Best Lawyers in Canada for Family Law

Andrew Koeman is a family law and divorce lawyer. Andrew graduated from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Laws (Juris Doctor) in 2009. He completed his articles with Alberta Justice and continued to work there for two years as a Crown Prosecutor in the Specialized Prosecutions Branch, focusing on complex economic crimes, before he decided to practice family law exclusively. While Andrew has experience in all areas of family law, he developed a practice with a specific focus on comp...

Harold is actively practicing, and he remains a preeminent leader of the family law bar. Though his official title at Niman Mamo LLP is “Counsel”, he is the lead lawyer on files in which he is involved. For those cases where Harold is not involved, the firm and the firm’s clients retain the added benefit of seeking his advice and wisdom. Named Toronto’s best divorce lawyer by Toronto Life Magazine in 2009, Harold is one of the most frequently recommended lawyers in the...

Charmaine Panko K.C. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Alternative Dispute Resolution, Family Law, Family Law Mediation and Real Estate Law. Charmaine, who practices law in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Charmaine is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Michelle Bailey specializes in family law and is a partner at Moe Hannah LLP. In addition to resolving complex property division, Michelle is keen to preserve good will for parents as they move forward in their lives. She also provides mediation services for clients. Michelle’s first degree in Small Business Management provides her with a solid foundation for understanding the nuances and challenges involved when a family has a closely held company in the center of a family law dispute....

Dereck is a senior family law lawyer, having practiced exclusively in this area since being called to the Alberta Bar in 1995. Dereck holds a B.A. (Hons.) from McGill University followed by his L..L.B. from the University of Alberta. As a skilled litigator, he has appeared successfully at all levels of court in Alberta as well as in numerous arbitrations. Dereck also has extensive experience in negotiating settlements and drafting agreements. He applies a reasoned approach to his files and en...

Diana joined Devry Smith Frank LLP in June of 2018 as a Toronto family law lawyer. Diana has practiced exclusively in the area of family law since her call to the Bar in 1999. She regularly deals with complex property and support matters, and custody and access disputes. Diana believes that settlement through negotiation and/or alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods serve her clients and their family’s current and ongoing needs best. She has advanced ADR training and has been able...

Lawrence’s practice focuses on the resolution of family law disputes through negotiation, methods of alternative dispute resolution including Comprehensive Mediation, Collaborative Law, and through litigation. Lawrence has represented clients in all Manitoba courts. Lawrence has also lectured and written articles dealing with various issues in family law, has acted as a mediator, and is a certified arbitrator. Lawrence was re-appointed to his second term as a Human Rights adjudicator in...

Krysta Ostwald earned her B.A. in 1993 and her LL.B. in 1996, both from the University of Victoria. She articled with Fraser Milner and was called to the Alberta Bar in 1997. Since then she has practiced exclusively in the area of family law. Krysta worked with the firms of Laurie Allen & Associates, Turnbull Boyes and Soby Boyden Lenz, before creating Widdowson Kachur Ostwald Menzies LLP with her partners. Krysta emphasizes resolving disputes without unnecessary conflict. She utilizes ma...

Brad practices as a Mediator, Arbitrator and Collaborative lawyer. He is a partner with the family law firm of Moe Hannah LLP in Calgary, Alberta. His practice assists clients in negotiating out-of-court settlements, mediation, collaborative law, arbitration, and litigation. Brad teaches Negotiation as a sessional at the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Law. He was an invited panelist for LESA on Advanced Matrimonial Property issues and Mediation. Brad completed his LLB at the Univers...

Louise Campbell has been a lawyer since 1983. Her practice consists of family and related areas of law. Her approach is to find a resolution which is within the law that represents the concern of all parties, including economic, cultural, religious and health issues. She has been mediating since 1995 and has been Collaborative Family Lawyer since 2000. Because they are required in the resolution of family matters, she is also an excellent legal source for real estate, wills and estates. Areas...

Carolyn Lloyd is a partner in Lerners LLP’s London Family Law Group. She has practised exclusively family law since her call to the Ontario Bar in 2000. She has significant experience litigating disputes involving support, property, and custody issues, and all legal rights arising from marriage, cohabitation, and parenting. She routinely handles complex family law matters with corporate issues involving corporate counsel, business valuators, accountants, tax advisors, and other experts....

Joanne Biron is Miller Thomson's National Specialty Lead, Family Law. In fact, she created this group which includes more than 20 lawyers throughout Canada, thus making Miller Thomson the only national law firm with a family law practice. Joanne represents primarily business people and professionals before all levels of court. Joanne has in-depth expertise in family law matters, including divorce, legal separation, child custody, alimony, parentage, common-law union contracts, separation of c...

Gary S. Joseph is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law and Family Law Mediation. Gary S., who practices law in Toronto, Ontario, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Gary S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

With a focus on settlement and the best interests of the family, Alex helps his clients minimize conflict and avoid costly prolonged court battles. He is known for his bright and practical approach and for helping clients reach solutions that ultimately allow them to move forward with their lives. Alex has extensive training and experience in interest-based negotiation, mediation and arbitration. He offers creative solutions for clients in a way that best fits their needs whether that be thro...

The stakes in Family Law cases don’t get much higher: it takes a special lawyer to consistently win results at the highest level in Family Law. Jim Edney has been that kind of a lawyer for 30 years, earning him recognition as a Certified Specialist in Family Law by The Law Society of Ontario. Vision Praised by clients for his ability to “put things in perspective” and described by them as “incredibly diligent, fair and intelligent”, Jim advises on complex Family ...

Experienced Family Law Practitioner. Called to the Ontario Bar in 1995. Graduate of Bishop's University 1988 .University of Windsor Law School (1993) Known for attention to detail and thorough preparation of materials used in litigation, mediation or arbitration to achieve successful resolution. Committed to resolving matters efficiently, fairly and without having to resort to litigation. Thorough and persuasive in court, when litigation is required. Avid downhill skier, water-skier and trave...