Best Lawyers in Ontario, Canada for Family Law
Sean was called to the bar in 1997 and has been practicing exclusively in the area of family law for more than 26 years. He has expertise in complex property and spousal/child support cases, marriage contracts and cohabitation agreements, and he brings a practical yet empathic approach to high conflict parenting cases. His expertise extends to married and unmarried spouses and to the LGBTQ+ community. Sean has successfully advanced matters in all levels of court in Ontario. In addition to res...
Christina Doris is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Family Law. Christina practices law in Toronto, Ontario Best Lawyers has recognized Christina Doris since 2024. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Christina Doris is held by other lawyers.
Adam is a partner at Torkin Manes. He practises in all aspects of family law including divorce, custody and access, property, support, and domestic contracts. Adam’s focus on efficient resolution guides his practice and advice to his clients. Concurrently, Adam advocates effectively to achieve a result that is aligned with his clients’ interests. Adam regularly appears in courts throughout the Greater Toronto Area, including the Ontario Court of Justice, the Superior Court of Just...
In advocating for her clients' best interests, Kristin balances a results-driven approach with empathy for the emotional and financial strains that separation and divorce can have on individuals and families. Through focus and foresight, she develops advanced negotiation, arbitration, and litigation strategies to achieve creative solutions, effective settlements, and optimal resolutions. As a partner at Epstein Cole, Kristin’s practice encompasses all areas of family law, including nego...
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...
Susan Metzler’s practice encompasses both commercial and personal litigation. She has represented clients at all levels of court throughout Ontario and in other provinces. Susan’s personal litigation practice includes defence for institutions against whom claims are made regarding members or employees who allegedly abuse others physically, sexually, or emotionally, a variety of issues related to educational institutions and family and estate matters, divorce and separation. Her co...
Stephanie combines dedication, critical thinking and a results-oriented mindset to assist family law clients through their difficult circumstances. As an Partner at Epstein Cole, Stephanie practices in all areas of family law, with a particular focus on complex property and equalization issues, child and spousal support, high conflict parenting disputes and domestic contracts (cohabitation, marriage and separation agreements). Stephanie has experience navigating corporate, tax, estate and bus...
Katherine L. Shadbolt is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Family Law. Katherine L. practices law in Ottawa, Ontario Best Lawyers has recognized Katherine L. Shadbolt since 2012. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Katherine L. Shadbolt is held by other lawyers.
Martha was called to the Bar in Ontario in 1991, winning the Silver Medal and the Family Law and Advocacy Prizes. She has practised family law since her call, first in a large Bay Street firm, then at a large specialist boutique, and now with her own firm. Though Martha’s practice focuses on all aspects of family law, she has regularly advocated on behalf of same-sex couples. Martha’s work in M. v. H., Halpern, and the Same Sex Marriage Reference resulted in equal marriage and wid...
Alex has a broad practice in all areas of family law, including high conflict parenting issues and complex financial matters. She is a Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers with experience in jurisdictional issues and Hague convention cases. Alex is focused on resolutions. She is a strategic litigator, who has successfully represented clients at all levels of court in Ontario. Wherever possible, she strives to resolve family conflicts out of court through negotiation and alter...
Herschel Fogelman is the founder and principal of Fogelman Law in Toronto. He has been named a Best Family Lawyer in Canada every year since the Best Lawyer rankings began. Herschel is also an experienced and highly sought after mediator and arbitrator, able to deftly navigate and settle complex and sensitive family law matters. Herschel is ranked as Consistently Recommended in the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory. The directory, similar to Best Lawyers, is based on annual peer review surveys...
Ian C. Vallance is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Family Law. Ian C. practices law in Ottawa, Ontario Best Lawyers has recognized Ian C. Vallance since 2025. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Ian C. Vallance is held by other lawyers.
Our Methodology
Recognition by Best Lawyers is based entirely on peer review. Our methodology is designed to capture, as accurately as possible, the consensus opinion of leading lawyers about the professional abilities of their colleagues within the same geographical area and legal practice area.
The Process
Best Lawyers employs a sophisticated, conscientious, rational, and transparent survey process designed to elicit meaningful and substantive evaluations of the quality of legal services. Our belief has always been that the quality of a peer review survey is directly related to the quality of the voters.
