Family Law
Matthew Katsionis
Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2025 Awarded Practice Areas
Biography
Matthew Katsionis is an award-winning trial lawyer in Vancouver who practices exclusively in family law. He has also been featured in The Globe and Mail for his work in the field. Known for his strong advocacy and practical approach, Matthew has built his reputation on guiding clients through complex and challenging family law matters. Before becoming a lawyer, he worked as a teacher, an experience that gives him a distinctive perspective on both the legal system and the family dynamics at the heart of his cases.
Complex Family & Financial Matters
Matthew frequently represents high-net-worth individuals in family law disputes, including cases involving corporate holdings, business interests, and sophisticated financial structures. He is experienced in navigating complex property division, support, and liability issues that require detailed financial analysis. In addition, he advises clients on all other areas of family law, including parenting, guardianship, divorce, child support, and spousal support.
Negotiation First, Advocacy When Needed
Matthew approaches each case with a practical and logical approach. He prioritizes negotiation and mediation, but when trial becomes necessary, he is a seasoned and determined advocate, with multiple published decisions. He also drafts cohabitation, marriage, and separation agreements, including highly complex agreements involving diverse financial structures and property interests.
Candid & Client-Focused Guidance
Clients value Matthew’s open and straightforward approach. He ensures they understand every step of the process and are equipped to make informed decisions about their future.
Representative Decisions
Matthew’s published decisions cover a wide spectrum of family law issues, including:
- Parenting and guardianship
- Child and spousal support, including retroactive claims
- Imputation and hiding of income
- Corporate and business valuation disputes
- High-income earners
- Complex property division and liabilities
- Excluded property disputes
- Protection and restraining orders
Outside of work, Matthew enjoys spending time with his two children, as well as basketball, weightlifting, skiing, and golf.
Overview
Vancouver, British Columbia
- English
- Thomas Jefferson School of Law, Juris Doctor
- Justice Education Society of BC - Volunteer
Vancouver, British Columbia
- English
- Justice Education Society of BC - Volunteer
- Thomas Jefferson School of Law, Juris Doctor
Client Testimonials
Awards & Focus
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in Canada™ 2026 for work in:
- Family Law
News & Media
Case History
Cases
- Cryer v Geissinger, 2021 BCSC 2490
Matthew Katsionis successfully represented the respondent in this complex family law case. The court granted the respondent’s 2021 application to dismiss the case for want of prosecution, noting the inordinate and possibly tactical delay on the part of claimant – biding time until the value of the respondent’s property rose from less than $1 million in 2013 to $3.4 million at the date of the hearing. Matthew’s astute legal strategies led to the discharge of a certificate of pending litigation registered against the respondent’s property as well as the dismissal of the claimant’s application for spousal support and property division.
- BT v NC, 2021 BCPC 382
Matthew Katsionis skillfully represented the respondent in this high-stakes family law case, successfully countering claims related to child custody, property division, and spousal support. Utilizing a meticulously crafted legal strategy, Matthew exposed inconsistencies in the applicant’s claims. His efforts were validated when the court awarded the respondent joint custody, a fair property settlement, and reasonable spousal support.
- Stewart v Bosacki, 2023 BCCA 263
Matthew Katsionis successfully represented the respondent husband in this complex family law dispute. The applicant wife sought multiple orders, including fines and back payments for child support. The husband managed to delay the hearing to properly prepare his case, although he was ordered to pay $10,000 for the delays. An attempt to appeal this fee was not successful, but it was a minor issue given the larger context and ongoing legal battle.
- Nott v Nott, 2020 BCSC 1962
Matthew Katsionis successfully defended the respondent husband who had separated from his wife in 2011 and had a consent order in place since 2013. The claimant wife tried to overturn this order, claiming that her husband had lied about his income. The court found that the husband had not misrepresented his financial situation, especially as the wife had been his sole bookkeeper for nearly two decades. The wife's application to set aside the existing consent order was dismissed, maintaining the original terms.
- Wang v Lapke, 2021 BCSC 2740
Matthew Katsionis successfully represented the respondent in this family law case concerning dual citizenship for the parties children. Despite the claimant's push for Taiwanese citizenship, the court ruled in favor of the respondent, emphasizing the potential risks and complications involved in the matter. The decision not only safeguarded the children's well-being but also awarded costs to the respondent, affirming the need for careful consideration in cross-border family disputes. This outcome underscores the court's cautious approach to issues of international citizenship in family law.
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