Does anyone know who can sign a separation agreement other than a lawyer? I have been told that if a lawyer does not notarize the separation agreement that it is not a legal document and can be contested later, is this true?

In Canada, we have justices of the peace that can notarize for a small fee, also notary publics, which can include police officers, ministers, basically anyone who has a license to perform legal ceremonies according to the government, and has been made an official notary public. You can check with your local municipal office or court house for advice on where to find a justice of the peace or notary public. I think the fee to notarize something is like $50, but that's a heck of a lot cheaper than a lawyer's fee. Also, you can apply for legal aid or community legal services that may be able to pay some or all of your legal fees. These usually depend on your income, but it doesn't hurt to apply no matter what your income, because even partial fees covered can help. You should also be able to get assistance from your local Family Law Information Centre, which the court clerk can direct you to. Good luck!

Thanks this definitely helps lead me in the right direction. I spent the day trying to search the web for information...should have started here to begin with!

check with the info centre
I believe that separation,divorce are not included in legal aid unless there are criminal charges involved, such as domestic violence etc.

My custody case was handled thru legal aid, and neither my ex nor I had any criminal charges involved. I don't know about separation/divorce as we weren't married, but I do know family law cases are handled for low income earners. Even if legal aid can't help, they should be able to point you in the right direction.

I found out through a divorce specialist that a separation agreement needs to be signed by both parties and signed and witnessed by any adult. The agreement than becomes legal and binding and does not need to be signed by a lawyer. The only tricky parts is if the intent of something in the separation agreement is misunderstood by one party, it could become an issue down the road. I'll have to very careful when wording this. Oh well, I'll take my time. Thanks for all your help!