Find Lawyers in Toronto, Ontario for Family Law
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...
Karon Bales is a founding partner of Bales Beall LLP whose experience speaks for itself. Her practice is centred on family law, wills and estate issues. Her experience in trial and appellate advocacy in family law and estate matters is extensive, particularly with those involving partnerships, business corporations and commercial issues. Karon also provides sound guidance with estate administration and planning, domestic and off-shore trusts, and succession planning for owners of family busin...
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...
Sarah Boulby Boulby Weinberg LLP Family Law Toronto, Canada sboulby@b oulbyweinberg.com 647 494-0113, extension 101 Sarah Boulby of Boulby Weinberg LLP in Toronto has been named one of Canada’s Best Family Law lawyers by The Best Lawyers in Canada since 2008,. Sarah is President of the Canadian Chapter of the International Academy of Family Lawyers, a worldwide association of practising lawyers recognized by their peers as the top family law lawyers in their countries. Sarah is a Direct...
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...
Erin Chaiton-Murray echaitonmurray@murraylawsonllp.com 416-596-1708 Erin is a Partner at Murray Lawson LLP Erin has practised exclusively in the area of family law since her call to the Ontario bar in 2009. She has extensive experience in all aspects of family law, including advocating for clients before all levels of court in Ontario, and negotiating and drafting cohabitation agreements, marriage contracts and separation agreements. Erin frequently represents clients at both mediations and a...
Brenda is the founder and principal at Brenda Christen Mediation in Toronto. Brenda approaches family disputes with an emphasis on smart practical solutions. Her direct and approachable manner has earned her the respect and confidence of parties and colleagues alike. Brenda is again included in Best Lawyers annual publication for her work in Family Law Mediation. Brenda was selected by her peers as Mediator of the Year for 2021 by Best Lawyers for Toronto Family Law and as Lawyer of the Year ...
Stephen is a strategic and fearless advocate in the courtroom. He is known for his ability to diffuse highly-charged situations so that cooler heads can prevail when resolving contentious family law matters through mediation, arbitration or litigation. Recognizing that every client is different, Stephen effectively adapts his approach to their unique wants, needs, and circumstances to ensure their best interests are protected. As a partner at Epstein Cole, Stephen’s practice focuses on ...
With strong negotiation skills and extraordinary legal acumen, Kenneth is well-known for his ability to find creative, cooperative and beneficial resolutions to complex family law disputes. Whether through mediation, arbitration or litigation, he is sharp-witted, responsive, and empathetic in his approach to achieving his clients’ goals, meeting their needs and exceeding their expectations. Kenneth founded Epstein Cole with Philip Epstein in 1978. As a senior partner, his practice focus...
The stakes in Family Law cases don’t get much higher: it takes a special kind of lawyer to consistently win results at the highest level in Family Law. Jim Edney has been that kind of a lawyer for over 25 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 co...
Herschel Fogelman Fogelman Law Listed in Best Lawyers since 2006 www.fogelmanlaw.ca Family Law Toronto, Canada hfogelman@fogelmanlaw.ca 416-644-7975 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 ranke...
Experienced in all aspects of family law, Aaron’s clients trust him to recognize the unique complexities of their case and to provide practical solutions that work best for them not only now – but into the future. With extensive legal knowledge and a strategic mindset, he is equally effective at reaching creative, amicable resolutions through negotiation or mediation as he is advocating for his clients in court. As a partner at Epstein Cole, Aaron’s practice encompasses all ...
Sheila is at her core an advocate. She is smart, strategic and sees the justice of a case. A thoughtful listener and intuitive problem solver, Sheila gets to the heart of the matter for her clients, and applies her top-notch analytical skills and judgment to assess the best path forward. Sheila is equally adept at building relationships to negotiate creative separation agreements as she is pursuing strong litigation strategy to achieve success in all levels of court. Drawing on her corporate ...
Cheryl Goldhart is certified as a Specialist in Family Law by the Law Society of Upper Canada and has practiced exclusively in the area of family law since she was called to the bar in 1987. She specializes in negotiating complex agreements encompassing all areas of family law and litigates in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, the Ontario Court of Justice, and the Court of Appeal. She is also an accomplished mediator and arbitrator and is an OAFM accredited family mediator. Cheryl is the...
Robert is a partner and has been the Chair of our Family Law Group since 2000. His practice addresses all aspects of family law, including related business and personal financial protection planning. Robert has taught Family Law for the Bar Admission Course and has served as a member of the Executive Committee of the Canadian Bar Association – Family Law Section. He was a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada Family Law Specialist Selection Committee. He serves as a Dispute Resoluti...
Family lawyer Jennifer K. Howard joined Devry Smith Frank LLP (DSF) as a partner early in 2016 after practising at a large full-service law firm in downtown Toronto. Jennifer obtained her Bachelor of Laws from Osgoode Hall Law School and was called to the Bar in 2007. Since her call to the bar, she has been practising in all areas of family law and has been involved in many difficult and noteworthy cases involving child and spousal support, equalization of property, custody and access, drafti...
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...
Principal Lawyer and Mediator with Kelly D. Jordan Family Law Firm in Toronto, Ontario. Practises in the areas of family and fertility law, wills and estates. Certified as a Specialist in Family Law by the LSUC. Particular expertise in family law issues pertaining to the gay and lesbian community and assisted human reproduction. Fellow of the American Academy of Assisted Reproductive Technology Attorneys. Co-counsel on Baker v. Francis (1999) and Miglin v. Miglin (2002) before the Supreme Cou...
George is a partner with Thomson Rogers and his practice is devoted to litigation with an emphasis on matrimonial litigation and matters involving commercial disputes. George has co-authored a number of articles for use in continuing legal education seminars and is a regular contributor speaker at continuing legal education seminars having spoken at seminars conducted by the Law Society of Ontario, the National Judicial Institute, Osgoode Professional Development and the Advocates’ Soci...
Associate lawyer with Kelly D. Jordan Family Law Firm, in Toronto, Ontario. Called to the Bar in 2013. Practising in all aspects of family law including negotiation and drafting of domestic contracts and the negotiation and litigation of all issues arising out of separation. After practising civil litigation at a boutique firm for four years, transitioned into practising family law and joined Kelly Jordan in 2018. Completed Juris Doctor at Osgoode Hall Law School, during which time spent one ...
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...
Daniel is a partner in our Family Law Group. Certified by the Law Society of Upper Canada as a Family Law Specialist, he is also fully qualified as a family law mediator and arbitrator. As a mediator and arbitrator, Daniel has assisted clients and family law lawyers to resolve matters in a sensible, efficient and private manner. In family law matters of property, spousal and child support, Daniel has been involved in the determination of income, the valuation of multinational, privately held ...
Laurie is a partner in our Family Law Group, acting in disputes involving high incomes and significant property. Her practice also includes mediation and arbitration. She appears in Courts at both the trial and appellate levels. Between 2010 and 2012, Laurie was elected as the 63rd Treasurer (President) of The Law Society of Upper Canada, the regulator governing all lawyers and paralegals in Ontario. She was only the third woman since the Law Society was founded in 1797 to hold this office. T...
Audrey Shecter is a Certified Specialist in Family Law. She represents and assists clients on a wide range of matters such as property division, parenting and access, child support, spousal support, cohabitation agreements, and marriage contracts. A highly skilled advocate, Audrey regularly and successfully appears before all levels of court in Ontario, on behalf of her clients, as well as at mediations and arbitrations. Clients appreciate her common sense and cost-effective approach in demys...
A skilled advocate who appreciates that there is no ‘one size fits all’ resolution to a family law case, Joseph prides himself on taking a tailored approach to serving his clients to ensure that their rights and interests are protected. Joseph is passionate about providing his clients with timely, efficient and cost-effective representation, with an emphasis on effective negotiation. Clients appreciate his keen attention to detail, pragmatic approach, and ability to ‘drill d...
Todd received his B.A. in communication studies from the University of Calgary. While there, he created a documentary film that won Best Human Interest Documentary at the North West International Film Festival in 1999. Todd then attended Cardiff Law School in Wales and completed his LL.B. He returned to Canada to attend Dalhousie Law School, before returning to Toronto to complete his articles with a family law firm. Todd is a partner in our family law department. He has been involved with ma...
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...
Michael Stangarone is a partner at MacDonald & Partners LLP, where he has practiced exclusively in the area of family law since 2005. He was called to the Ontario Bar after earning his LLB at the University of Western Ontario. He regularly appears at all levels of court in Ontario, including the Ontario Court of Justice, the Superior Court of Justice and the Court of Appeal, and has developed an expertise in cases involving international child abduction. Michael’s practice includes ...
As a fierce advocate for her clients, Roslyn navigates complex legal matters with ease, not only in the courtroom, but also during negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and collaborative family law. She is an attentive listener who can effectively bridge the gap between what a client initially wants and what they will eventually need to preserve their family’s wealth and goodwill. With the aim of keeping resolution at the forefront, she masterfully analyzes all facets of a situation to d...
Oren has practiced family law exclusively since 2005. He advocates for his clients when negotiating agreements, appearing before trial and appellate courts as well as in mediations and arbitrations. Oren handles all aspects of family law including property and support, custody and access. Oren acts for clients based in Ontario and internationally. Oren graduated from York University with an Honours Bachelor of Arts in 1995. He obtained a Masters of Arts in 1997 from the University of Toronto....
Geoffrey Wells is an experienced trial and appellate counsel with financial expertise to successfully resolve complicated Family Law financial matters including valuation of business, trust interests and support issues. LL.B from Queen's University; B.Sc. (Hons), Trent University; M.A. in Business Economics from Wilfrid Laurier University (1995)Member of the Canadian Bar Association; Ontario Bar Association (2003)Practice includes all aspects of matrimonial litigation and has appeared at all ...
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...
A senior member of the Family Law bar and a senior partner in our Family Law Group, Lorne’s practice includes all aspects of family law, including divorce, custody and access, property, support, and domestic contracts. He conducts litigation before every level of court in Ontario, as well as providing mediation and arbitration services. He also acts as counsel to lawyers and accountants addressing family law concerns that arise in business, wills and estates, and personal financial plan...
Michael is a skilled and strategic litigator, negotiator, and problem solver who provides tactical, sensible, and proactive advice to his clients. He meticulously prepares clients for mediations, hearings, arbitrations, and trials, taking the necessary time to explain the finer details of each case. He is experienced in dealing with cases at all levels of court, including the Divisional Court, the Ontario Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court of Canada. As a partner at Epstein Cole, Michael&...
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 ...
Jen Liew is a founding partner at Gelgoot & Partners 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.
Family Law Definition
In Canada, family law is governed by federal and provincial laws (statue and case law) that deal with family related legal issues, including marriage, separation and divorce, custody and access, child protection, division of property, support and adoption. The area of family law often includes financial negotiations, inheritance issues and the drafting and interpretation of prenuptial contracts and separation agreements.
Primarily statute-based, family law is largely codified within statues including the federal Divorce Act, which applies to married people residing in Canada. Issues such as the division of family property, child protection and custody and support matters between people who are not married are governed by statutes which vary from province to province.
Family lawyers represent clients in court and in settlement negotiations and they prepare prenuptial, separation, divorce and custody agreements in the appropriate circumstances. Family lawyers are trained to resolve disputes between parties through a number of dispute-resolution mechanisms, including litigation (bringing a matter to court and asking a judge to make a determination) and negotiating with opposing counsel. Some lawyers are also trained in mediation (assisting the parties, in a non-partisan manner, to reach agreements on the issues).
In recent years, some Canadian family lawyers have received training in Collaborative Family Law. Collaborative Family Law is a process in which the parties and their lawyers make a formal commitment to resolve the dispute using an interest-based model rather than a ligation model. Clients engage lawyers to reach a settlement, but if the process breaks down, the lawyer must withdraw from the case. The collaborative process relies on principled negotiation techniques.
Oftentimes, a family lawyer helps clients through the most
difficult time in their lives. In the middle of family legal disputes,
clients’ emotions tend to run high especially in cases of physical abuse or
adultery. A good family lawyer not only possesses extensive knowledge of
the law but also exceptional “people skills” and the ability to help clients
navigate the complex legal realities of transitioning families.
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.
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