About Relationshift Family Law

"Family law is and should be a leader in the legal system because it matters so much to so many."
- Justice Abella of the Supreme Court of Canada

We’re here to help

Life doesn’t always go as planned. Finding a path through separation and divorce can be one of life’s most difficult challenges – especially when children are involved. At Relationshift Family Law, we focus exclusively on what matters most – family. We are committed to helping clients resolve their legal issues, in a cost-effective and timely manner, so they can move forward.

We can help you navigate through issues such as child custody and access, mobility, child support, spousal support, and property division. We strive for positive outcomes in the most efficient way possible by assessing each client’s unique situation and developing a realistic plan. Our goal is to empower our clients with the knowledge they need to move forward. Whether by agreement or court, we are committed to helping our clients find the right solution.

Sharon McKim-Ryan

Sharon was called to the Bar in Newfoundland & Labrador in 2005. She has practiced family law since her call, first with a full service firm, and now with her own boutique firm. She is a passionate advocate for her clients and has appeared before all levels of court in the province.

When Sharon is not in the office, she’s kept busy with her family. You can usually find Sharon moonlighting as a chauffeur for her two kids, driving from Guides to the hockey rink. Go Eagles! She enjoys travelling, camping, and running with her Irish Setter, Finlay.

Contact Sharon

Relationshift

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a consultation?

A consultation is the initial meeting with new clients where we gather facts, assess options, and develop a plan that best suits your unique situation.

What is your fee structure for legal representation?

Should you decide to retain the firm, we require an initial retainer, which gets deposited into our law firm’s Trust account. The funds are then used/applied towards future invoices related to your matter.  When the initial retainer is exhausted, we require an updated retainer.  The amount and/or frequency of the retainer depends on the legal needs and the complexity of your matter.

What is the billing process?

We log our time into our time-tracking software daily. All billable activities and expenses are itemized in detail on each invoice, which will be sent to clients once a month. The client’s retainer is then used to pay the invoice.

How much will my matter cost?

Your legal fees will depend on your legal needs.  Many factors can affect the total cost of legal services, including the complexity of the issues, necessary research, difficulty in dealing with the opposing side, trying to reach an agreement or settlement, the need to go to court, and unexpected problems.

Do you offer Pro Bono services or accept Legal Aid Certificates?

Unfortunately, we do not offer free legal representation or accept legal aid certificates. If you cannot afford private counsel, we suggest that you contact the Newfoundland & Labrador Legal Aid Commission at 1-800-563-9911.

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