Best Lawyers in Ontario, Canada for Family Law
David has been practising exclusively in the area of family law and child protection since being called to the Ontario Bar in 2014. David joins Frenkel Tobin having previously spent time at a boutique family law firm where he gained experience in all aspects of family law. Prior to his career in law, David worked in the financial industry as a mutual fund compliance officer. This experience provided him with a thorough understanding of financial instruments. David represents clients at all le...
Valarie Matthews is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Family Law. Valarie practices law in Toronto, Ontario Best Lawyers has recognized Valarie Matthews 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 Valarie Matthews is held by other lawyers.
Heather L. Hansen, C.S. is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Family Law and Family Law Mediation. Heather L. practices law in Toronto, Ontario Best Lawyers has recognized Heather L. Hansen, C.S. since 2019. 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 Heather L. Hansen, C.S. is held by other lawyers.
A founding partner of Burrison Hudani Doris, Farrah's practice encompasses all areas of family law including complex property and support claims and custody and access disputes. She has significant experience in jurisdictional issues, Hague Convention cases and mobility disputes. Farrah has argued leading reported cases in these areas and lectured at conferences in Canada and the United States. She has experience arguing cases at all levels of Court including the Ontario Court of Justice, the...
Jen Liew is a Partner at Maleki Liew LLP. She has trial and appeal experience and has advocated for her clients at all levels of court in Ontario. She advises on areas of family law including complex divisions of property, child and spousal support, high-conflict custody and access disputes, cross-border issues, and the negotiation of domestic contracts. Jen is known for her attention to detail and her ability to simplify complicated issues.
Known for her razor-sharp judgement and deep sense of fairness, Ilana successfully resolves seemingly impossible and complex family law disputes in pragmatic, creative and cost-effective ways. Her ultimate goal is for families to resolve their conflicts with dignity and respect for one another. Ilana adapts her advocacy style and legal approach to best meet the specific needs and goals of her clients, through negotiation, mediation, arbitration or in the court room. Ilana's tenacious pursuit ...
Sophia is a dedicated family law advocate. Her legal journey began at the York Region Supervised Access Centre, where she discovered her calling to support families through challenging transitions. Since then, she has focused exclusively on family law — helping clients navigate parenting disputes, complex financial matters, and everything in between with empathy and clarity. During law school, Sophia clerked at the Middlesex Probate and Family Court in Cambridge, Massachusetts. A proud ...
Emily is a lawyer with McLeod Green Dewar LLP practicing in the areas of family law, child protection and estates litigation. A tenacious advocate, Emily has successfully represented clients at the Ontario Court of Justice, the Superior Court of Justice, and the specialized Estates List. In addition to her private practice, Emily is a frequent speaker at legal conferences across Ontario and has been invited numerous times by the Ontario Bar Association as both a chair and speaker. Emily sits ...
Raquel Simpson is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Family Law. Raquel practices law in Toronto, Ontario Best Lawyers has recognized Raquel Simpson since 2026. 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 Raquel Simpson is held by other lawyers.
Jonathan Robinson is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Family Law. Jonathan practices law in Toronto, Ontario Best Lawyers has recognized Jonathan Robinson since 2026. 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 Jonathan Robinson is held by other lawyers.
Since Hilary’s call to the bar in 2016, she has practiced family law in London, Ontario. Hilary assists clients with family law and child protection matters in Court and through alternative dispute resolution. While Hilary was in law school, she developed a passion for family law as the Family Law Student Supervisor at Western University’s student legal clinic. As a law student, Hilary was the recipient of the Edna Yuet-Lui Memorial Award, the Douglas May Memorial Award, and the G...
Hayley was called to the bar in 2016. She articled for Niman Gelgoot & Associates and subsequently joined the firm as an associate. Having practiced exclusively in family law, Hayley has experience in all aspects of the practice including complex income disputes and property division, support, and custody matters. Hayley has extensive litigation and trial experience in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, and has worked on matters before the Court of Appeal for Ontario. She has had the ...
Ella Benedetti is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Family Law. Ella practices law in Toronto, Ontario Best Lawyers has recognized Ella Benedetti since 2027. 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 Ella Benedetti is held by other lawyers.
As a Partner at Burrison Hudani Doris LLP, Carina’s practice encompasses all aspects of family law and child protection law, including property division, support, and high-conflict parenting disputes. Carina’s experiences in both the legal and social work fields assist her in resolving her clients’ legal problems in a practical, creative and efficient manner. Carina is an advocate who is committed to helping her clients navigate the challenges of family law. She has a partic...
Chris is the co-founder of Niman Mamo LLP. Chris is lovably referred to by his wife as a “family law nerd”. He brings family law textbooks on vacation and admittedly has a passion for the legal components of the practice. However, what he enjoys most about family law is helping his clients through an often difficult period in their lives and being an advocate that they can trust. Through a unique blend of compassion, experience and reliability, Chris listens to his clients and gui...
Candace Santaguida is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Family Law. Candace practices law in Toronto, Ontario Best Lawyers has recognized Candace Santaguida since 2027. 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 Candace Santaguida 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.
