Clear, structured guidance across the family law matters that shape your next chapter. Serving St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, Welland, the Niagara Region, and Hamilton.
Separation. Divorce. Court. Parenting/Custody arrangements. Support matters. These are not just legal issues — they affect your daily life, your finances, and most importantly, your children.
At Knights Law Professional Corporation, our family lawyers provide clear, honest guidance through every stage of the process. Whether your matter can be resolved through negotiation or requires the courts to step in, we are here to help you reach the best possible outcome for you and your family.
At Knights Law Professional Corporation, it is our view that the vast majority of family law disputes are best settled out of court. Collaborative Family Law is a structured, voluntary process where both parties work together — with the support of trained collaborative lawyers — to reach a fair agreement without litigation. It is faster, less costly, and far easier on everyone involved, especially children.
Both parties sign a participation agreement committing to resolve their matters respectfully. From there, collaborative family lawyers guide structured meetings. Shawn Knights has specialized training in collaborative law, including:
Shawn Knights is a member of the International Association of Collaborative Professionals (IACP) and a trained collaborative family lawyer practicing in St. Catharines and the Niagara Region.
Divorce legally ends a marriage under the federal Divorce Act and triggers important decisions about property, support, and parenting. Our family lawyers in St. Catharines and across Niagara help you understand your rights and obligations, and pursue the most effective path to resolution with as little conflict as possible.
Where possible, we pursue negotiated or collaborative resolution to reduce cost, emotional strain, and conflict — while remaining prepared to advocate firmly for your interests when required.
A separation agreement is a legally binding contract that governs how you and your spouse handle key issues following separation — including parenting, support, and property. A well-drafted agreement protects both parties, prevents future disputes, and provides clarity during an uncertain time.
We ensure your separation agreement is clear, comprehensive, enforceable, and built to withstand future scrutiny — giving you a stable foundation to move forward. We serve clients in St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, Welland, the Niagara Region, and Hamilton.
Under Ontario's Children's Law Reform Act and the federal Divorce Act, all parenting decisions are governed by the best interests of the child. Our lawyers help structure parenting arrangements that provide stability, reduce conflict, and reflect your children's specific needs and circumstances.
We prioritize collaborative and negotiated solutions — because children consistently thrive when parents can cooperate. When necessary, we advocate firmly in court to protect your child's welfare.
Spousal support is designed to address economic disadvantages arising from a marriage or its breakdown. Whether you are seeking support or responding to a claim, our lawyers provide practical, realistic advice based on your actual financial circumstances and legal entitlements under Ontario law.
We focus on fair, practical outcomes — not prolonged disputes — so both parties can move forward on a stable and sustainable financial footing.
Ontario's Family Law Act provides for the equalization of net family property on marriage breakdown. This is not simply a 50/50 split of all assets — it is a careful legal calculation of what each spouse accumulated during the marriage, with specific exclusions for inheritances, gifts received during marriage, and property owned before the marriage.
We help you understand what you're entitled to under Ontario law, protect what matters most to you, and resolve financial issues accurately and efficiently — serving St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, Welland, the Niagara Region, and Hamilton.
If the Children's Aid Society (CAS) has become involved with your family, you need experienced legal representation immediately. CAS proceedings under Ontario's Child, Youth and Family Services Act can move quickly and have serious consequences. Our lawyers are here to help you understand your rights, respond effectively, and protect your relationship with your children.
Parents and caregivers have rights in CAS proceedings. You have the right to legal representation, the right to be heard, and the right to participate in decisions about your children. We provide candid, practical advice so you understand exactly where you stand and what steps to take.
If CAS has contacted you or apprehended your children, contact us immediately. Early legal advice is critical. We serve clients in St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, Welland, the Niagara Region, and Hamilton.
Adoption is one of the most meaningful legal processes a family can go through. Whether you are a stepparent seeking to legally adopt your partner's child, a family pursuing a private adoption, or a family adopting a Crown ward, our lawyers will guide you through every step of the process with care and expertise.
In Ontario, adoptions must be approved by the court. The process involves ensuring proper consent is obtained, completing required background checks, and filing an application with the court. Once approved, an adoption order is issued and the child becomes the legal child of the adoptive parent(s) in every respect.
We are proud to help families grow. Our lawyers provide straightforward, supportive guidance through each stage of the adoption journey — serving St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, Welland, the Niagara Region, and Hamilton.
Book a consultation with our team. We'll review your situation and outline the options available to you — in St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, Welland, the Niagara Region, or Hamilton.
Book a Consultation