Property appraisals or mortgage statements
• Investment and banking summaries
• Trust documents and inheritance records
• Any existing domestic agreements
Your consultation will focus on asset protection, legal strategy, taxation consequences, and realistic outcomes.

Book a Confidential Consultation Today

If you need legal advice or representation for a family law matter, call 613-232-7900 or use our contact form to schedule a confidential consultation today. Our team is ready to help you navigate Ottawa’s family law system with confidence and achieve the best possible outcome for you and your family.