Separation involves multiple legal topics that often overlap: parenting arrangements, child support, spousal support, and property division. A legal consultation can help you understand which issues apply to your situation and what options may be available to you.

What to gather before a consultation

Personal and household information

  • Date of marriage or start of common-law relationship
  • Names and ages of any children
  • Current living arrangements (who is living where)
  • Whether there is any court process already started
  • Any existing separation agreements, court orders, or parenting plans

Parenting and children

  • Current parenting schedule, even if informal
  • School and extracurricular information for each child
  • Any agreements about decision-making for health, education, or religion
  • Any concerns about safety or wellbeing
  • Your preferred parenting arrangement, with your reasons

Child support and spousal support

  • Both spouses' incomes, if known (recent tax returns or pay stubs)
  • Whether either party is paying or receiving support already
  • Any special or extraordinary expenses for children (e.g., daycare, medical)
  • Length of marriage or cohabitation
  • Whether either party left work or reduced hours due to the relationship

Property

  • List of significant assets: real estate, vehicles, retirement savings, investments, business interests
  • List of significant debts: mortgage, loans, credit cards
  • Whether either party had property before the relationship
  • Whether either party received an inheritance or gift
  • Title documents or recent statements if available

Documents and deadlines

  • Any court documents with upcoming hearing dates or deadlines
  • Any letters or communications from a lawyer representing the other party
  • File or case numbers for any existing court proceedings
  • Recent financial statements or tax notices of assessment
  • Any written agreements already signed

Questions and goals

  • What outcome matters most to you right now
  • What you are most unsure or worried about
  • Whether you have spoken with a lawyer before
  • Whether you want to resolve things without going to court if possible
  • What you need to know before making any decisions

You do not need to have everything organized before contacting Friesen Law*. Bring what you have. A consultation can help clarify what is most important to focus on. Family Law Coaching and Divorce & Separation support are available at different levels — from a single consultation to ongoing guidance.

If there is a court process already underway

If you have already received court documents, notice of an application, or a hearing date, bring those documents to your consultation. Deadlines in court proceedings can be short. Family law coaching can help you understand what the documents mean, what you may need to file, and what steps are next.

This checklist covers general information. No outcome is guaranteed. Speak with Friesen Law* directly for guidance on your specific situation.