Marriage Contract Drafting Lawyers in Ontario
Custom-drafted marriage contracts that protect your assets, business interests, and future financial security.
Legal Review by Deepa Tailor
Senior Family LawyerDeepa Tailor is the founder and Managing Director of Tailor Law, a trusted Ontario family and divorce law firm. Since 2014, she has helped clients navigate separation, custody, support, and property division with clarity and compassion. Deepa holds a B.Sc. (University of Toronto) and J.D. (University of Ottawa), and regularly shares legal insights to educate and empower individuals going through complex family law matters.
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Who Needs a Marriage Contract?
Marriage contracts aren't just for the wealthy—they're practical tools for anyone who wants financial clarity.
Business Owners
Protect your company from being divided as marital property. Keep your business separate and establish valuation methods.
Expecting Inheritance
Ensure future inheritances remain your separate property and aren't subject to division if the marriage ends.
Second Marriages
Protect children from previous relationships and ensure assets pass to your intended beneficiaries.
Significant Assets
If you're entering marriage with substantial savings, investments, or property, protect what you've built.
Professionals
Doctors, lawyers, and other professionals with valuable practices or licenses need protection for their career assets.
High Earners
If you earn significantly more than your partner, establish clear expectations about spousal support.
What We Include in Your Contract
Every contract is customized, but most include these essential provisions:
Excluded Property
Assets that remain separate property—inheritances, gifts, pre‑marital assets, and business interests.
Property Division Rules
Clear rules for how net family property will be calculated and divided if the marriage ends.
Spousal Support Terms
Amount, duration, or waiver of support—tailored to your circumstances and goals.
Matrimonial Home Provisions
Special rules for the family home—the one asset that's always divided equally unless specifically addressed.
Our Drafting Process
1. Initial Consultation
We discuss your goals, assets, concerns, and what you want to protect.
2. Financial Disclosure
Both parties provide complete financial information—essential for enforceability.
3. Custom Drafting
We create a tailored agreement based on your unique circumstances.
4. Review & Negotiation
Your partner's lawyer reviews and we negotiate any necessary changes.
5. Execution
Both parties sign with proper legal formalities and ILA certificates.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should we start drafting our marriage contract?
Ideally 3-6 months before your wedding. This allows time for drafting, review, negotiation, and avoids any appearance that you were pressured to sign.
Can we use one lawyer to draft the contract?
One lawyer can draft the initial agreement, but your partner must have independent legal advice from a separate lawyer before signing.
What if my partner refuses to sign a marriage contract?
You cannot force someone to sign. However, you can choose not to marry without one. Open communication about financial expectations is essential.
Can we include provisions about our children?
No. Marriage contracts cannot include terms about child custody, access, or child support. These matters are determined based on the best interests of the child.
How much does it cost to draft a marriage contract?
Fees typically range from $2,500 to $7,500 depending on complexity, assets involved, and negotiation required.
Related Resources
Protect Your Future with a Custom Marriage Contract
Get expert legal drafting from experienced Ontario family lawyers.