Layne Family Law PC is a boutique family law firm located in Markham, Ontario. We specialize in assisting clients through all aspects of separation and divorce. Divorce is one of the most challenging experiences a person can through in life and it is at this time when you need a lawyer that you can trust and count on to guide you through the processes and the number of choices you have to make. We are here to help you find the best path forward for you and your family. Our compassion and creativity results in personalized service focusing on the best and most cost-effective results for our clients.
With over 17 years of experience, we have developed expertise in all elements of family law including complex financial cases and high conflict family law disputes. We have a reputation for excellence and personalized and attentive service to meet our client’s needs. Whether you are going through a separation, or need advice pertaining to a marriage contract, we are here to help you through the legal challenges facing you during this time.
We know that the best interest of the children is the paramount concern for parents during separation. We are experienced in representing parents who need to resolve the complicated and emotional issues of where your children will live, how much time they will spend with each parent and how important decisions will be made for your children. Whether you are working cooperatively with your former spouse and just need to finalize the terms of your agreement, or whether you are in a more tumultuous situation such as being denied access to your child, we can provide you with advice and options to create a new and stable living and decision making arrangement for your family.
Marriage, cohabitation, and children create important legal obligations and entitlements related to financial support for spouses and children. The determination of support can sometimes be straight- forward and uncomplicated. However, many times there are nuances and complications that require specialized and experienced family lawyers to assist individuals in navigating and advocating for the appropriate amount and duration of support. At Layne Family Law we are experienced in all areas of child and spousal support issues, including dealing with complex issues related to income determination for self-employed or business owners, shared parenting regimes, and extra “section 7” expenses for children.
Married and common-law couples almost always need to address the division of property after a breakup. For married couples there is a very specific regime called the equalization of net family property to effect such division. Issues of date of separation and valuation of property can be complicated and difficult to figure out. For common-law couples property division is more nuanced and requires a careful review of the facts of each case. No matter your situation, at Layne Family Law we can provide you with this specialized advice and guidance to advocate on your behalf and protect your property rights upon relationship breakdown.
At Layne Family Law we can help you obtain a change to an existing separation agreement or court order that no longer reflects or meets the needs of your current financial or family situation. We will explore with you the merits of your desired change, and help you select the right process to effect that change.
There are a myriad of process options available to couples that are separating. Most parties are able to finalize their legal issues through the negotiation and drafting of a separation agreement with the assistance of counsel. One process option is Collaborative Family Law where the couple and their lawyers work as a team to settle their case and enter into a binding Separation Agreement. Other couples choose to negotiate through counsel, and resolve hurdles through mediation and/or arbitration. Although most cases can be resolved using these dispute resolution processes, in some cases court is the only option to protect your rights or those of your children. No matter which process option is chosen, the lawyers of Layne Family Law are experienced, trained and qualified to get you the results you need. Our goal is to help you choose the most cost effective and expeditious process available to you, while at the same time ensuring that you get the best result possible for your particular situation.
Lawyer
Julie Layne is the founder of Layne Family Law. She has been practicing law since her call to the bar in 2002. After graduating from the University of Toronto Law School, Julie completed her Articles clerking at the Federal Court in Ottawa.
Julie began her legal career as a commercial litigation lawyer at one of Canada’s top law firms in Toronto. Her time as a commercial litigator honed Julie’s legal skills, having been trained and mentored by some of Canada’s top litigators. Nevertheless, Julie knew early on that she wanted to practice in an area of law where she could incorporate her legal skills and experience with her desire to help people in their personal lives. Julie soon realized that the practice of family law was the right fit for her, and began exclusively practicing family law in 2006. Julie learned early on that her strong interpersonal skills of empathy, patience and practicality all lent themselves very well to practicing in such a tumultuous and emotional area of law.
In 2013 Julie obtained her Masters in Family Law from Osgoode Hall Law School. She has also completed her certification and training in Collaborative Family Law.
Julie has extensive experience in negotiation, mediation, arbitration, collaborative family law and litigation. She negotiates agreements with other parties, and if necessary has the experience and skill to represent clients in court to get results.
She enhances her practical work experience by advancing her knowledge and skills through academic and non-profit experience.
Julie sat on the Board of the Ontario Bar Association Family Law Section for over six where she volunteers her time serving and advocating on behalf of the family law bar in Ontario. She is presently a Board Member of the York Region Law Association. She has chaired and been a speaker at a number of Continuing Legal Education Programs in Family Law in the Greater Toronto Area.
In her spare time, Julie enjoys reading and travelling. She endeavours to spend as much time as possible enjoying the outdoors with her husband and children.
After graduating from York University with an Honours BA in Law and Society in 2011 as well as the Paralegal program at Seneca College in 2012, Cristina began working at a small, family-run law firm assisting in various family law, criminal law and civil litigation files. After realizing her passion was in family law, she joined Layne Family Law Professional Corporation in 2014, where she has practiced exclusively in family law as a law clerk since then.
Cristina’s experience has allowed her to develop her skills in drafting letters, court documents, and financial statements. She excels in supporting lawyers in day-to-day tasks and her knowledge and understanding of court proceedings and the Family Law Rules is an asset to the firm. Cristina is organized, detailed and proactive in managing client files and she has refined her skills in assisting clients who have complex financial situations relating to their marriage, separation and divorce. While she maintains professionalism when working with clients, clients appreciate her compassion and patience as they work through difficult and emotional times in their lives.
When she is not working, Cristina enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, shopping and decorating her home.
Graduating from Humber College's Law Clerk program, Lisa supports the team with her knowledge of Family Law Rules, drafting court documents and correspondence while ensuring that the highest degree of focus and detail is brought to each and every client file.
She is highly organized, with a dedicated work ethic and attention to detail. Client focused, she has a strong track record in building trusting, supportive partnerships, while connecting in a friendly yet professional manner.
Her laid back approach coupled with her extensive background in Customer Service and Client Problem/Conflict Resolution makes her a valuable resource in supporting clients and removing any intimidation from the legal process.
Lisa has a positive attitude and maintains a calm and reassuring approach with her clients during what is often an overwhelming and emotional time.
Lisa is an active committee member of the Down Syndrome Association of York Region. She is an instrumental member in planning, organizing, and implementing many key fundraising activities.
While a cohabitation agreement may not be top of mind for couples moving in together, it may be worthwhile – especially if you have assets to protect, says Toronto family lawyer Julie Layne.
Conveniently located in the GTA.
90 Allstate Parkway, Suite 502
Markham, Ontario L3R 6H3
reception@laynefamilylaw.com | Tel: 1-905-477-2626 | Fax: 905-477-2625