Helpful Legal Resources

We assist with separation, divorce, child custody and access, support (spousal and child), property division, and domestic agreements such as cohabitation and separation agreements.

A separation occurs when a couple decides to live apart and end their relationship. A divorce is the legal process that formally ends a marriage. You can settle most family matters while separated, even before applying for a divorce.

Yes — a written separation agreement outlines each person’s rights and responsibilities regarding property, support, and parenting. It helps prevent misunderstandings and provides clarity for the future.

If both parties agree and paperwork is complete, a simple (uncontested) divorce usually takes about 3–6 months once filed with the court. Disputed matters can take longer depending on the issues involved.

Custody (now often called decision-making responsibility) depends on the best interests of the child. Courts and lawyers encourage parents to work together to create parenting plans that prioritize the child’s well-being and stability.

Custody refers to the right to make major decisions about a child’s upbringing. Access (now called parenting time) refers to the time a child spends with each parent. We help families design arrangements that support healthy relationships for everyone involved.

Child support is generally based on federal guidelines that consider the paying parent’s income and the number of children. We’ll help you determine fair and accurate amounts according to the law.

It depends on factors like the length of the relationship, income differences, and each person’s role during the relationship. We’ll explain how support works and help negotiate an arrangement that’s fair and sustainable.

In Ontario, married spouses usually share the increase in value of their property during the marriage. Common-law partners have different rights, so it’s important to get legal advice tailored to your situation.

Yes — and in most cases, that’s the goal. We can help you resolve issues through negotiation, mediation, or collaborative law, saving time, stress, and costs while maintaining more control over the outcome.

We’re here to listen, explain your options clearly, and help you move forward with confidence. Whether you’re drafting an agreement or resolving complex family matters, our approach is compassionate, practical, and focused on achieving lasting solutions.

• Website The Courts of Nova Scotia
  Find legal information and resources to help you navigate and better understand the Courts, the Judiciary and the Canadian legal system.
• Website Family Justice Navigation Program (FJNP)
  Offers free, trauma-informed guidance for those navigating separation/divorce, child custody/support, and intimate partner violence. Family Justice Navigators do not provide legal advice, but they explain court processes, help with documentation, and refer to community supports.
  Call FJNP at 902.424.3444
• Website Dalhousie Legal Aid Clinic
  Staffed by law students and lawyers; assists low-income clients with family law matters.
• Website Family Law Information Program & FLIP Centres
  A service available at the Halifax and Sydney Supreme Court (Family Division). FLIP (formerly FLIC) centers in Halifax and Sydney courts provide guided assistance on court forms, processes, and referrals (e.g., mediation, legal aid).
  Halifax FLIP: 3380 Devonshire Ave, (902) 424 5232
  Sydney FLIP: Harbour Place, (902) 563 5761
• Website Family Law Nova Scotia
  Information relating to the law, processes, and services that make up family law in Nova Scotia.
• Website Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia (LISNS)
  Offers free, plain-language guides on child support, spousal support, matrimonial property, divorce, custody, family violence, common-law separation, parenting plans, and maintenance enforcement.
• Website Legal Info Nova Scotia
  Resources for everyday legal problems.
• Website Nova Scotia Legal Aid
  Provides legal information, summary advice, and representation in family law cases based on financial eligibility. Hosts free online family law lawyer chats.
  Apply online or over the phone.
  Extensive family law resources.
• Website Nova Scotia Maintenance Enforcement Program
  Ensures the enforcement of child/spousal support orders across provinces.
• Website Parenting Information Program (PIP)
  Mandatory for parties filing in Family Court (Supreme Court – Family Division), but also open voluntarily. Offers online and virtual sessions (approx. 1 hour) to help parents minimize conflict and focus on children’s well-being.
• Website Transition House Association of Nova Scotia (THANS)
  Shelters and advocacy for women and children facing violence.
• Website Victim Services Offices
  Offer support for domestic violence victims.

Incorporation creates a separate legal entity for your business, which can limit your personal liability and offer tax advantages. It also helps establish credibility and continuity as your business grows.

A sole proprietorship is owned by one person and is simple to set up but offers no liability protection. A partnership shares ownership (and responsibility) between two or more people. A corporation is a separate legal entity, providing limited liability and potential tax benefits.

While it’s possible to incorporate on your own, a lawyer ensures it’s done properly — setting up share structures, minute books, and bylaws that protect your interests and avoid costly mistakes down the road.

A shareholder agreement outlines how the company is managed and what happens if shareholders disagree, sell shares, or leave the business. It prevents disputes and provides clarity on everyone’s rights and responsibilities.

Yes. We handle all aspects of business purchases and sales — from drafting and reviewing agreements to conducting due diligence and ensuring a smooth closing.

Every corporation must maintain an up-to-date minute book and file annual returns to stay compliant with corporate law. We can manage your filings and records to keep your corporation in good standing.

Changes in ownership or management require proper documentation and corporate filings. We’ll prepare the necessary resolutions and updates to ensure your records remain accurate and compliant.

Absolutely. We can prepare, review, or negotiate contracts such as service agreements, leases, employment contracts, and supplier arrangements — ensuring your rights and business are protected.

Restructuring can include changing share classes, merging corporations, or reorganizing ownership for tax or succession purposes. We work with your accountant or financial advisor to ensure the plan meets your goals.

We aim to build lasting relationships with our clients — offering ongoing legal support as your business evolves. From incorporation to succession, our focus is on providing clear, practical advice that supports your success.

• PDF Name of downloadable file
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• Website Legal Info Nova Scotia
  Resources for everyday legal problems.
• Website Registry of Joint Stock Companies
  Find business or non-profit information on file with Registry of Joint Stock Companies, including names, addresses and registration dates.

A will ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes and allows you to name an executor to manage your estate. Without a will, Ontario’s laws decide how your estate is divided — which may not reflect your preferences.

If you pass away without a will, your estate is distributed according to Ontario’s intestacy rules. This can lead to delays, added costs, and results that might not align with what you would have wanted.

A will typically names an executor, outlines how your property and assets are to be distributed, appoints guardians for minor children (if any), and can include special instructions or gifts.

We recommend reviewing your will every few years, or after major life changes such as marriage, separation, the birth of a child, or acquiring new property. Small updates can make a big difference in keeping your wishes current.

A Power of Attorney lets someone you trust manage your affairs if you become unable to do so. There are two types: one for Property (financial matters) and one for Personal Care (health and personal decisions).

Homemade or online wills are legally valid if done correctly, but they often contain errors that can cause confusion or disputes. Having your will prepared by a lawyer ensures it meets all legal requirements and clearly reflects your intentions.

Store your will in a safe, accessible place — ideally the original with your lawyer and a copy with your executor. Avoid hiding it in a location that could be hard to find.

Yes. A will covers what happens after your death, while an estate plan looks at the bigger picture — helping minimize taxes, protect assets, and ensure everything is handled according to your overall goals.

Absolutely. We can help structure your business interests, create succession plans, and coordinate your estate documents to protect both your personal and corporate assets.

We’ll walk you through each step — from identifying your goals to preparing your documents — in clear, plain language. Our goal is to make sure you feel informed, confident, and cared for every step of the way.

• PDF Name of downloadable file
  Description of file.
• Website Legal Info Nova Scotia
  Resources for everyday legal problems.
• Website The Courts of Nova Scotia
  Find legal information and resources to help you navigate and better understand the Courts, the Judiciary and the Canadian legal system.

Probate is the legal process of confirming a will’s validity and giving the executor the authority to manage and distribute the estate according to that will.

Probate is usually needed when the estate includes real estate, investments, or bank accounts that are solely in the deceased’s name. Some assets (like joint accounts or life insurance with a named beneficiary) may not require probate.

The executor named in the will applies for probate. If there is no will, a family member or another interested person can apply to be appointed as the estate trustee by the court.

Typically, you’ll need the original will, death certificate, an inventory of assets and debts, and completed court forms. Our office will guide you through preparing and filing everything correctly.

Timing depends on the court’s workload and the complexity of the estate. In many cases, it takes 6–12 weeks after filing, but some estates may take longer if issues arise.

In Ontario, an Estate Administration Tax is paid when applying for probate. It’s based on the total value of the estate — currently $15 for every $1,000 of value over $50,000 (no tax on the first $50,000).

Yes. If someone passes away without a will, we can help you apply to be appointed as the estate trustee and guide you through distributing the estate according to Ontario’s intestacy laws.

Once probate is approved, the executor can access estate assets, pay any debts or taxes, and distribute what remains to the beneficiaries according to the will (or Ontario law if there’s no will).

Not necessarily. Assets held jointly, or those with designated beneficiaries (like life insurance or RRSPs), usually transfer directly and don’t require probate.

We handle every step of the process — preparing court documents, advising executors, dealing with banks and government agencies, and ensuring the estate is distributed properly. Our goal is to make the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible.

Public Legal Education Resources

• Website Wills & Estates
  Easy-to-understand explanations of wills, probate, powers of attorney, and more.
• BROKEN Website ?
  Probate forms, rules, and instructions from the provincial government.
• Website Public Trustee of Nova Scotia
  Manages estates where no executor or next of kin is available; also offers guidance for low-asset or unclaimed estates.

Planning Tools

• BROKEN PDF Nova Scotia Power of Attorney Kit
• BROKEN PDF Personal Directives Information Booklet
• BROKEN PDF Executor Checklist (LISNS)

Legal Advice

• Website Nova Scotia Legal Aid
  Available to qualifying Nova Scotia residents.
• BROKEN Website Lawyer Referral Service (LISNS)
  30-minute consultation with a local lawyer.

Notarization confirms that a document was signed voluntarily by the correct person and that the signer’s identity has been verified by a lawyer or notary public.

Common documents include affidavits, statutory declarations, consent letters, travel documents, sworn statements, copies of ID, and documents required for use outside Canada.

No. In most cases, documents must be signed in front of the lawyer or notary. Please bring unsigned documents unless you’ve been told otherwise.

You’ll need valid government-issued photo ID, such as a passport or driver’s licence. In some cases, additional identification may be required.

Yes. We can certify true copies of documents such as passports, birth certificates, degrees, and other originals — confirming the copy is a true and accurate reproduction.

Appointments are recommended to ensure availability and minimize wait times. Please contact our office to book a time that works for you.

Yes. We regularly notarize documents intended for use in other countries. Some documents may also require additional steps, such as authentication or legalization, depending on where they’ll be used.

Commissioning applies to sworn documents like affidavits and declarations. Notarization may involve certifying signatures or copies and is often required for international or formal use. We’ll let you know which service you need.

Most notarizations can be completed in just a few minutes, provided the correct documents and ID are brought to the appointment.

Fees vary depending on the type and number of documents. We’re happy to provide clear pricing when you contact our office.

We aim to make the process quick, straightforward, and stress-free. Whether you need a single document notarized or ongoing notarization services, MDC Law provides professional, reliable assistance you can trust.

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