Straight answers from Ottawa lawyers who call you back.
Family law, real estate, wills and employment law for people in Ottawa, Kanata, Orléans and Barrhaven. Fees in writing before we start, in English or French.
- Reply within one business day
- Fixed fees for wills & closings
- Evening appointments Thursdays
- Licensed in OntarioLaw Society of Ontario, LSO #000000
- Insured and regulatedProfessional liability insurance; client funds in a trust account
- Fees in writingFixed fees for wills, closings and severance reviews
- English or FrenchFree 30-minute first consultation
Four areas of law, practised properly
We stay focused so every file gets a lawyer who does this work every week, not once a year.
Family Law
Separation agreements, divorce, parenting time, child and spousal support, and dividing property fairly.
Family Law in Ottawa
Real Estate Law
Purchases, sales, refinances and new-build closings for a fixed fee, with title insurance and land transfer tax handled.
Real Estate Law in Ottawa
Wills & Estates
Fixed-fee wills and powers of attorney, guardianship for young children, and help settling an estate.
Wills & Estates in Ottawa
Employment Law
Severance package reviews, wrongful dismissal, employment contracts and workplace harassment.
Employment Law in OttawaWhat working with us actually looks like
Most complaints about lawyers come down to cost surprises and unanswered calls. We built the firm around fixing both.
Fees in writing
A fixed fee or a written estimate before any work starts, and itemized monthly accounts on hourly files.
One business day
Every call and email gets a reply within one business day, from your lawyer or their clerk.
Plain language
Every agreement comes with a one-page summary of what it means for you.
Payment options
Monthly payment plans on larger files, e-transfer and card accepted, legal aid certificates for family matters.
From first call to a plan in three steps
Book a free 30-minute consultation
By phone, video or at our downtown office. We run a conflict check before we talk details.
Get a written plan and quote
What we recommend, how long it should take, and what it will cost, in one email.
We get to work
You get one lawyer’s direct line and updates at every step.
Small firm, senior lawyers
You deal with the lawyer named on your file, not a rotating team.
Elena Calder
Founding lawyer · Family law, Wills & estates
Elena has practised family and estates law in Ottawa since 2009 and is trained in family mediation. She works in English and French.
Called to the Ontario bar 2009 · LSO #000000
Marcus Rowe
Partner · Real estate, Employment law
Marcus has closed thousands of Ottawa residential transactions and runs the firm’s employment practice for employees and small employers.
Called to the Ontario bar 2012 · LSO #000000
Nadia Ferreira
Associate · Employment law, Family law
Nadia handles severance negotiations and contested family matters, and leads our evening consultation clinic on Thursdays.
Called to the Ontario bar 2018 · LSO #000000
What clients say
These are illustrative reviews with fictional names, written for this demo. On your site, they would be your real Google reviews.
Elena explained my options in the first call, wrote everything down, and the separation agreement was signed in six weeks. No surprises on the bill.
They found a problem in the builder’s schedule two days before we firmed up. The fixed fee was exactly what they quoted.
My first severance offer was the legal minimum. Marcus reviewed it in two days and the final package was more than double.
Serving all of Ottawa, from our downtown office
Most work can be done by video, and we come to you for wills signings when needed. These are the communities we hear from most.
Kanata
Much of our Kanata work comes out of the west-end tech sector and the new subdivisions around it.
Lawyers serving KanataOrléans
Orléans is one of Ottawa’s most francophone communities, and many clients would rather talk about a separation or a parent’s estate in French.
Lawyers serving OrléansBarrhaven
Barrhaven is where a lot of Ottawa families buy their first house.
Lawyers serving BarrhavenFrequently asked questions
Is the first consultation really free?
Yes. The first 30 minutes are free, by phone, video or in person. You get an honest view of your options and what the next step would cost, with no obligation.
Do you offer services in French?
Yes. Elena Calder practises in English and French, and we can prepare documents in either language.
Where is your office?
Our office is downtown at 100 Example Street, Suite 410, Ottawa. It is wheelchair accessible, and paid parking is available nearby. Many clients never need to visit: most meetings and signings can be done by video.
How quickly can I get an appointment?
Usually within three business days, and sooner for urgent matters like a court date, a closing, or a severance deadline. Thursday evening appointments run until 7:30 pm.
General information only, not legal advice for your situation.
Talk to a lawyer this week
Free 30-minute first consultation, in person, by phone or by video.