Business Details
Your Trusted Legal Partner in Waterloo Region
Waters Hastings & Grainger is a community-focused law firm with a legacy of over 65 years, dedicated to protecting clients' legal interests through personalized, empathetic service. Our experienced team specializes in real estate, wills and estates, family law, criminal law, civil litigation, and corporate law, guiding clients through life's most significant transitions. We prioritize client needs with seasoned legal expertise, ensuring clarity and confidence in every transaction, dispute resolution, and estate planning matter.Our Waterloo Region-based practice combines deep local knowledge with a commitment to integrity, strategic thinking, and compassionate representation. With multigenerational experience and a focus on preventing legal complications, we serve clients across Waterloo Region, Wellington County, Perth County, and beyond, building trust through transparency and results-driven advocacy.
Services
Real Estate
Wills & Estates
Family Law
Criminal Law
Civil Litigation
Corporate Law
Highlights and features
- We combine over 65 years of legal legacy with modern, client-focused solutions.
- Our team includes seasoned criminal defense attorneys and estate planning specialists.
- Empathetic service prioritizes client needs during life's most challenging moments.
- Multigenerational community knowledge informs our strategic legal guidance.
- Comprehensive practice areas cover all major legal needs under one roof.
What people say
Experienced, empathetic service
Comprehensive legal expertise
Client-centered approach
Community-focused representation
Strategic legal guidance
Services
Real Estate
Our real estate practice guides clients through property transactions with meticulous attention to legal requirements. We handle title searches, mortgage discharges, and closing documentation while addressing latent defects and warranty concerns. Our team ensures smooth transfers of residential and commercial properties, offering bridge financing solutions and title insurance expertise to protect client interests throughout the Waterloo Region.
Wills & Estates
We create comprehensive estate plans that reflect clients' wishes while minimizing tax implications. Our services include drafting wills, establishing powers of attorney, and administering estates. With experience in complex probate matters, we help clients navigate guardianship appointments, asset distribution, and succession planning for family businesses across Wellington and Perth Counties.
Criminal Law
Our criminal law practice provides vigorous defense representation in local and regional courts. With former Crown Attorney experience, we handle charges ranging from DUIs to serious criminal offenses. We focus on protecting clients' rights during investigations, bail hearings, and trials while offering strategic counsel for those navigating the complexities of the criminal justice system.
Family Law
We address family law challenges with sensitivity and legal precision, handling divorces, custody arrangements, and property division. Our approach balances compassionate support with assertive advocacy, ensuring clients' interests in child support, spousal support, and parenting plans are protected throughout the legal process.
Civil Litigation
Our civil litigation team resolves disputes involving contracts, property, and business conflicts. We represent clients in court proceedings while exploring alternative dispute resolution options. With experience in debt recovery and commercial litigation, we develop strategic approaches to protect clients' financial interests and achieve favorable outcomes in complex legal disputes.
People
Scott Grainger
Lawyer
Scott brings over 25 years of courtroom experience as a former Assistant Crown Attorney and criminal trial lawyer. He also practices real estate, wills, estates, and family law, combining strategic thinking with compassionate client service across southwestern Ontario.
Brent Wiancko
Lawyer
Brent specializes in wills, estate administration, and corporate law with a focus on detailed, conscientious client service. Called to the bar in 2016, he builds on Windsor-area experience while actively engaging with the Elmira community through legal and civic activities.
Cynthia L. Hastings
Lawyer - Retired
Cynthia offers 35+ years of expertise in corporate, real estate, and family law matters. Her respected negotiation skills and deep understanding of estate planning and business structures continue to benefit clients in Waterloo Region despite her retirement status.
Michelle Barbosa-Macedo
Paralegal
Michelle supports litigation clients with expertise in family law, civil litigation, and small claims court. Licensed since 2015, she combines technical legal knowledge with client-focused support, drawing on experience from labor relations and criminal law domains.
Jason Shantz
Corporate Clerk
Jason applies extensive real estate experience to corporate matters, focusing on client relationship-building and business solutions. His background in residential and commercial sales informs strategic approaches to corporate transactions and lawyer-client collaboration.
Questions
What does title insurance cover?
Title insurance protects against existing liens, encroachments, tax arrears, zoning violations, and provides survey-related coverage for residential properties.
Why are wills and powers of attorney important?
These documents ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes and designate trusted individuals to make decisions during incapacity.
Can your firm handle estates where the will was created elsewhere?
Yes, we administer estates regardless of where the will was originally prepared, ensuring proper probate and asset distribution processes.
How does your firm approach civil litigation?
We prioritize timely resolutions while maintaining aggressive advocacy, offering both courtroom representation and alternative dispute resolution strategies.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Waterloo Region, Wellington County, and Perth County, with clients throughout southwestern Ontario.
