Business Details
Experienced Family Law Services in Winnipeg
St. Mary's Law has been dedicated to helping Manitoban families navigate the complexities of separation and divorce for over 25 years. Our practice focuses on providing practical, client-centered legal solutions tailored to the unique needs of each family. We prioritize understanding our clients' concerns through active listening during initial consultations, ensuring informed decision-making throughout the process. Our expertise spans custody arrangements, child and spousal support, property division, and alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation.We maintain active memberships in the Manitoba Bar Association Family Law Section and the Law Society of Manitoba legal fees arbitration panel. Our team combines extensive courtroom experience with a commitment to resolving matters amicably, offering transparent billing practices and regular account statements. We emphasize cost-conscious strategies while maintaining rigorous advocacy for clients' legal rights and interests.
Services
Family Law
Custody and Access
Child Support
Spousal Support
The Family Home
Division of Family Assets
Division of Pensions
Highlights and features
- We have over 25 years of experience in Manitoba family law
- Our team includes certified legal experts with courtroom experience
- We prioritize alternative dispute resolution methods when appropriate
- Transparent billing practices with regular account statements
- Active members of Manitoba Bar Association Family Law Section
Services
Family Law
Our family law practice addresses all aspects of separation and divorce, including custody arrangements, support calculations, and property division. We provide strategic legal counsel tailored to each client's unique circumstances while maintaining strict confidentiality. Our approach balances compassionate guidance with rigorous advocacy in both negotiated settlements and courtroom proceedings.
Custody and Access
We help establish custody arrangements that prioritize children's best interests while considering parental capabilities and schedules. Our services include negotiating visitation schedules, preparing custody agreements, and representing clients in contested custody hearings with support from professional assessments when required.
Child Support
We calculate child support according to federal guidelines while addressing unique circumstances like shared custody arrangements and post-secondary education costs. Our services include modifying existing orders and enforcing compliance with support obligations through appropriate legal channels.
Spousal Support
We provide comprehensive guidance on spousal support entitlements and obligations, considering factors like relationship duration and financial disparities. Our services include negotiating lump sum settlements, establishing payment arrangements, and addressing tax implications associated with ongoing support obligations.
Division of Assets
We handle equitable division of marital assets including real estate, investments, and pensions while distinguishing pre-marital property. Our services cover valuation processes, negotiation of settlement terms, and court representation for contested asset distributions.
People
Peter J. Bruckshaw
Partner
Partner in Family Law Practice Group with St. Mary's Law LLP since 1989. Graduated with honors from University of Manitoba Law School, recipient of multiple academic awards. Specializes in family law litigation and alternative dispute resolution methods.
Questions
How are legal fees determined for family law cases?
Fees are calculated hourly based on case complexity, court involvement, and client financial circumstances with transparent billing practices.
What factors affect child support calculations?
Child support is determined by the non-custodial parent's income, custody arrangements, and specific child needs following federal guidelines.
Do you offer alternative dispute resolution options?
Yes, we provide mediation and collaborative law approaches to resolve matters amicably without court proceedings when appropriate.
How are pensions divided during divorce?
Manitoba law typically divides pension accumulations during marriage equally, with options for alternative arrangements through legal agreements.
What happens to the family home during separation?
Options include buyouts, joint sales, or other arrangements considering equity, mortgages, and both parties' financial capabilities.
