Can my partner and I retain the same lawyer to negotiate terms of our separation agreement?

No. In your family law matter, you and your partner need different, independent lawyers.

Spouses' and common-law partners' interests may be and often are conflicting. In view of this, each party in a family law matter requires his or her own lawyer.

Your lawyer should fully explain the law to you on each individual issue as well as the strengths and weaknesses of your case. Your family lawyer must be free from any conflict of interest so that he or she can effectively represent your interests.