Family Law — Burlington, Ontario

Focused on solutions,
not prolonging
the battle.

Charanjit K. Gill brings over 20 years of family law expertise — guiding clients through separation, divorce, and parenting matters with clarity, compassion, and purpose.

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Serving

Halton · Hamilton · Toronto
Peel · Niagara · Brant
Kitchener-Waterloo
20+
Years of Practice
500+
Clients Assisted
7
Regions Served Across Ontario
Our Philosophy

A problem-solver's approach
to family law

Family law matters are among the most emotionally charged experiences a person can face. At Gill Family Law, we believe the legal process should reduce stress — not amplify it.

Charanjit approaches every case as a problem to be solved, not a battle to be won. Whether through mediation, collaboration, or litigation when necessary, the goal is always a fair, timely, and lasting resolution.

Clients leave feeling heard, informed, and empowered — with the confidence to move forward into the next chapter of their lives.

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01

Compassionate Guidance

Understanding the profound human impact of family breakdown — especially on children.

02

Informed Decision-Making

Ensuring clients have the legal clarity they need to make confident, sound choices.

03

Timely Resolution

Committed to efficient outcomes that honour your time, resources, and emotional wellbeing.

04

Multiple Pathways

From negotiation to mediation to litigation — the right tool for each unique situation.

What We Offer

Comprehensive
family law services

From complex property division to parenting arrangements, Gill Family Law handles all aspects of family and matrimonial law — recommending the most appropriate approach for each client's unique situation.

Parenting Time & Decision Making

Arrangements that prioritize children's wellbeing and long-term stability.

Child Support & Spousal Support

Equitable support structures grounded in Ontario law and your family's needs.

Division of Property

Careful, fair assessment and division of assets accumulated during the relationship.

Equalization Payments

Calculating and structuring net family property equalization with precision.

Divorce

Efficient and compassionate guidance through every stage of the divorce process.

Adoptions

Legal support for domestic adoptions — a joyful new chapter handled with care.

Separation Agreements

Comprehensive, enforceable agreements that protect your interests long-term.

Marriage & Cohabitation Agreements

Proactive contracts that bring clarity and protection to your relationship.

Early Neutral Consultations

Objective, early-stage legal advice to help you understand your position.

Litigation

Skilled courtroom representation when negotiated resolution isn't possible.

Negotiation

Strategic, interest-based negotiation to reach fair outcomes without court.

Collaborative Family Law

A structured, respectful alternative to traditional adversarial proceedings.

Representation in Mediation & Arbitration

Advocacy and support throughout mediation and arbitration processes.

Mediation

Charanjit serves as a trained, impartial mediator helping parties reach mutually acceptable resolutions.

Arbitration

Binding decisions by a neutral arbitrator — faster and more private than court.

Parenting Coordination

Ongoing support for high-conflict parenting matters, helping families move forward.

Charanjit K. Gill — Family Law Lawyer, Burlington Ontario
Called to the Bar, 2005Charanjit K. Gill, LL.B.
Meet Charanjit

Two decades of
trusted expertise

Originally from British Columbia, Charanjit K. Gill has called Hamilton home for over two decades — building a reputation as one of the region's most trusted and respected family law practitioners.

Throughout her career, she has assisted hundreds of clients navigating the complex and emotionally challenging aspects of family law. She understands the profound impact of family breakdowns on all parties involved, particularly children, and is committed to providing compassionate, comprehensive legal support.

Charanjit is not only a skilled negotiator and courtroom litigator, but also a trained mediator, arbitrator, parenting coordinator, and collaborative family law practitioner — giving her the breadth to find the right approach for every client's unique situation.

Beyond her practice, she serves on the Dispute Resolution Officer panel at the Superior Court of Justice in Milton and volunteers at Luke's Place legal clinic.

Education
  • LL.B. — University of Western Ontario, 2004
  • B.A. — University College of the Fraser Valley, 2001
  • Called to the Bar — Ontario, 2005
Professional Affiliations
  • Law Society of Ontario
  • Canadian Bar Association
  • Ontario Bar Association
  • Family Lawyers Association
  • Family Dispute Resolution Institute of Ontario
  • Hamilton Law Association
  • Halton County Law Association
Common Questions

Frequently asked
questions

Family law can feel overwhelming — especially if it's your first time navigating the system. Below are answers to the questions clients ask most often. If you don't see yours here, we'd be happy to help.

You are not legally required to have a lawyer to separate or divorce in Ontario. However, family law involves complex financial, property, and parenting issues where legal advice can make a significant difference to your long-term outcomes. At minimum, a consultation before signing any agreement is strongly recommended. ✎ Confirm wording with Charanjit before publishing.

An uncontested divorce typically takes 4–6 months from filing. You must have been separated for at least one year before a divorce can be granted (unless cruelty or adultery apply). Contested divorces involving unresolved support or property issues can take considerably longer. ✎ Confirm wording with Charanjit before publishing.

Separation occurs when two spouses decide to live separate and apart — no formal legal process is required. Divorce is a court order that legally ends the marriage and is necessary if either party wishes to remarry. All major issues (property, support, parenting) can be resolved without ever obtaining a divorce. ✎ Confirm wording with Charanjit before publishing.

Child support is calculated using the Federal Child Support Guidelines, based primarily on the paying parent's gross annual income and the number of children. In addition to the base table amount, special or extraordinary expenses (childcare, tuition, medical costs) may be shared proportionally between parents. ✎ Confirm wording with Charanjit before publishing.

In Ontario, both spouses have an equal right to possession of the matrimonial home regardless of who is on title. If the matrimonial home is jointly owned, couples can negotiate who keeps the home, sell it and divide the proceeds, or one spouse can buy out the other. The right solution depends on your specific financial circumstances. ✎ Confirm wording with Charanjit before publishing.

Collaborative family law is an alternative where both spouses and their lawyers commit in writing to resolving all issues without going to court. The process uses four-way meetings and may include financial advisors and parenting coaches. It tends to be less adversarial, faster, and more cost-effective than litigation for many families. ✎ Confirm wording with Charanjit before publishing.

A separation agreement is a legally binding contract that can address: division of property and debts, equalization payments, parenting time and decision-making, child and spousal support, and any other issues relevant to your family. Independent legal advice for both parties is strongly recommended. ✎ Confirm wording with Charanjit before publishing.

Not entirely. In Ontario, common-law partners do not have automatic property division or equalization rights the way married spouses do. However, they may have support rights (after 3 years together, or sooner if a child is involved) and unjust enrichment claims. A cohabitation agreement can clarify rights in advance. ✎ Confirm wording with Charanjit before publishing.

Spousal support is not automatic — it depends on factors such as the length of the relationship, roles each spouse played, and economic impact of the breakdown. The Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines provide ranges for amount and duration, though these are advisory rather than legally binding. ✎ Confirm wording with Charanjit before publishing.

Helpful items include recent tax returns, pay stubs, a list of assets and debts with approximate values, your marriage certificate or any existing agreements, and notes on your key concerns. Don't worry if you don't have everything — we can work with what you have and guide you on next steps. ✎ Confirm wording with Charanjit before publishing.

Yes. Orders can be varied when there has been a material change in circumstances — such as a significant income change, a child's evolving needs, or a parent's relocation. Changes can be made by mutual agreement (filed with the court) or by returning to court for a variation order. ✎ Confirm wording with Charanjit before publishing.

Mediation works well for couples willing to communicate and negotiate in good faith. It may not be appropriate where there is domestic violence, a significant power imbalance, or unwillingness to disclose finances. A preliminary legal consultation will help assess whether mediation, collaboration, or litigation is best for your situation. ✎ Confirm wording with Charanjit before publishing.

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Resources

Common family law
terms explained

Family law has its own language. Understanding these key terms will help you follow conversations with your lawyer, read court documents, and make more informed decisions throughout your matter.

Net Family Property (NFP)

The value of property each spouse accumulated during the marriage, minus what they brought in (and certain exclusions like gifts and inheritances). Used to calculate equalization payments.

Equalization Payment

A payment from the spouse with the higher NFP to the one with the lower NFP, so each receives an equal share of the wealth built during the marriage.

Matrimonial Home

The property where the spouses ordinarily resided as a family at the time of separation. Both spouses have equal rights of possession regardless of who holds title.

Parenting Time

The time a child spends with each parent after separation. Formerly called "access" or "custody." The focus is on the child's best interests above all else.

Decision-Making Responsibility

The right and responsibility to make significant decisions about a child's life — education, health care, religion, and extracurricular activities. Formerly referred to as "custody."

Spousal Support

Payments made by one spouse to the other after separation to address economic disadvantage. Amount and duration depend on the length of the relationship and other factors.

Child Support Guidelines

Federal rules setting the standard child support amount based on the paying parent's income and number of children — ensuring predictability and fairness.

Separation Agreement

A legally binding written contract between separating spouses that resolves property, support, and parenting issues. Must be signed voluntarily and ideally with independent legal advice.

Cohabitation Agreement

A contract between common-law partners setting out each party's rights and obligations during and after the relationship — similar to a prenuptial agreement.

Marriage Contract (Prenup)

A contract entered into before or during marriage defining how property will be divided and what support obligations will apply if the marriage ends.

Motion

A formal request to the court during ongoing proceedings — for example, seeking temporary support or a temporary parenting arrangement until the issues are resolved on a final basis.

Disclosure

The process of each party providing full and honest financial information — income, assets, debts, and expenses. Full disclosure is a legal requirement and the basis of any fair agreement.

Collaborative Law

A dispute resolution process where both parties and their lawyers agree in writing to resolve all issues outside of court, emphasizing transparency and mutual problem-solving.

Mediation

A voluntary process in which a neutral third party helps separating spouses communicate and negotiate to reach their own agreements, without imposing a decision.

Arbitration

A private, binding dispute resolution process in which an arbitrator hears both sides and makes a binding decision — similar to a court ruling but faster and more private.

Parenting Coordinator

A neutral professional who helps high-conflict parents implement their parenting plan and resolve day-to-day disputes without returning to court each time.

Get in Touch

Ready to take the
first step?

Every situation is unique. An in-depth consultation with Charanjit is the best way to understand your options and what a path forward might look like for you.

Phone(905) 333-5322
Emailinfo@gillfamilylaw.ca
Office3385 Harvester Road, Suite 235
Burlington, Ontario L7N 3N2
HoursMonday – Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
LinkedInCharanjit K. Gill

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