LAWCRESTDomestic contracts lawyer in Mississauga
Marriage contracts, cohabitation agreements and separation agreements let you decide your financial rights on your own terms. Lawcrest helps couples and families across Mississauga and the GTA prepare clear, enforceable domestic contracts that protect everyone involved.
A clear, properly signed agreement can prevent costly disputes. Each person should get independent legal advice before signing.
416-830-3369Protect what matters, by agreement
A domestic contract is a written agreement between spouses or partners about their rights and obligations, usually about property and support. It can be made before a relationship begins, during it or when it ends.
In Ontario these agreements must meet strict requirements to be valid. When they are done properly, courts generally respect them.
We listen to your goals, explain your options in plain language and prepare an agreement that is fair, clear and built to last.
- Couples planning to marryMarriage contracts, sometimes called prenuptial agreements.
- Partners living togetherCohabitation agreements for common-law couples.
- Separating couplesSeparation agreements that settle the terms of the split.
Agreements we prepare and review
If your situation is not listed, call us. We will tell you plainly how we can help.
Marriage contracts
Agreements made before or during a marriage about property, support and other matters.
Cohabitation agreements
Agreements for partners who live together without being married.
Separation agreements
Agreements that settle property, support and parenting when a relationship ends.
Agreements for business owners
Protecting a business and shares in the event of separation.
Blended family agreements
Protecting children from a previous relationship and agreeing on shared assets.
Updating an agreement
Changing an existing agreement after a major life change.
Review before you sign
Independent advice on an agreement presented to you.
Challenging or enforcing an agreement
Advice on whether an agreement will be upheld, set aside or enforced.
When should you speak to a lawyer?
The best time is before problems arise. Contact us if any of these sound familiar.
- You are getting married or moving in togetherPlan your finances and expectations clearly.
- You own a business, property or have savingsAn agreement can protect these assets.
- You have children from a previous relationshipYou may want to protect their interests.
- You have received an agreement to signReview it with a lawyer first.
- You are separatingA separation agreement can settle the terms.
- Your circumstances have changedAn old agreement may need updating.
What a domestic contract can and cannot cover
These contracts are flexible, but they have legal limits. We explain what can be agreed and what cannot.
- Property ownership and divisionHow assets and debts are owned and divided if the relationship ends.
- Spousal supportRights to support, or the waiver of support, which may be reviewed by a court.
- Ownership of a business or inheritanceProtecting assets you bring into the relationship.
- Decisions during the relationshipResponsibilities and how finances are managed.
- Rights on deathSome rights in the event of a death can be addressed.
- LimitsTerms about children are not binding in the same way, and some rights, such as rights to the matrimonial home, cannot be waived in a marriage contract.
Types of domestic contracts
Each kind of agreement serves a different purpose. We help you choose the one that fits your situation.
Marriage contractBefore or during marriage
Sets out the rights of spouses about property, support and other matters. Often called a prenuptial agreement when made before the wedding.
Cohabitation agreementFor partners living together
Records the financial rights of unmarried partners, whose property rights under the law are different from those of married spouses.
Separation agreementWhen a relationship ends
Settles property, support and parenting after separation. It can often be turned into a court order.
Updating or amendingWhen life changes
Changes to an existing agreement after a new child, a move, a new business or a change in finances.
Review of an existing agreementBefore you rely on it
Advice on whether an existing agreement is valid and how it would work today.
How we work with you
A clear process, with no surprises about where your matter stands.
Consultation
You tell us about your situation and goals. We listen, ask the right questions and explain how these agreements work.
Share financial information
Each person provides full and honest financial information, which helps make the agreement fair and lasting.
Plan the terms
We help you decide what to include, and what the law will and will not enforce.
Draft the agreement
We prepare a clear agreement that meets Ontario requirements.
Independent legal advice
Each person gets their own lawyer to review and explain the agreement.
Signing
The agreement is signed in writing in front of a witness, as the law requires.
Independent legal advice matters
Each person should have their own lawyer. We can act for only one person, because your interests may differ from your partner interests. Independent advice makes an agreement much more likely to be respected later.
Courts can set aside agreements in some cases, for example if one person did not disclose important assets, took advantage of the other, or the agreement was not properly signed. Good process protects both sides.
How we price our work
We discuss costs at the start, so you can plan and decide with confidence.
Marriage or cohabitation agreementBefore the relationship
Drafting and negotiating an agreement for one party, with advice about the terms.
Separation agreementWhen a relationship ends
Negotiating and preparing the agreement that settles the separation.
Review before you signIndependent advice
A review of an agreement presented to you, with a clear explanation and suggested changes.
Updating an agreementAs life changes
Preparing amendments or a new agreement.
Disputes about an agreementIf problems arise
Advice on enforcing or challenging an agreement and representing you if needed.
What to bring to your consultation
Do not worry if you do not have everything. Bring what you can, and we will tell you what else is useful.
- Government-issued photo ID
- A summary of your assets, debts and income
- Details of any business, property or inheritance
- Any draft agreement or existing agreement
- Information about children from prior relationships
- Your goals and concerns about the agreement
Why clients choose Lawcrest
You are trusting us at an important and personal time. This is how we earn that trust.
Plain-language advice
No jargon. You understand each step and each choice before we act.
Cost clarity
We discuss our fees at the start so you can plan with full information.
Clear and fair drafting
We prepare agreements designed to be understood and to stand up.
Confidential
What you tell us is protected by solicitor-client privilege.
Responsive
Your questions get answers, and you hear from us as your matter moves.
Practical approach
We look for the quickest route to a fair, workable result, and we do not escalate for its own sake.
Regulated lawyers
Lawcrest is a professional corporation regulated by the Law Society of Ontario.
Local and accessible
Meet us at our Matheson Blvd office in Mississauga, or arrange a call.
Frequently asked questions
Still not sure? Call 416-830-3369 and we will talk it through.
What is a domestic contract?
It is a written agreement between spouses or partners about their rights and duties, usually about property and support. In Ontario, the main types are marriage contracts, cohabitation agreements and separation agreements.
Do I need a prenuptial agreement?
Not everyone does, but it can be useful if you own a business, property or savings, have children from a prior relationship or want clarity about your finances. We help you decide.
Are domestic contracts always enforceable?
Usually, if they meet the legal requirements, but not always. Courts can set aside terms in some situations, and terms about children are treated differently. A well-prepared agreement is more likely to stand.
What makes an agreement valid?
It must be in writing, signed by both parties and witnessed. Full financial disclosure and independent legal advice for each person greatly strengthen it.
Can we change the agreement later?
Yes, if both parties agree, in writing and following the same requirements. We help you update it after a major change.
Can one lawyer act for both of us?
This is generally not recommended because your interests can conflict. Each person should have their own lawyer.
Do common-law couples need an agreement?
Many do. Unmarried partners have different property rights from married spouses, and an agreement can provide clarity and protection.
Is my information confidential?
Yes. Your communications with us are protected by solicitor-client privilege.
Testimonials
They made a complicated legal matter feel understandable. We always knew what was happening, why it mattered and what came next.
Carolean
Worker
We always knew what was happening, why it mattered and what came next. They made a complicated legal matter feel understandable.
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