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Family Law · Ottawa · Est. 2007

Calm, careful, on your side.

Divorce, custody, support, property, mediation. We work with people going through the hardest year of their life. Confidentiality and discretion aren't buzzwords here.

Or call us
"

A good family lawyer reduces the temperature in the room. Most people don't need a fighter, they need someone to find the path through.

Jane Patel
Principal · 18 years family law
18yr
Family law
600+
Matters resolved
EN·FR
Fully bilingual
100%
Confidential
Practice areas

We focus on family law.
That's it.

We don't practice criminal, immigration, real estate, or corporate law. Specialization beats generalization when the stakes are your family.

Divorce & separation

Uncontested and contested. Mediation-first when possible. Court-ready when not.

Child custody

Parenting plans, custody disputes, urgent motions when a child's safety is at risk.

Spousal & child support

Calculations under the Federal Guidelines. Variations, enforcement, arrears.

Property division

Equalization, matrimonial home, business valuations, pensions, complex asset structures.

Marriage agreements

Prenuptial, postnuptial, cohabitation. Drafted, reviewed, and witnessed.

Family mediation

Certified mediator on staff. Often faster, cheaper, and kinder than litigation.

"

You don't need a lawyer who'll fight everything.
You need one who knows when to fight, and when not to.

— What we tell every new client
The lawyers

Two lawyers.
You always know who is handling your file.

Boutique firm by choice. Personal attention, no shuffling between associates, no surprise bills from a partner you've never met.

Jane Patel

Principal · 18 years

Called to the Ontario bar in 2008. Certified family mediator since 2014. Trained in collaborative family law. Sits as a panel mediator at the Ottawa courthouse twice a month.

B.A. (McGill) · J.D. (Osgoode) · Collaborative Practice Ottawa member

Marc Lefebvre

Associate · Bilingual EN+FR

Called to the Ontario bar in 2018. Focus on custody and parenting matters. Often represents francophone clients across Eastern Ontario, including matters involving the Quebec border.

B.A. (uOttawa) · J.D. (uOttawa) · Barreau du Québec · Law Society of Ontario

Initial consultation

One hour. One lawyer.
Honest answers.

In person at our Rideau Street office or by secure video. We'll tell you whether you need us, mediation, or just better information. No sales pitch.

$250 + HST

Fee credited toward retainer if you choose to engage us. Retainers vary by matter, typically $3,500 to $7,500 to start.

Request consultation
Duration
60 minutes
Format
In-person or video
Languages
English / Français
⚠️

In immediate danger or experiencing domestic violence?

Don't wait for an appointment. Call now. We can advise on urgent custody and protection orders, but your immediate safety comes first.

911 · Emergency
613 236 1222 · Ottawa Police (non-emergency)
1 866 863 0511 · Assaulted Women's Helpline
Rideau Legal
Confidential intake
Welcome to Rideau Legal. I can help you book a consultation, answer general questions about our family law services, or explain our fees. Please note I can't give legal advice. How can I help?