We provide expert counsel in child custody matters, support issues, and division of family assets.  We also handle post-judgment matters such as variations of spousal and child support.

We will advise you on all of the options that are open to you, taking a practical, caring approach.  These options may include satisfactory resolutions without the necessity of going to court, although in some cases, going to court is necessary.

Members of our family department are also trained in mediation and in collaborative processes.

Collaborative law honours your feelings and values and considers the needs, both emotional and financial, of all of the members of the family unit.

Family law professionals such as divorce coaches, child specialists and financial specialists can be part of the team to help the separating or divorcing couple in the collaborative framework.

For couples willing to negotiate, open to creative and unique solutions, and wanting to minimize their and their children’s hurt, this approach is both constructive and effective.

Mediation is a negotiation process where the lawyer acts as a guide to assist the spouses towards a resolution of all of the couple’s issues, which may include asset division, child custody and support and spousal support, with a view to having the parties themselves play an integral role in all decisions taken.

Ratcliff’s lawyers will help you:

• avoid court wherever possible,
• create solutions respecting the values and goals of both parties and the best interests of their children,
• achieve a fair settlement of all issues.