7 Law Firms with the Best Divorce Lawyers in Winnipeg
Not many marriages last forever. And while many marriages can end on a friendly note, legal separation and divorce may not always be a peaceful and easy process.
So, if you’re looking for the best divorce lawyer in Winnipeg for your legal separation, then you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, you’ll find our top picks of divorce lawyers, as well as answers to the frequently asked questions about the topic. We also have informative sections on the basics of divorce in Winnipeg right at the end of the article.
How Much Does Divorce Cost in Winnipeg
Now, before we proceed to our list, you first have to know just how much it would take for you to successfully go through a divorce.
| Types of divorce lawyer costs | Average costs |
| Hourly fees | $370–$450 |
| Retainer fee | $1,500–$4,000 |
| Mediation costs | $500–$1,600 |
| Litigation costs (depending on number of trial days) | $8,000–$36,000 |
| Separation agreement | $1,500–$3,000 |
| Child custody agreement | $1,500–$2,500 |
| Spousal support | $800–$2,400 |
| Property division | $1,800–$2,800 |
Besides paying the lawyer or law firm for its support, guidance, and representation, you’ll also be paying for other costs covered during a divorce case.
| Types of services | Average costs |
| Psychologist consultation | $370–$450 |
| Real estate appraisal | $400 |
| Private investigation | $2,100 |
| Court petition | $160 |
| Process paying server | $100 |
| Central divorce registry certificate | $10 |
| Divorce certificate | $20 |
Law Firms with the Best Divorce Lawyers in Winnipeg
Before choosing a law firm from our list, you have to remember that divorce is an emotionally-draining process. So, you need to work with someone that’s not only professional, but also compassionate, understanding, and patient.
Now, let’s dive into our list of the best divorce lawyers in Winnipeg.
1. Winnipeg Divorce, Child Custody & Family Lawyer
| SERVICES | Custody, access and visitation, child and spousal support, common law, property division |
| WEBSITE | https://familylawyerwinnipeg.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 93 Lombard Ave #100-5, Winnipeg, MB R3B 3B1 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (204) 896-7777 |
| OPERATING HOURS | 24/7 |
As its name suggests, Winnipeg Divorce, Child Custody, and Family Lawyer covers all aspects you may need for family law. This law firm has decades of experience handling settlements and representing clients.
It has two lawyers, Norman Rosenbaum, a seasoned all-around family lawyer, and Darren Pawella, a young lawyer providing a fresh perspective. With their vast experience, they already know all the tricks your ex may use and how the judges may view a case.
But what really makes the firm’s services unique is its communication skills as it will answer calls, emails, and even take time to understand its client’s case. It also educates its clients to actively involve them in such an emotional case.
Additionally, Winnipeg Family Lawyer also understands that divorce as an experience doesn’t end even after a finalized ruling and a signed certificate. Thus, it builds long-lasting relations to help its clients navigate a post-divorce life.
Pros
- Experienced with divorce proceedings
- Excellent communication
- Wide range of family law services
Cons
- Relatively small team
Customer Reviews
Clients continue to praise this law firm and its lawyers for doing more than just guiding during the divorce. Here are some reviews that’ll tell you what Norman and Darrel provide to make them among the best divorce lawyers in own:
“Thank you Norman for your professionalism and guidance with my divorce proceeding. Your team deserves my special thanks for going above and beyond in ensuring my family’s stability. I will for sure refer you to friends if they ever need any family law legal services or advice. Family Lawyer Winnipeg thank you.”—Tanya
“This is another review and endorsement for Norman Rosenbaum and his entire team. You are a great group of lawyers and legal professionals and I will be recommending friends and family. Thanks.”—Christi
2. Deeley Fabbri Sellen LLP
| SERVICES | Divorce, common-law separation, domestic abuse, separation, guardianship, adoption, spousal and child support, property division |
| WEBSITE | http://www.dfslaw.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 903-386, Broadway, Winnipeg, MB R3C 3R6 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (204) 949-1710 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM |
Now if you want a lawyer that can get you through messy litigation and calm negotiations, Deeley Fabbri Sellen may have the best divorce lawyer for you.
This firm has a team of five family lawyers to help clients with divorce and common-law relationships. Each lawyer also has active participation in organizations centred around women and children’s rights, thus ensuring compassionate services.
To add to its expertise in divorce, Deeley Fabbri Sellen also does guardianship, same-sex marriages, and domestic abuse cases. It even extends its services to other fields of law like corporate and commercial law and employment and labour law.
Three of its family lawyers are also well-versed in real estate and wills, so they can bring satisfying results for cases with property divisions. However, given this wide expertise and large clientele, some clients may find it hard to schedule for family law matters.
Pros
- Expertise in all levels of divorces
- Active participation in advocacy groups
- Can handle complex property division cases
Cons
- Some complaints about draggy process and price services
Customer Reviews
Most customer reviews praised Deeley Fabbri Sellen for its quality of client care. Here are the reviews that have the same idea:
“Best in Winnipeg for family and life stages planning. Such wonderful, friendly, professional and compassionate staff.”—Su Keller
“Kevin did a professional, thorough job with the work that we needed. He explained everything we asked, simply, but without being condescending. He seems to care about his clients and his work. Well done.”—Andrea Camclang
3. Visionary Law
| SERVICES | Divorce, separation agreements, child and spousal support, prenuptial agreement, estate planning, notary public |
| WEBSITE | https://visionarylaw.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 383 Provencher Blvd #109, Winnipeg, MB R2H 0G9 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (204) 515-6020 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Whether you want an uncontested or contested divorce, Visionary Law can help. This law firm has numerous experts and veterans when it comes to family law and estate law.
With its wide expertise, Visionary Law can handle complicated divorces with numerous estates involved. And the thing is, its lawyers will also thoroughly explain the impacts and nuances of property division so clients can make plans that’ll benefit them even in the future.
What we find special about this firm is that it truly knows the mental and emotional toll that divorce brings to the couple and children involved. For this reason, Visionary Law ensures to make divorces as fast yet successful as possible.
Its lawyers do this through constant communication, strategy transparency, and compassionate consultations. To top it all off, Visionary Law also offers a 30-minute free trial.
Additionally, Visionary Law can also handle cohabitation and prenuptial agreements and child or spousal support. But you have to remember, with these many benefits also come high-end prices.
Pros
- 30-minute free trial consultation
- Large legal team
- Expertise in estate law for property division cases
- Fast divorce proceedings
Cons
- Some complaints about poor follow-up
- Can become too expensive
Customer Reviews
Customers have also expressed how grateful they are for Visionary Law’s excellent communication and compassionate legal services. Here are some of those reviews voicing such thoughts:
“My lawyer was always in touch, quickly and competently answered all my emails and questions, and spoke flawlessly at court hearings. At one of the hearings, the judge highlighted the excellent work of my lawyer and her boss, which is the best evaluation. Thanks to my own account on the company’s website, I could see all my case documents. At the same time, I always knew precisely for what specific work I was paying; I received detailed reports along with each invoice from my lawyer. The work is really well done. My lawyer won the case in court with the best result for me and my children.”—Evgenia
“From the initial consultation on, they’ve done an excellent job of keeping an open line of communication, and ensuring I’m kept informed on everything going on with my case file. As someone without a lot of knowledge about what was involved in the process, they did a great job of explaining everything. I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a Family Law practitioner.”—James
4. Lindenwoods Law Office/Women For Women Family Law
| SERVICES | Family law, estate law |
| WEBSITE | https://lindenwoodslaw.weebly.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 1015 Wilkes Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3P 2R8 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (204) 415-1045 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
Lindenwoods Law Office prides itself in being a law firm for women by women. Terri Mestdagh leads this company with over 33 years of experience in family law.
Clients can also visit this firm for signing and consultation regarding house purchases because Terri also has sufficient knowledge and experience in real estate law. With this expertise, she can also handle property divisions for divorces.
Another great thing about this law firm is that it offers its services to review pro bono cases. This way, even people who don’t have much can visit Lindenwoods and receive sound legal advice.
Terri and the law firm guarantee swift divorce cases, which is exactly what they’re famous for. But since this is a relatively smaller firm, just make sure you’re on the priority list so they can truly serve you the fastest way possible.
Pros
- Women for women lawyers
- Additional expertise in real estate law
- Available for reviewing pro bono cases
Cons
- Relatively smaller team
Customer Reviews
One of the defining features of this law firm is how it always puts its customer’s family’s well-being first. Here are some reviews from clients who claim that Lindenwods is the best divorce lawyer in Winnipeg:
“I was in need of a lawyer to sign a pension form after my divorce. I found the office to be clean and the staff were professional. She signed my form without issue and made me feel very comfortable the entire time. I was only in the office for 10 minutes at most. I would definitely use this law office again.”—Tegan
“Terri did a great job of looking out for the best interest of myself and my children. I have recommended her many times and will continue.”—Connie
5. Evans Family Law Corporation
| SERVICES | Collaborative divorce, mediation, negotiated agreements, |
| WEBSITE | https://evansfamilylaw.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 190 Sherbrook St, Winnipeg, MB R3C 2B6 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (204) 992-3240 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
If you think that you and your partner can agree peacefully, then Evans Family Law may be the best divorce lawyer in Winnipeg for you. For years, this law firm has dealt with amicable and respectful divorces.
Besides, Evans Family Law also has a large team, with eight experienced lawyers. Such a great number only guarantees that it can handle many clients while still upholding high standards for services.
Evans Family Law also goes above and beyond by providing contacts to relationship coaches, child specialists, communication experts, and financial advisors. With these connections, it can thus find ways to equip its clients with the mindset and willingness to live a full life even after divorce.
While it can handle developing contested divorces and cases in need of litigation, Evans Family Law prefers to exhaust all collaborative options first. So, if you have issues with your spouse and don’t want any peaceful arrangements, then Evans Family Law may not be for you.
Pros
- Network of other specialists for holistic family healing
- A large team of lawyers
- Exhaustive collaborative approach
Cons
- Some complaints about rates
- Expertise limited to uncomplicated divorces
Customer Reviews
Most of Evan Family Law’s reviews talked about how the firm made a difficult and emotional process easier not only for the couples, but also for the children and whole family involved. Here’s what customers have said:
“I have been working directly with Evan’s Family Law Corporation since summer 2013. Greg has significantly helped me to go through a difficult time in my life. He is understanding, committed and dedicated to his client, super professional, and has a golden heart. I deeply appreciate what he has done for me and certainly recommend his team. I wish all the best for this great team of professional.”—Saeid
“Lori is extremely professional and prompt. Never acts like you are a bother. Asset to her firm”—Jill
6. Kimberly Soul Collaborative Lawyer
| SERVICES | Collaborative Family Law Cohabitation Agreement Pre-Nuptial Agreement Post-Nuptial (Spousal) Agreement Separation Agreement (drafting and Independent Legal Advice) Independent Legal Advice on a drafted Agreement Uncontested Divorce Consent Court Order |
| WEBSITE | https://www.soulfamilylaw.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 400 – 211 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg Manitoba R3B 3P2 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (204) 942-7381 | k.soul@bwlawyers.ca |
| OPERATING HOURS | 24/7 |
At Kimberly Soul Collaborative Lawyer, we found the services to be exceptional. Their approach to divorce proceedings is compassionate and understanding. We felt supported throughout the entire process.
Efficiency is a key strength of Kimberly Soul Collaborative Lawyer. Our case progressed smoothly and without unnecessary delays. Communication was clear, and we were kept informed at every step.
The quality of service provided by Kimberly Soul Collaborative Lawyer exceeded our expectations. Their expertise in collaborative law ensured a fair and amicable resolution. We appreciated the personalized attention to our unique situation.
In terms of cost, Kimberly Soul Collaborative Lawyer offers transparent pricing. We found their fees to be reasonable and well worth the investment. There were no hidden charges, and they worked within our budget.
Pros
- Network of other specialists for holistic family healing
- Exhaustive collaborative approach
- Affordable pricing
Cons
- No promos or discounts at the present
7. Merchant Law Group LLP
| SERVICES | Personal Injury Law Family Law Criminal Law Wills & Estate Planning Immigration Law Real Estate Law Civil Litigation Employment Law Class Actions Business Law |
| WEBSITE | https://www.merchantlaw.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 93 Lombard Ave, Suite 100, Winnipeg, MB, R3B 3B1 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone: (204) 896-7777 Toll Free: 1-866-896-7777 Fax: (204) 982-0771 |
| OPERATING HOURS |
Merchant Law Group LLP is a legal firm that provides clients a wide range of advisory when it comes to fields such as Personal Injury Law, Family Law, Criminal Lawn, and Civil Litigation among many others. With various firms in the country, clients within the area will be then given appropriate attention and service so that their legal problems can be given resolved.
We find them to be professional and adequately staffed to accommodate the needs of their clients especially when it comes to family law such as divorce cases.
Their lawyers and staff have years of experience in the field and have even published journals and other articles that just come to show their expertise in dealing with simple to high-complexity cases.
While they have such an excellent caliber of experts under their belt, there are numerous complaints regarding their customer service and the way cases are handled so new clients should be aware of this before consulting them.
Overall, despite the mixed reviews, some positive ones commend the company for their knowledgeable approach on every case they handle.
Pros
- Experienced lawyers
- Comprehensive network of connections
- Reliable information
Cons
- Mixed reviews
Customer Reviews
Here are some reviews from their clients:
“Very professional and fast at responding to calls, emails and questions. They are very knowledgeable about the legal system and can assist me greatly. I would strongly recommend them to anyone in need of family law services.”
“Merchant Law group were helpful , courteous, and professional. It was easy to contact them. I think their 24/7 service is great so you can get help when you need it. I was very happy with the outcome. I would not hesitate to recommend them.”
Reasons for Divorce
Before you schedule an appointment with any of these Winnipeg divorce lawyers, make sure your reasons are valid enough for divorce. Here are the three valid reasons for divorce for your reference:
- Separation of more than a year. This can mean living in separate houses, living in separate rooms, having no sexual relationship, and practicing separate social lives.
- Adultery. You’ll need to prove infidelity unless your spouse confesses to it themselves.
- Physical, mental, or sexual cruelty. Your situation must feel intolerable to you unless the police or a hospital are already involved. Cruelty also results in trials, so you’ll spend more time and money.
What Lawyers Do for the Different Types of Divorces
We’ve also used words like contested and uncontested in the article. And if you don’t understand what those words meant, you definitely need this section.
- Joint
Joint divorces are the most simple divorces because both parties have already settled differences even before filing for a divorce.
Since there is no defendant and everything is already finalized, there is no 30-day appeal period for this type of divorce. This typically means that each party is already satisfied with the terms they’ve come up with and has no plans of contesting anything in the future.
Usually, you’ll only need a lawyer to write agreements to finalize, legalize, and document the divorce.
- Uncontested
Now, if only one party files a motion for divorce and informs the other person after, it can turn into a contested or uncontested divorce. If the defendant, the estranged spouse who didn’t file the divorce, does any of these, then it will be an uncontested divorce:
- File a Demand of Notice stating they won’t contest anything, but still want to remain as a signatory or witness to any documents
- Do nothing and accept the case.
In such cases, you’ll likely need a lawyer to guide you throughout the process. Most lawyers like to reach a mutual agreement before going to trial to make the divorce smooth and simple.
If you’re lucky and participative, you may even get everything you want without setting foot in court.
- Contested
However, you’ll be facing a contested divorce if the estranged spouse reacts by:
- Filing a Statement of Defence to defend themselves against the accusations
- Counter-suing by claiming different facts
This type of divorce is much more complex and costly, and you’ll be spending much of your time in and out of court. During trials, you’ll have to present witnesses and prove evidence to stake your claim.
After a trial, a judge will arrive with a ruling, which you or your ex can contest. If you do claim the ruling to be unfair, then you’ll have another trial which can take several weeks—if not months.
Frequently Asked Questions about Divorce
We hope our list helps you find the best divorce lawyer in Winnipeg for your situation. With any of these law firms, you can surely turn a stressful event into something more bearable.
Do you know any law firm or lawyer who deserves a spot on this list? If so, please let us know so we can also review them!
Now, if you’re separating but are not legally married, then you’d need common law practitioners instead of divorce lawyers. The laws for common law separations are much more different, so it would be best for you to deal with the best Winnipeg family lawyers instead.