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Divorce Lawyer in Quebec:
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Amicable or contested divorce: our family law lawyers support you at every step of your separation.
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Ending a marriage is an important decision that raises many questions, both legal and personal. Whether your separation is amicable or conflictual, it is essential to understand your rights so you can make informed decisions for your future and that of your family.

The different types of divorce

Depending on your situation, two options are possible.

The joint application for divorce

When the spouses agree on all the consequences of their separation, including child custody, division of property, and support payments, they can jointly file a joint application for divorce. This is generally the simplest, fastest, and least costly procedure. Consult our page dedicated to joint divorce for more information.

The application for divorce filed by one spouse

When no agreement is possible, one spouse may file for divorce alone. The court will then be called upon to decide on the issues that remain in dispute.

What are the grounds for divorce in Quebec?

Under the Divorce Act, three grounds allow for a divorce judgment to be obtained:
  • separation of at least one year;
  • adultery;
  • physical or mental cruelty.
In the vast majority of cases, divorce is requested after a separation of at least one year, since this is generally the simplest and least conflictual procedure.

Spousal support

Divorce can have significant financial consequences. In certain situations, a spouse may be entitled to spousal support.

The court will consider, among other things:

  • the financial needs of each spouse;
  • income and ability to pay;
  • the duration of the marriage;
  • the roles assumed during the time living together;
  • the economic consequences of the marriage and the divorce.
Every situation is unique. A personalized analysis makes it possible to determine whether spousal support can be claimed or contested. Spousal support is also discussed on our page dedicated to support payments.

Child Custody and Child Support

When children are involved in a divorce, parents must also settle issues related to custody, parenting time, and child support in accordance with the Divorce Act. All decisions must be made in the best interest of the child and take into account their situation, needs, and family reality. Whether through an agreement between the parents or a dispute before the court, it is important to understand your rights and obligations.

For more information, consult our pages dedicated to child custody and child support, where you will find detailed information on the applicable criteria, the calculation of child support, and the different custody arrangements.

Division of property in a divorce

Divorce also results in the division of certain property.

In Quebec, the family patrimony includes, among other things:

  • the family residence;
  • secondary residences used by the family;
  • furniture used by the household;
  • vehicles used for the family's transportation;
  • certain rights accumulated in retirement plans.

These assets are generally divided equally, regardless of which spouse owns them.

The division of other property then depends on the applicable matrimonial regime, whether it is the partnership of acquests, separation of property, or another regime provided for in a marriage contract.

A legal assessment is often necessary to ensure a division that respects your rights.

Our qualified divorce lawyers will guide and support you so that every action is taken fairly and knowledgeably for the benefit of everyone.

First Consultation

Are you considering a divorce or have you just separated? Talk to a lawyer now.

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How do I know if my decisions are the right ones?

Every divorce case is different. Making a decision after an argument, under the influence of strong emotions, or on a whim is not always the best solution. It is important to ask yourself crucial, well-thought-out questions, to which our lawyers can provide appropriate answers and, if necessary, guide you through your legal proceedings.

Why consult a family law lawyer?

Every divorce has its own challenges. An error in drafting proceedings or a misunderstanding of your rights can have significant consequences on your assets, your financial obligations, or the arrangements concerning your children.

By consulting a family law lawyer, you benefit from:

  • a complete analysis of your situation;
  • legal advice tailored to your needs;
  • proper drafting of legal proceedings;
  • support throughout your case;
  • better protection of your rights.

Frequently asked questions about Divorce

1. How long must I be separated before I can obtain a divorce?
In Canada, the most common ground for divorce is separation of the spouses for at least one year.
Consulting a lawyer early allows you to know your rights before making important decisions regarding the children, the family residence, finances, or the division of property. Guidance from the beginning of the process can help avoid several conflicts and protect your interests.
The law does not require you to be represented by a lawyer. However, divorce has significant legal, financial, and family consequences. Consulting a family law lawyer helps protect your rights and avoid mistakes that could have long-term effects.
The duration varies depending on the complexity of the case and court delays. A joint divorce is usually much faster (on average 3 to 6 months after the documents are filed with the Court) than a contested divorce.
Yes. In many situations, it is possible to obtain a divorce in Quebec even if your spouse resides abroad. Quebec courts may have jurisdiction when certain conditions provided for by law are met, particularly if one of the spouses has habitually resided in Quebec for at least one year before the divorce application is filed.
No. Unlike child support, it is never automatic. It depends on several criteria set out by law and must be evaluated according to the specific circumstances of each case.

Our area of ​​expertise

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Need help with your divorce?

Whether your separation is amicable or contentious, our lawyers, who practice primarily in family law and youth protection law, can advise and represent you at every step. Contact us for a first consultation.

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Nassou Diop

Legal Technician

Driven by the legal field, particularly family law, Nassou Diop brings her rigor, professionalism, and versatility to the Riendeau Avocats team.

As a legal technician, she supports the lawyers in tracking their files and handling all the legal and administrative tasks necessary for the smooth execution of mandates.

Organized, discreet, and empathetic, Nassou places great importance on the quality of customer service. Her active listening skills and dedication to a job well done make her a valuable collaborator for both clients and colleagues.

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Me Coralie Andende

Family law lawyer

Me Coralie Andende has been a member of the Barreau du Québec (Quebec Bar) since 2012 and joined our team in June 2026 as Lawyer – Team Lead.

Over the course of her career, she has developed diverse experience notably in family law, youth law, debt collection, civil litigation, and housing law.
Before joining our firm, she practiced for nearly eight years within a CIUSSS, where she gained in-depth knowledge of matters related to youth protection, children’s safety and development, as well as complex family issues. This experience allows her today to approach each case with a comprehensive, strategic, and pragmatic vision.

An experienced litigator, Me Andende represents her clients before the Court of Québec, the Superior Court, and various administrative tribunals. Her mastery of judicial procedures, rigorous preparation, and determination allow her to effectively defend her clients’ interests.

Recognized for her calm demeanor, attentiveness, and human approach, Me Andende prioritizes building a relationship of trust with her clients. She supports them with rigor and empathy in defending their rights, offering solutions tailored to their reality and ensuring effective management of their cases.

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Me Karen Godefroy

Family Lawyer

Me Karen Godefroy joined the Riendeau – Family Law team in January 2026. A member of the Quebec Bar since 2024, she is distinguished by her strong commitment to upholding human values.
Upon her admission to the Bar, Me Godefroy focused her practice on representing the CIUSSS de l’Est-de-l’Île-de-Montréal in mental health law, where she gained extensive experience handling sensitive cases requiring legal rigor, discernment, and compassion.
Driven by a desire to practice in areas where people are at the center of the issues, she subsequently continued her practice in labor law and family law, developing hands-on expertise in these fields before joining the firm Riendeau Avocats.
Recognized for her human-centered approach, strong listening skills, and dedication, Me Godefroy places particular importance on understanding her clients’ needs. Her professional rigor and sense of responsibility enable her to provide strong representation in her cases while maintaining a relationship of trust with her clients.
Education and Professional Affiliations

  • Faculty of Law, Université Toulouse I Capitole – Master’s Level I
  • Faculty of Law, Université de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour – Master’s Level II
  • School of Continuing Education, Université de Montréal
  • Member of the Quebec Bar
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Valérie Lafontaine

Legal Technician

A dedicated legal technician, Valérie graduated from Institut Teccart as a legal technician in April 2020, having completed her internship with the Superior Court.
Being naturally empathetic and having a strong interest in family law, she joined the Riendeau – Family Law team in September 2020.

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Me Marie De Santis

Family Lawyer

Marie De Santis is a member of the Quebec Bar and joined the team in May 2025.

Holder of a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in law, she completed her Bar internship with the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions (DPCP). Throughout her training, she was involved with multiple associations and legal clinics, specializing in family law, criminal law, and the law of persons.

Her multicultural background and openness to the world enrich her perspective on complex cases and enable her to support clients from diverse backgrounds with sensitivity, rigor, compassion, and respect. Her clients benefit from strong technical representation and attentive, personalized support at every stage of the process. Highly attentive to the general and specific needs of children, she ensures that each step of the process prioritizes their best interests and well‑being.

Her practice encompasses cases involving divorce, annulment of marriage, and separation, as well as matters related to termination of parental authority, parenting time, child support, and adoption.

Education:
LL.B. (Bachelor of Laws, Université de Montréal and Université Paris II Panthéon-Assas), 2022
LL.M. (Master of Criminal Law, Université de Sherbrooke), 2023
Comparative Law of African States and OHADA (Université Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Senegal), 2020
Public and Criminal Law of Asian States (Keio University, Tokyo, Japan), 2021
Introduction to Criminology Seminar (Université Paris II Panthéon-Assas), 2022

Languages:
French
English

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Mélissa Belaroussi

Legal secretary
Mélissa Belaroussi is a legal secretary at Riendeau Avocats. Passionate about the legal field and known for her strong professional rigor, she supports the team of lawyers in managing complex cases. Her versatility and organizational skills make her a valuable asset in ensuring the smooth handling of legal matters within the firm. Always committed to providing excellent service, she works closely with clients and lawyers to ensure the proper conduct of legal procedures.
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Me Yann Yankey

Family and Employment Law Lawyer

Me Yann Yankey has been a member of the Quebec Bar since 2021. Passionate about law and deeply committed to defending human values, he gained valuable experience right after his admission to the Bar by working on various labor law cases at the Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST).

Driven by his desire to make a difference, Me Yankey naturally directed his career towards family law. He joined the family law team at Riendeau Avocats in September 2024, bringing with him an unwavering commitment to providing quality legal and emotional support to his clients with a human-centered approach. Specializing in child custody, alimony, and divorce cases, Me Yankey stands out for his attentive listening, strong writing skills, rigorous analysis, and calm demeanor even in the most delicate situations. With his wealth of experience, Me Yankey also handles cases in civil law, labor law, and uncontested adoption matters.

Beyond his undeniable legal skills, Me Yankey is known for his warm personality and human approach. His smile and friendliness make him not only a competent lawyer but also a very pleasant person to work with, providing his clients with reassuring and personalized support.

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Portrait professionnel de Me Rosalie Larouche, Directrice du département de droit familial, Avocate.

Me Rosalie Larouche

Department Head

Rosalie Larouche is the head of the Family Law Department.

Her focus includes family conflicts in the Superior Court, such as child custody, divorce, child and spousal support requests, as well as matters related to youth protection in the Youth Division of the Quebec Court.

Arts and music hold a special place in Me Larouche’s life. Before practicing law, she worked as Communications Manager for Jeunesses Musicales du Canada and later as Artistic Coordinator for the Concours Musical International de Montréal.

A member of the Bar since 2020, Me Larouche holds degrees in law from the Université du Québec à Montréal, in piano from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Brussels, and in cultural organization management with honors from HEC Montréal.

She serves on the board of the Festival de Lanaudière and is a member of the Association des Avocats et Avocates en droit de la famille du Québec.

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Portrait professionnel de Me Leila Nemouchi, Adjointe juridique.

Me Leila Nemouchi

Legal Assistant

With years of experience in administrative roles and customer service, Leila is an experienced professional dedicated to optimizing efficiency and client satisfaction. Her extensive background enhances our team’s commitment to providing superior quality service.

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Me Aurélie Messang

Family Lawyer

Me Aurélie Messang joined our team as a student-at-law and later as a family law attorney. Her practice includes handling divorce, separation, parenting time, child support, and adoption cases. 

Ms. Messang recognizes the sensitivity of family matters and will guide you through the process with care. Meticulous and attentive to client concerns, she is dedicated to fiercely advocating for your interests.

Education and Memberships:

Faculty of Law, Nancy (Master’s I)
Faculty of Continuing Education – Université de Montréal
Member of the Barreau du Québec
Languages: French

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Me Sofia Perez

Lawyer

Ms. Perez joined the Riendeau Lawyers team as a lawyer after completing her Bar internship. A graduate of the Université de Montréal, Me Perez practices before the Superior Court of Quebec, covering all aspects of family law, including divorce, child custody, alimony, and financial interests division.

In her practice, Me Perez stands out for her humane approach, attentive listening, and professionalism. Committed to safeguarding her clients’ interests, she will guide you towards sustainable and appropriate solutions for your situation.

Education and Memberships:

University of Montreal (LL.B)
Member of the Barreau du Québec
Languages: French, English, Spanish

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Me Ndeye Ndoye

Family and civil law lawyer

Ms. Ndoye joined the family team at Riendeau Avocat in January 2022. A member of the Quebec Bar since 2015, her experience and expertise are valuable assets to our firm, her areas of practice include civil law, family law, youth law, international law, and international child abduction.

Ms. Ndoye studied law in Africa, France, and Canada, earning multiple law degrees from universities on three different continents. This diversity has equipped her with solid knowledge in international law.

Over the years, she has successfully litigated significant cases in the Superior Court and the Court of Appeal of Quebec, covering civil law, family law, and international law. Dedicated to her clients’ interests, she consistently goes above and beyond to reassure them and provide the best chances of success.

Education and Memberships:
LL.L : University of Ottawa
PhD (Doctorate) in Law: University of Strasbourg (France)
Master’s in Law: University of Perpignan (France)
Bachelor’s in Business Law: Université Gaston Berger (Saint-Louis)
Languages: French, English

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Andréann Paquin

Legal Technician

Andréann graduated from Collège Ahuntsic in Legal Techniques in May 2020 and spent a year as a court clerk at the Superior Court.

With Riendeau since January 2021, she is deeply passionate about law and legal research. Organized and efficient, Andréann has applied her clerkship skills and knowledge to benefit our firm.

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Marie de Guise

Law student
Graduating from the University of Montreal in 2024, Marie de Guise first worked as a student in the family law team at Riendeau Avocats. She then joined the team as an intern in 2025, under the supervision of experienced lawyers.

Marie de Guise practices family law, focusing primarily on parental time, child support, and youth law. Empathetic and attentive, Marie de Guise understands the delicate issues in her cases and supports her clients through their legal processes.

Marie de Guise won the award for Best Litigator in Canada in a national moot court competition in 2024. She will defend your case with determination in court.
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