40+ Years
Defining Quebec family law Since 1981, shaping precedents that courts still cite today.
Our Firm
Shaping Quebec Family Law Since 1981
When your family's future hangs in the balance, you need more than a lawyer. You need a legal force.
For over four decades, Goldwater Droit has transformed how Quebec approaches family law—securing landmark victories that protect families today and shape precedents for tomorrow.
Our Landmark Cases
Milestones in Canadian Family Law
1991
Parental Alienation Recognized
A father fought to maintain his relationship with a child who had been turned against him. The Court of Appeal became the first court in Quebec to recognize parental alienation—a framework courts still apply today.
1995
Children Get Their Own Voice
A child caught between warring parents won the right to independent legal counsel. The Court of Appeal confirmed that children are rights-holders, not just subjects of adult conflict.
2002
Same-Sex Marriage
Michael Hendricks and René Leboeuf wanted to marry. Quebec's Superior Court ruled they could—years before national legalization. The firm later received the SOGIC Ally Award for this work.
2003
A Parent's Right to Know
A non-custodial parent was being shut out of decisions about his child's health and education. The Court of Appeal held that parental authority survives separation—it cannot be unilaterally revoked.
2006
Quebec's Largest Child Support Award
Children of an exceptionally wealthy parent deserved support that reflected his means—not a formula designed for average incomes. The court agreed, setting a precedent for high-net-worth cases.
2007
Religious Divorce and Civil Law
A woman waited 15 years for her husband to grant a Jewish divorce he'd promised in writing. The Supreme Court ruled he was liable—religious obligations can have civil consequences when incorporated into contracts.
2011
Protecting Spouses with Disabilities
A woman with multiple sclerosis faced termination of her support—despite no change in her condition. The Supreme Court ruled that support cannot be cut simply because time has passed. A nationwide victory for dependent spouses.
2013
Eric v. Lola
A common-law mother of three sought the same financial protections as married spouses. The Court of Appeal agreed she faced unconstitutional discrimination. The Supreme Court confirmed the inequality—but narrowly upheld it as a "reasonable limit." The most divided SCC decision in years, and a turning point in Canadian family law.
2018
Defending Reputation in the Digital Age
A young Muslim feminist was falsely linked to extremist groups during Quebec's Charter of Values debate. The court awarded $60,000, confirming that online platforms don't shield defamatory conduct.
2018
Due Process for Pet Owners
Three dogs faced immediate euthanasia after a park incident. The court overturned Montreal's order—the city gave owners no notice and no chance to respond. A precedent for procedural fairness when pets' lives are at stake.
2019
Voiding a Will for Undue Influence
A daughter wrote her mother's will herself—then inherited under it. The court voided it, finding the mother lacked capacity and was unduly influenced. Wills must reflect the testator's free intent, not a beneficiary's.
2020
Parental Rights During the Pandemic
The DPJ suspended a mother's visits citing COVID-19 protocols. The court restored access—parental rights cannot be overridden without individualized justification, even in emergencies.
2021
The Unpaid Business Partner
A woman spent years managing her husband's company without salary. Upon separation, the court recognized her contributions as a de facto partnership and awarded nearly $2 million.
2025
Challenging Quebec's Unified Family Tribunal
A constitutional challenge to Quebec's transfer of family law matters from Superior Court to the provincially governed Court of Quebec. Now before the courts—testing the boundaries of provincial authority over judicial power
From Solo Practice to Large Boutique
What began as a solo practice in 1981 has grown into one of Quebec's most influential family law litigation firms. Our record reflects that evolution.
We've handled eight-figure divorces, international custody battles, and high-profile estates—alongside families simply trying to protect what matters most.
20+ Lawyers
Across four practice areas Family law, youth protection, estate disputes, and animal & pet defence.
500+ Decisions
Exposed in reported judgments Our cases appear in CanLII, SOQUIJ, and legal textbooks.
100+ Appeals
At the Quebec Court of Appeal When trial courts get it wrong, we take it higher.
Thousands of Families
Protected through litigation and negotiation From urgent interventions to final judgments.
15+ jurisdictions
Cross-border experience Coordinating with counsel from Toronto to Tel Aviv.
Our Mission
Advocacy without compromise in life's most intimate disputes.
Our Values
Our commitment to client success
Passion
Conviction is common. Conviction under control is rare. We seek lawyers who burn for their clients and train them to harness that heat, so the intensity lands in the preparation, the courtroom, and the result, not in noise.
Compassion
Trust is the foundation of everything we do. We build honest relationships, speak plainly even when the news is hard, and seek to represent every client the way we would a close friend. No one here is just a file number.
Tenacity
We prepare every case as though it's headed to trial because that readiness is what gives our clients leverage at the table. At the same time, we stay genuinely open to resolution whenever it serves your interests. The aim is never to fight for its own sake; it's to secure what matters most to you.
Our Services
We provide courtroom advocacy and legal counsel in:
