Business Details
32 Years
experience
Trusted Family Law Services in Winnipeg
Established in 1994, McDonald Law Office has dedicated its practice exclusively to family law in Manitoba. Our firm combines prompt, efficient service with a commitment to protecting clients' legal rights through skilled negotiation and litigation. With over three decades of experience, we provide compassionate representation in sensitive matters including divorce, child custody, spousal support, and property division. Our founder, Philip M. McDonald, brings extensive academic credentials and bar-certified expertise to every case. We prioritize transparency by offering free initial consultations and upfront discussions about fees. Located in Winnipeg at 258 Tache Avenue, our office provides accessible legal guidance with convenient parking and flexible consultation options.Our practice philosophy centers on delivering fair, reasonable-cost services while maintaining strong advocacy for clients' interests. We maintain affiliations with key legal resources and government agencies to ensure comprehensive case management. Our team's expertise extends to complex family law issues including DNA testing, property division, and court-ordered assessments. Through consistent focus on family law since our founding, we have developed specialized knowledge in both contested and uncontested cases. We emphasize client education through detailed explanations of legal rights and procedural options. Our office hours and contact information reflect our commitment to accessibility for Manitoba residents.
Services
Child Support
Divorce & Separation
Spousal Support
Property Division
Child Custody
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- We offer free initial consultations with no obligation
- Our firm has specialized in family law since 1994
- We provide transparent fee discussions upfront
- We combine compassionate counsel with strong advocacy
- We serve clients across Manitoba with local expertise
Services
Divorce & Separation
We handle contested and uncontested divorces, including property division, custody arrangements, and support agreements. Our experience since 1994 ensures comprehensive representation through negotiation or litigation. Clients receive clear guidance on legal rights and procedural options.
Child Custody
Our firm manages sole/joint custody arrangements, access schedules, and decision-making responsibilities. We facilitate DNA testing, mediation referrals, and court-ordered assessments. Legal strategies focus on children's best interests while protecting parental rights.
Child Support
We calculate support payments using federal guidelines, handle shared custody arrangements, and address extraordinary expenses. Services include paternity testing coordination and modification of existing support orders through negotiation or litigation.
Spousal Support
We determine entitlement and negotiate agreements regarding support duration and amounts. Our representation includes defending against claims and modifying existing orders. Financial disclosure requirements are thoroughly addressed in every case.
Property Division
Our expertise covers marital/common-law property division, including RRSPs, pensions, and family residences. We prepare formal agreements and litigate complex issues like debt apportionment. Strategies focus on equitable distribution per Manitoba legal standards.
People
Philip M. McDonald
Founder & Family Law Attorney
BA (University of Manitoba, 1988), LLB (University of Western Ontario, 1991). Manitoba Bar member since 1992. Specializes in family law with 30+ years experience. Committed to accessible legal services and client-focused representation.
Questions
What areas of law does McDonald Law Office specialize in?
We exclusively practice family law, handling divorce, child custody, spousal support, property division, and related matters in Manitoba.
Do you offer free initial consultations?
Yes, we provide free, no-obligation telephone or in-office consultations to discuss your legal rights and case options.
What are your office hours?
Monday-Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM. We offer flexible consultation options including phone and in-person meetings.
Do you handle complex family law cases?
Yes, we manage complex issues including DNA testing, court-ordered assessments, and property division involving pensions and real estate.
Reviews (5)
Shannon Traverse
May 11, 2021
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Phil McDonald is an excellent divorce lawyer very professional! The case conference 100%, custody and marital property handled 100%. I was able to call in to the case conference even though I lived in BC! Awesome!
Stephi Rae
Oct 11, 2019
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My ex and I were amicable during our separation, and only needed lawyers to make the paperwork legal. Philip has managed to drag this process on for well over half a year and has charged my ex hundreds for every unnecessary email sent urging completion. He has now sat for over a month with our complete and agreed upon separation agreement on his desk, and has yet to contact my ex to get his signatures. In my Oppinion, Mr.McDonald is a swindler and scam artist. He does not care about his clients best interest, only how much he can rip them off.
C. Medina
Aug 24, 2019
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Got my papers notorized no issue but as for customer service, nothing worth noting here. Philip was dry, deathly serious, even as far as stating "I'm not giving you legal advice" when I simply asked him if my paper was sufficient. Would not use again as I value people who value my business and customer service.
Therainbow Therainbow
Jan 19, 2018
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A rude welcome and a pressure imposed on client to get services after payment submitted.... not at all friendly
Duncan Smith
Dec 28, 2017
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McDonald Law Office was flexible and efficient with my legal matter. Friendly, prompt service. Thanks again!
