Practice Areas

Divorce

Whether a person is facing a contested or uncontested divorce, it is important that their interests are protected. Ruth takes a personal, compassionate approach to helping her clients navigate the legal and emotional processes that a divorce action involves, and advocates for their best possible outcomes.

Separation Agreements

If a married or common-law couple did not enter into a Marriage Contract or Cohabitation Agreement during their relationship, they may require a Separation Agreement at the end of their relationship to resolve issues relating to custody and access for children, financial support and property division. 

Cohabitation Agreements

Many couples choose to enter into Cohabitation Agreements before or after they move in together. These contracts define their rights and responsibilities during the relationship and make arrangements in advance for property division, support and other issues which may arise if the relationship ends.

Custody and Access

In New Brunswick the primary consideration of the Court in determining custody and access issues is the best interests of the child. Ruth endeavors to guide her clients towards making decisions that are in the best interests of their children, and helps them navigate the legal process so that they can focus on the needs of their families.

Child Support

Children have a legal right to the financial assistance of both parents. Typically, the parent that the children live with most of the time receives child support payments from the other parent. In New Brunswick the determination of basic child support is governed by the provisions of the Federal Child Support Guidelines. 

Spousal Support

In New Brunswick, , there is no automatic right to this support. Ruth assesses her client’s individual circumstances to determine whether they give rise to spousal support rights and, if so, helps achieve that support.

Mediation

Many couples do not want to engage in traditional, adversarial court processes. For those who are prepared to make full financial disclosure and are willing to compromise, mediation is a cost-effective alternative that helps preserve relationships and provides outcomes that are more likely to be acceptable to both parties. 

Marriage Contracts

Marriage Contracts are entered into by couples who are already married or who intend to marry. They sets out a couple’s obligations and rights during the course of the marriage and allow spouses to make their own arrangements about sharing property, including the matrimonial home, in the event of separation. 

Variations of Agreements

​There are times when changes in circumstances may trigger the need for new agreements or court orders. Ruth helps clients determine whether new agreements or orders are warranted and assists them in resolving the outstanding issues.

Wills and Estate Planning

Powers of Attorney
Estate Litigation
Probate Applications/ Letters of Administration
Last Will and Testaments
Advance Health Care Directives