Purves-Smith Law
Automatically compiled listing. Details may contain errors.1 lawyer · Wellington County (Guelph)
One of 50 law firms listed in Guelph, and one of 21 handling Family Law.
Accepts Legal Aid
Virtual appointments
Accepts Legal AidVirtual appointmentsAbout Purves-Smith Law
Purves-Smith Law is the Guelph family law practice of Michael D. Purves-Smith, who works with clients in Guelph and the Kitchener-Waterloo area on family files and criminal matters too. High-conflict, complicated cases are a particular focus, whether the issue is custody, support or property.
Michael Purves-Smith has deep experience on all three fronts of a family dispute: negotiation, mediation and, when it comes to that, litigation in court. Purves-Smith Law's aim is a cost-effective resolution outside court where one is possible, and it's committed to a competitive fee structure.
Michael Purves-Smith studied law at Osgoode Hall Law School and collected several academic awards there, the Morden prize in Evidence Law among them. Articling followed at a litigation firm in Toronto, and after being called to the bar Michael Purves-Smith practised family law at a Guelph firm. Michael Purves-Smith lives in Guelph, takes an active part in both the Guelph and Kitchener-Waterloo communities, and belongs to the Wellington Law Association.
The office is at 2 Wyndham Street North in Guelph. Legal aid certificates are considered case by case, and a one-hour family law consultation costs $250, with an intake form to fill in before the meeting. (Fees as of October 2026.)
Practice areas
Custody and parenting disputes
Purves-Smith Law takes on custody disputes, including cases where one parent has cut off the other's access on their own and cases involving parental alienation.
Our guide: How to Get a Divorce in Ontario
Child and spousal support
Support work covers child support under the Guidelines, disputes over imputing income to a parent, and cases involving high earners.
Dividing property
Property files include equalization where business, corporate or farm assets are in play, along with selling the matrimonial home, occupation rent and pensions. Divorces can be contested or uncontested.
Agreements and mediation
Michael Purves-Smith works on mediated settlements of any family law issue and assists with domestic contracts. An uncontested separation, cohabitation or marriage agreement is priced between $700 and $3,000 plus HST, depending on how complex the issues are, and that price doesn't cover negotiating the terms. (Fees as of October 2026.)
Children's Aid Society matters
Purves-Smith Law acts in child protection matters involving the Children's Aid Society.
Criminal matters
Alongside family law, Michael Purves-Smith takes on criminal matters for clients in Guelph and the KW area.
Notarizing and commissioning
Documents can be notarized or commissioned at the Guelph office for $60 plus HST. (Fees as of October 2026.)
Good to know
Accessible parking
Virtual appointments
By appointmentFees & payment
Flat fee
Legal aidHow Purves-Smith Law works
Purves-Smith Law commits to prompt, reliable communication with its clients. Payment options include payment plans as well as limited-scope retainers.
In the community
- Purves-Smith Law's family law blog has posts on disputes over a parent relocating a child, enforcement by the Family Responsibility Office, grandparents in child protection cases, and parents helping adult children buy a first home.
Lawyers 1
The neighbourhood
Purves-Smith Law's office is at 2 Wyndham Street North, on one of the streets of downtown Guelph. Downtown is the city's central business district, and it's known for its distinctive limestone buildings and heritage architecture. Shops, restaurants, financial services and professional offices such as lawyers and doctors are concentrated there.
Getting downtown is straightforward whether you drive, take regional or local transit, walk or cycle. The Guelph Courthouse is at 36 Wyndham Street South.
Frequently asked questions
- I'm representing myself in family court. Can Purves-Smith Law help with only part of my case?
- Purves-Smith Law takes on self-represented people under a limited scope retainer, giving advice or hands-on help to those who'd rather not pay for a lawyer in the courtroom. That help can include drafting pleadings and letters to the other side, strategic advice and coaching before court appearances. The lawyer works on an as-needed basis and doesn't go on record.
- What does the $1,600 uncontested divorce at Purves-Smith Law include?
- Purves-Smith Law charges $1,600 plus HST for a simple uncontested divorce application, covering the divorce alone. The price includes the supporting documents, service within Waterloo Region, filing with the court, court fees and all disbursements. (Fees as of October 2026.)
- Can Purves-Smith Law handle an adoption when every party consents?
- Purves-Smith Law handles consent adoptions for $3,000 plus HST. That covers preparing all the court documents, independent legal advice for the applicant or applicants only, filing the application and supporting papers, and the court appearance. (Fees as of October 2026.)
- What does Purves-Smith Law's $650 review of a domestic contract involve?
- Purves-Smith Law's independent legal advice on a domestic contract costs $650 plus HST. The review covers reading the agreement and advising on its legal consequences, and negotiating its terms isn't part of that fee. (Fees as of October 2026.)
- Can Purves-Smith Law prepare a travel consent letter for my child's trip out of the country?
- Purves-Smith Law prepares a consent letter for a child going on a trip outside the country, for $60 plus HST. (Fees as of October 2026.)
Where to find them
2 Wyndham St N, Guelph, ON N1H 4E3 · 519-835-2100
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