Why Choose Kattie Ross?
There is nothing more important than family. When people are experiencing a reorganization of their family structure, they are stressed and often somewhat sad. The professional you choose should have the skill set and experience to address the issues at hand in a timely and cost efficient manner. Your professional should be resolution oriented and not focused on a long drawn out court battle – that would only leave you exhausted and broke.
What I will do:
As a wife and mother of three, I can relate to the complexities of life and the fact that “no family is perfect”. I will listen and guide you in making the best decisions for you at a time when decision making may be difficult, drawing on my legal expertise and experience as a family law lawyer since 2004.
What I won’t do:
I will not simply hold your hand and tell you what you want to hear. That would be a disservice to you. I will not encourage you to take the matter to court if there are alternative ways of getting the same results in a more time and cost efficient manner.
I accept legal service plans from:
- OPG (Ontario Power Generation)
- CAW (General Motors)
- UNIFOR
- Four Counties Family Mediation
Mediation & Family Law Services
Mediation
Mediation is a process where I act as a neutral person. In this capacity, I am not acting as a lawyer and I will not favor one person’s position over another. My job in this role is to assist the two sides in negotiating a resolution.
This process is completely voluntary. Unlike the public court system, it is a completely private process. No one will have access to your information and your “dirty laundry” will remain private.
Collaborative Family Law
Collaborative Law is simply the settling of a case with legal counsel but without Court intervention. The goal is to assist my clients in resolving all issues pertaining to their separation without going to court.
Collaborative Family Law focuses on the specific needs of each family. In my experience, this process results in tangible benefits for the parties and most importantly their children by leaving decision making with the parties and not the court.
Divorce
Before a judge will grant a divorce, they often require that all other issues are finalized. I will help you create and/or finalize separation agreements, court orders, child support, and other matters.
Child Custody
Children are the biggest concern for my clients during a separation. In Ontario, our courts focus on one this: the best interests of the children.
I can help you ensure that your separation agreement expresses your wishes, guide you through the court system, or assist you privately through mediation and/or collaborative law.
Child Support & Section 7
Children need financial support from their parents, and they have a legal right to it. Who pays child support, how much they pay, and for how long are only a few issues that need to be worked out between parties.
I can assist you in determining the appropriate amount of child support and what constitutes a Section 7 expense (e.g., daycare and medical expenses).
Spousal Support
Spousal support is often the second most hotly contested issue (after custody/access). I will assist my client to negotiate and establish a fair resolution for the amount of support to be paid/received and the duration of which it will be paid/received.
Property Division
There is much to consider during a separation and divorce, but one of the most frequent question is “Who gets what?” For some couples the division of property can get very messy, while others are able to deal with it quickly and easily.
I can help you understand what you keep and what you must divide, and work with you to gather the relevant documentation to establish who owes whom an equalization payment, if any.
Why Choose Angelica Zinke?
Real estate transactions and estate planning have become increasingly complex. Whether purchasing, selling, re-financing real property or planning your estate, individuals often find themselves feeling overwhelmed and stressed. The lawyer you choose to process your real estate transaction or to plan your estate, needs to have the skill set to help you manage and deal with these situations. Angelica has the skill set to help you administer these stressful situations in the most effective way. She understands the complexities that are involved in real property transactions and estate planning and will guide you through the process with ease.
Do I need a real estate lawyer?
Clients often ask the questions “Do I need a real estate lawyer?”. The simple answer is yes, you need a lawyer for every real property transaction in Ontario. A real estate lawyer makes sure there are no unpleasant surprises on closing. The starting point of any purchase or sale transaction is the Agreement of Purchase and Sale. This is the binding contract between the parties, which is often prepared bythe real estate agent, but can be prepared bythe lawyer. lt is important to have your Agreement reviewed by a lawyer.
The lawyer will advise on a number of issues, which include: closing costs, such as land transfer tax, legal fees, disbursements and taxes. The lawyer will explain the benefits of obtaining title insurance and whether it applies to your transaction. They will also conduct the appropriate title searches in orderto safeguard your propertyfrom title defects and executions.
What I will do:
I will ensure that your experience goes as smoothly as possible. I will investigate all avenues in order to avoid all potential surprises on closing. I will answer all questions you may have and return every phone call that you make. I will explain and justify every charge on your account. I will do my absolute best to ensure that your transaction is completed as competently and efficiently as possible.
What I won’t do:
I won’t promise to do something that I cannot. I will not pretend to know the answer to a question when I don’t – I will simply find the answer and report back to you. I will not overcharge you for the services I provide.
Real Estate & Estate Administration Services
Real Estate Purchases
Real estate is likely one of the biggest purchases you will ever make, so having a real estate lawyer to make sure everything goes smoothly just makes sense.
I can help you with title searches and insurance, statements of adjustment, handling all funds that must be transferred, and registering transfers and deeds.
Real Estate Sales
When selling a property, the real estate lawyer prepares documents regarding the property transfer, pays out the mortgage, pays out commissions and property taxes, and holds keys and final documents in escrow until the closing date.
I can assist you in selling your property.
Transfer of Title Upon Separation or Divorce
When a marriage is dissolved, one of the most important questions is what to do with the matrimonial home. I can help with re-financing and separation agreements.
Re-financing
There are a number of reasons why you may want or need to re-finance your real property; whatever the reason, you will need a real estate lawyer to complete the transaction.
Last Will and Testament
A Last Will and Testament is a document that expresses your wishes and ensures that they are followed upon your decease.
I can help you prepare your will to guarantee that your wishes are recognized under the rules of law.
Powers of Attorney
A Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows someone to act on your behalf in the event that you cannot. A Power of Attorney is not a mandatory document required by law, but it is well advised to have one.
I can help you determine who you can trust to act as your attorney(s) and prepare the documents to express your wishes.
Estate Administration
Estate administration involves the transfer of a person’s assets when they die as well as a variety of other directions regarding personal matters. I can help guide you through the situation and make the process much simpler to deal with.
