Business Details
26 Years
experience
Trusted Family & Immigration Law Services in Windsor
Established in 2000, Fernandes Law Offices has built a reputation for delivering personalized legal solutions in family law and immigration law. Our founder, Maria Fernandes, combines over two decades of legal expertise with a client-first approach, having represented clients in Ontario Court of Justice, Superior Court of Justice, and Ontario Court of Appeal. With specialized knowledge in prenuptial agreements, divorce proceedings, child custody, and immigration pathways like Express Entry and family class sponsorship, we prioritize clear communication and strategic advocacy.Our team's experience in both litigation and alternative dispute resolution ensures tailored support for complex legal challenges. Recognized for compassionate representation, we serve Windsor-Essex and surrounding regions while assisting international clients with Canadian immigration needs. Client testimonials highlight our responsiveness, transparency, and successful outcomes in high-stakes family and immigration matters.
Services
Family Law
Divorce Law
Immigration Law
Child Custody
Spousal Support
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of specialized legal experience in Ontario courts
- Our team provides personalized guidance for complex family law matters
- We handle immigration cases from work visas to citizenship applications
- Client testimonials highlight exceptional advocacy and compassionate support
- Dedicated assistants support efficient case management in both practice areas
What people say
Professional and effective
Knowledgeable and honest
Great help
Saved my life with her professionalism
Invaluable service
Services
Family Law
Comprehensive family law services covering divorce proceedings, child custody arrangements, spousal support negotiations, and property division. Our team handles prenuptial agreements, separation agreements, and complex litigation in Ontario courts. Clients receive strategic counsel tailored to their unique family circumstances.
Immigration Law
Full-service immigration law practice assisting with permanent residency applications, work permits, family sponsorships, and citizenship processes. We represent clients before Immigration Refugee Board and handle complex cases involving inadmissibility or deportation defense with proven expertise.
Divorce Law
Specialized divorce services including uncontested applications, asset division, and contested litigation. Our firm manages spousal support determinations, custody negotiations, and enforcement of court orders while prioritizing clients' long-term interests throughout the legal process.
Child Custody
Child custody services focusing on parenting plans, access arrangements, and relocation cases. We advocate for clients in custody disputes while emphasizing children's best interests, providing representation in both negotiation and courtroom settings.
Spousal Support
Spousal support services covering initial determinations, modification requests, and enforcement actions. Our approach considers Ontario's spousal support guidelines while addressing unique factors affecting support obligations and entitlements.
People
Maria Fernandes
Founder & Legal Practitioner
Over 20 years of legal experience in Ontario courts. Holds BScN, BEd, and LLB degrees. Specializes in family law and immigration law with successful outcomes in complex cases. Called to the Bar in 2000 after nursing and teaching careers.
Questions
What are the grounds for divorce in Canada?
Canada recognizes three grounds: irreconcilable differences, cruelty (mental or physical), and adultery. Most divorces proceed on irreconcilable differences requiring one-year separation.
How does the court determine child custody?
Courts prioritize the child's best interests considering parenting plans, caregiver history, and stability factors when determining primary residence and access arrangements.
How is child support calculated?
Based on provincial/federal guidelines considering income, custody arrangement, and number of children. Extraordinary expenses like childcare and education also factor into total support obligations.
What immigration services do you offer?
We handle permanent residency applications, work permits, family sponsorships, citizenship processes, and immigration appeals. Our services cover both economic immigration and humanitarian cases.
Do common-law partners have property rights?
Common-law partners have support rights similar to married couples. Property rights require legal establishment through court proceedings or cohabitation agreements rather than automatic entitlement.
How can I enforce a court-ordered support payment?
The Family Responsibility Office enforces support orders through wage garnishment, license suspension, or contempt proceedings. We can help modify orders for changed financial circumstances.
