Barb Cohen: Ottawa Divorce & Family Lawyer - Nepean, Ontario

Jennifer W.

I had an exceptionally amazing experience with Barb and her team. Having been dragged through a four-year custody battle as the defendant with a highly litigious lawyer, I met with Barb and was so impressed that I fired my existing legal council who was bleeding me dry financially with no end in sight. Barb confidently took over my case and was able to settle all of our custody issues in a matter of months at a fraction of what I had been paying prior. She handled my case with sensitivity, kindness and empathy, while also making fast process with opposing council and the arbitrator, and she came up with some very creative solutions to complex problems we encountered. Barb also offered a free 30 minute consult, which was valuable in choosing to go with her firm, and has not once out-charged me, in fact, I suspect she did not charge me enough for all the services she provided. I am very happy with the outcome and continue to use Barb's services when needed. Barb is amazing and wonderful mediator all around!

Jennifer W.

Barb provided an exceptional service. Barb was straight forward, clear, professional and was able to very quickly understand our 'needs'. She did not try to insert conflict where none existed but was still able to advocate effectively on my behalf. She was able to very clearly describe to me what my legal rights were and what I could do within the context of the separation agreement. Would highly recommend her to anyone!

Stephen W.

Barb and her team provided exceptional, professional, timely service during the negotiation of my separation agreement. Throughout the process Barb provided valuable, knowledgeable advice, clearly demonstrating her deep understanding of the law, years of experience, and sensitivity to the issues involved. I would highly recommend her to anyone needing assistance with a separation. She was certainly head and shoulders above the other lawyer and mediator that I dealt with during this process. My only regret is that my ex-spouse and I didn't engage her from the outset as a mediator for the agreement, as I suspect that would have expedited the process, while ensuring that both parties felt heard, respected and well-served.

Tiffany K.

After being separated for a year and a half, and coming to the realization that mediation didn't seem to be working, I felt really lost and didn't know what to do. I researched options, and really liked the idea of a Collaborative Law approach.

I met with Barb, desperate to get some matters resolved, so myself and my son's father could continue moving forward with our separate lives.

Barb was so patient, informative, and transparent throughout the whole process. Dealing with separation negotiations during a pandemic can be quite challenging, but Barb, and my ex's collaborative lawyer, were both very professional and neutral.

Not only was Barb extremely informative regarding family law, she can also lend an ear when it's needed. Thank you, Barb, for helping my ex and I be able to complete what felt impossible at times!

Bob M.

I guess a divorce lawyer is a lot like a police officer or a proctologist. You know they exist, but you hope you never have to deal with one. Well …
I found myself going through a divorce with a partner, who like me, did not want to drag anything into a court setting. After looking at options, we decided on Collaborative Family Law (CFL). This led me to Google to find someone in Ottawa who knew about CFL and Barb’s name popped up and after doing a little research, I reached out to her office to set up an initial consultation. Barb’s expertise in CFL is well known in Ottawa and after meeting with her, I was convinced that this was the route I wanted to take and the lawyer I wanted to guide me through the process. It took three years from consultation to a finalized divorce. Most of those delays were on my wife’s side as she changed lawyers a few times until she found one that would drink her Kool-Aid. I stuck with Barb and her team the entire time.
Lawyers aren’t cheap but Barb’s rates and time spent on my case were very fair. Her team includes Amanda and together they would respond to my questions and rants. While I can’t change the law in Ontario and despite things that I would complain about that were “just not fair”, Barb and Amanda would steer me back to what was law and what were my options. They were always quick to get back to me with a response.
This is my first divorce so I was new to the whole system, so I had some ideas on what was fair and what was not. Or so I thought. Barb and Amanda would just keep me focused on what we could accomplish. They let me rant and that was always a nice outlet.
If you do your homework and decide that CFL is that way you would like to go, I do not hesitate to recommend Barb and her team. Meet with her and see if it is a fit. I did and I was in good hands.
I am getting married again, and they have wished me well. I just hope I won’t need their services again.
I know I won’t.

Paul H.

I’m going through a very difficult separation. Stephanie, is doing a fantastic job. I swear she knows when I’m venting and being transactional. I trust her 100%.

Sue W.

Barbara is a great lawyer who will provide concrete and useful advice, she cares about her clients and will fight for your case. Very professional and thorough, highly recommend using her services.

Rita K.

We had an awful experience! The lawyer we spoke with contradicted the Children's Law Reform Act of Ontario when I asked her a direct question, she didn't seem to know/understand the process for registering a birth in Ontario and she gave us no hope whatsoever... A father is fighting desperately to see his child and he's being told he has no rights and there's nothing he can do. We came home crushed and heartbroken after being treated that way. Men, stay away from this law firm they're not interested in helping you see your babies!