Business Details
10 Years
experience
Trusted Family Law Services in Ottawa
At Johnston Family Law, we are dedicated to providing exemplary legal representation with a focus on integrity and compassion. Our firm specializes in family law matters including separation, divorce, custody disputes, and estate planning, serving clients in Ottawa and surrounding areas. We work collaboratively with clients to develop tailored strategies that address their unique needs while prioritizing transparency and client satisfaction. Our team combines extensive litigation experience with a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring a supportive environment for both clients and staff.We utilize cloud-based technology for efficient file management, offer monthly billing for budgeting flexibility, and conduct client surveys to continuously improve our services. With a proven track record in complex financial and high-conflict parenting cases, we strive to deliver cost-effective solutions while maintaining the highest standards of legal excellence.
Services
Separation Agreements
Divorce Proceedings
Child Custody
Spousal Support
Property Division
Wills & Estates
Family Litigation
Adoption Services
Domestic Contracts
Legal Coaching
Details
- Year established: 2016
Highlights and features
- We offer transparent billing practices with monthly invoicing
- Our team includes experienced family law specialists with 20+ years of combined experience
- We provide fixed fee options for common legal services
- Our cloud-based technology enables secure 24/7 document access
- We conduct client satisfaction surveys to ensure continuous improvement
Services
Family Litigation
Our family litigation services address complex legal conflicts including custody battles, property division, and spousal support disputes. We combine courtroom experience with strategic negotiation to protect client interests. Our lawyers handle high-conflict cases involving business assets, retirement planning, and cross-border considerations.
Domestic Contracts
We draft and review cohabitation agreements, prenuptial contracts, and separation agreements tailored to individual circumstances. Our contracts ensure clear terms for property rights and financial obligations. We advise on enforceability and negotiate terms that protect long-term interests.
Child Custody
Our child custody services focus on children's best interests while protecting parental rights. We handle access arrangements, relocation disputes, and enforcement of custody orders. We work with mediators and child welfare experts to create sustainable parenting plans.
Wills & Estates
We provide comprehensive estate planning including wills, powers of attorney, and trust arrangements. Our services ensure clear asset distribution and healthcare directives. We assist executors with estate administration and resolve inheritance disputes through mediation or litigation.
Legal Coaching
Our legal coaching offers targeted guidance for self-represented litigants through hourly consultations. We provide strategic advice on specific issues without full representation. This service helps clients navigate court procedures and prepare for negotiations or trials.
People
Beverley Johnston
Founder, Lawyer
Family law specialist with 20 years' experience in Ottawa. Former panel lawyer for Office of the Children's Lawyer. Expertise in complex financial cases and high-conflict parenting disputes. Called to Ontario Bar in 1998.
Laura Maxwell
Lawyer
Graduated from University of Ottawa Law School in 2022. Holds Commerce and Arts degrees. Former Parliament Hill staffer. Called to bar in 2023. Member of County of Carleton Law Association.
Sheri Kind
Senior Law Clerk
Dual role managing office operations and providing legal support. Ensures smooth office functioning to maintain high-quality client service. Coordinates administrative tasks for legal team efficiency.
Darlene Watters
Senior Law Clerk
Experienced legal professional supporting family law practice. Provides administrative and legal assistance to lawyers. Focuses on meeting client needs through detailed case management and documentation support.
Questions
What family law services do you offer?
We handle divorce, separation agreements, child custody disputes, property division, spousal support, wills, estate planning, and family litigation cases in Ottawa.
Do you offer fixed fee services?
Yes, we provide fixed fees for simple wills, joint wills, and uncontested divorces. Complex matters are billed hourly with transparent rate disclosures.
What payment options are available?
We require retainers for most services and bill monthly. Payment plans available for fixed-fee services. Clients responsible for court filing fees and other disbursements.
Do you serve areas outside Ottawa?
While based in Ottawa, we handle cases across Eastern Ontario and assist lawyers province-wide with family law matters and court appearances.
