Amelie CameronNo family is perfect; even Canada’s own prime minister is not immune to family squabbles after his recent separation from his wife. The country saw 40,000 recorded divorces in 2020, but the numbers have significantly decreased since the 2000s.
Divorce is never easy, especially when you’re faced with the many legal obligations following a settlement. There’s child custody, property division, debt, and so much more to consider; it’s honestly a lot to take in, but that’s what family lawyers are for!
Ease your burden during difficult times with these top family lawyers in Toronto ready to assist you!
| How much does it cost to hire a family lawyer in Toronto? Hiring a family lawyer in Toronto costs an average of $250 an hour, depending on the seniority and experience of the lawyer you choose. Factors that contribute to varying rates include consultation fees and monthly or annual retainers as well as charges related to processing documents and notarizations. |
How We Chose
1. Gene C. Colman Family Law Centre
Business Address: 25 Bowring Walk, Toronto, Ontario M3H 5Z8
Phone Number: 416-635-9264
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/complexfamilylaw
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gene-c-colman/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ComplexFamilyLaw
Business Hours: By appointment
The Gene C. Colman Family Law Centre is a distinguished family law firm known for its strategic approach to dispute resolution. At the heart of the firm’s success is Gene C. Colman who was called to the Ontario bar in 1979. Colman takes a hands-on role in guiding every case from the outset.
Colman personally conducts in-depth initial consultations and crafts comprehensive strategies, ensuring that clients understand their options and the legal pathway ahead. This thoughtful planning is key to the firm’s commitment to excellence. The firm follows up that first consultation with a detailed memorandum that contains a case summary and a written road map to move forward.
Once the strategy is set, the firm’s accomplished team of lawyers and law clerks take charge of the case, implementing the plans under Colman’s expert guidance and supervision. Colman remains actively involved throughout the process, overseeing case progress and ensuring that all legal steps align with the original strategy. But when the facts change, Colman adjusts the strategy when needed in order to achieve the overall goals. Clients benefit from this cohesive approach where leadership is clear.
Colman’s strategic oversight ensures that clients receive exceptional representation at every stage of their case. The team works diligently no matter what the chosen modality of dispute resolution: court, mediation, arbitration, collaborative, or negotiation.
Over a period spanning more than 45 years, Colman has consistently demonstrated his commitment to both the academic and the practical sides of Canadian family law:
- Founder in 1976 – Canadian Journal of Family Law;
- Founder – Canadian Equal Parenting Council and Lawyers for Shared Parenting;
- Member of the very first Ontario Child Representation Panel (1980 – 1988);
- Author of numerous published academic articles in peer reviewed journals;
- Presenter at conferences and author of articles on such topics as:
- Equal Shared Parenting (Joint Custody)
- Parental Alienation
- Family Violence
- Paternity Fraud
- Access to Justice
- Pension Valuation
- Procedural Fairness
- Maintaining and expanding fathers’ relationships with their children (Fathers’ Rights)
- Thought leader in a wide variety of family law topics as exemplified at his blog and in his periodic Equal Shared Parenting Thought of the Day Email;
- Has been counsel in many precedent setting court decisions;
- To read Colman’s full biography, click here.
Colman understands quite well the special challenges that high income earning individuals face. He states: “A family law lawyer must know how to comprehend corporate financial statements and indeed read between the lines, how to understand the valuation of businesses and exceptional types of assets such as stock options, how to properly calculate income for high income earners under the Canadian Child Support Guidelines and how to navigate the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines.”
Colman’s leadership and his firm’s careful and thoughtful approach allows clients to feel confident in their legal journey, knowing that Colman lays out the strategy from the get-go and remains involved. There will be a clear path forward even for the most complex of cases.
Customer Reviews
- “Hello Kimberley I wanted to express my appreciation to yourself and Mr. Colman for the time you and he spent with me last month which I have also provided favourable feedback online.”
- “Gene’s strategy was spot on, his team was professional and they worked tirelessly on my case.”
- “If you are a good mother or father and you believe you are being unfairly separated and/or marginalized from your kid(s)—I can’t recommend this firm enough.”
2. Horra Family Law
Address: 500 Hood Rd Suite 400, Markham, ON L3R 9Z3, Canada (Google Maps)
Contact Details: +14168401475
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
Reena and Ritu Horra put families in their law practice first because they’re a family (quite literally). These lawyer sisters draw on their familial bond to help Torontonian women, men, and children get the justice and support they deserve.
The Horra sisters’ women-led firm specializes in adoption, child custody, collaborative law, spousal support, property division, mediation, and divorce—with a focus on cases filed by women, especially mothers, facing domestic violence or contested divorce.
Their associates offer legal aid in various languages like Hebrew, Tagalog, French, Cantonese, Italian, Urdu, and Punjabi. All of them come from diverse backgrounds and are available for consults if you have a specific lawyer in mind to work with.
Begin by requesting a free consultation with the Horra sisters or an associate. Once your appointment is scheduled, simply visit the firm with supporting documents for your claim.
Pros
- Multilingual lawyers
- Award-winning lawyers (Best Lawyers, York Regions Readers’ Choice, Economist and Sun)
Cons
- Complaints about slow responses
- Expensive legal fees
Customer Reviews
Knowledgeable, understanding, and fair lawyers
“I was fortunate to have Ritu represent me in my separation process and she was nothing shy of amazing and understanding. She is very knowledgeable, trustworthy, fierce but fair. She did her best to not only fight for me and my children but also ensured legal fees were not wasted. There were times when my emotions were spiked, but she knows how to remove emotions and remain logical. I must also mention her clerk, Leanne, who is very supportive and prompt. I thank the Horra Family Law dearly for my favourable outcome.”
-Ms. Stacyann Allen, Google Review
Reliable and honest work ethic
“My experience with Horra Family Law was excellent – 5 years ago when I was going through my separation, and again today, when I reached out with a pressing matter. Ritu is a very intelligent, professional and warm individual… I appreciate her honest approach, and she always finds a way around an issue. I also appreciated her sound advice and prompt callback today – THAT is how you delight a client.”
-Ms. Evangeline Kotsos, Google Review
3. Nazarian Law
Address: 7581 Jane St., Units 10 & 11, Vaughan, ON L4K 1X3, Canada (Google Maps)
Contact Details: +19055320744
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
Lawyer and firm founder, Armen Nazarian, founded Nazarian Law during the pandemic, a time when domestic disagreements and familial fallouts surfaced more.
Armen, leveraging his extensive background in business and real estate, provides family law services to assist individuals with divorce, asset division, child support, and cohabitation agreements.
If a client needs legal aid in asset division for a business or if an individual needs help for a contested divorce, Armen can use his expertise to negotiate, mediate, and determine income support for the client.
Prenuptial agreements, same-sex divorce, domestic violence, and domestic agreements are also within the firm’s expertise, and clients can take advantage of Armen’s free consultation should they wish to learn more about how he and his team can help!
Pros
- Offers free consultations
- Wide scope of family law services
- Specialises in domestic contracts and agreements
- Aids with same-sex separation or divorce
Cons
- Relatively new to the industry
- Small team of lawyers
Customer Reviews
Professional and client-focused
“In my experience, it’s rare to find someone as dedicated and client-focused as Daniel, the client coordinator at Nazarian Law. From our first interaction, Daniel displayed an unparalleled level of attention to detail and commitment. He was always available to answer my questions, making sure I felt understood and supported throughout the process. Daniel’s professionalism and genuine care for his clients are a testament to the ethos at Nazarian Law. Thanks to his extraordinary efforts, I felt confident and reassured during an inherently stressful time. I cannot recommend him enough!”
-Mr. Miguel Mendes, Google Review
Committed to ensuring clients are prioritised
“Navigating family law issues can be daunting, but with Nazarian Law by my side, I felt a weight lifted off my shoulders. Their expertise in the field is evident from the first consultation, and their commitment to ensuring the best outcomes for their clients is unparalleled. The team’s guidance was invaluable, turning what could have been an overwhelming experience into a manageable process. If you’re in need of a family law firm that truly cares, Nazarian Law is the one.”
-Ms. Gabriela Ferreira, Google Review
4. Russel Alexander Family Law
Address: 330 Bay St. #1400, Toronto, ON M5H 2S8, Canada (Google Maps)
Contact Details: +16474921481
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
2023 Canadian Law Award-winner Russel Alexander Family Law is a recognized firm in Toronto’s legal landscape, particularly in family and collaborative law.
Throughout his career, he has authored books on family law, oversees a monthly newsletter, and has been aiding individuals and families in divorce, child custody, and asset division since 1998.
The firm, now a sizable enterprise, operates in Toronto, Lindsay, Oshawa, Peterborough, Kingston, Concord, Markham, and Whitby.
Russel collaborates with over 20 qualified associates, with a minimum of 15 years of combined experience, across these locations. All share the same goal of helping clients reach amicable results without needing litigation or court proceedings.
As a family law firm, the team handles divorce, child support, spousal support, default hearings, asset division, child protection services, and adoption.
They can also help with disputes at their Family Dispute Resolution Centre as well as mediate between parties through their collaborative practice.
Pros
- Canadian Law Award-winning firm
- Large team of associates
Cons
- Expensive lawyer fees
- No free consultations
Customer Reviews
Lawyers who make clients feel included
“Thank you so much for the reassuring intake session today. Ms. Lipton and Ms. Fennessey were professional while being kind, caring, supportive, respectful and optimistic in listening carefully and not dismissing my thoughts. It’s hard for a layman to know just which are the pertinent facts, and I was pleasantly surprised, after experiencing other law firms, that my input was accepted in total. I felt very validated, and that was much appreciated.”
-Ms. Kathryn Andrews, Google Review
Professional and efficient lawyers
“The Legal team at RIA Family Lawyers are professional and efficient. They not only did a great job in keeping me informed and up to date, but also in providing additional avenues and resources to assist me with dealing with the real life situation, showing me that they cared about the case being resolved, and about my well being and my sanity. Dealing with separation and divorce is tough enough, but having a Lawyer like Michelle, who was compassionate and empathetic throughout the whole process and who clearly had my and my son’s best interests as a priority, made the process easier to digest. Great work team.”
-Mr. Rishad R, Google Review
5. Nussbaum Law
Address: 45 Sheppard Ave E Suite 100, Toronto, ON M2N 5W9, Canada (Google Maps)
Contact Details: +14169160886
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
If you’re dealing with a narcissistic partner or are facing a difficult contested divorce suit, Nussbaum Law is a firm to keep on your radar for their family law and mediation services.
Established by Barry Nussbaum, the firm specializes in addressing narcissistic behaviours in legal proceedings for individuals navigating divorce issues. Barry and his team prioritize mediation over litigation, enabling clients to get an amicable agreement before reaching court.
Established in 2008, Barry serves clients in both Ontario and New York. If you’re outside Canada but interested in his services, you can also access legal assistance in New York.
Nussbaum Law extends its expertise beyond divorce and mediation to cover areas like child support, divorce debt, asset division, spousal support, domestic violence, and litigation when necessary.
Barry’s associates are also proficient in Farsi, Mandarin, Hindi, and Dari in case you need legal aid in a language you’re most comfortable with.
Pros
- Multilingual team of associates
- Senior lawyer is a board-certified practitioner in both Ontario and New York
- Experienced in dealing with narcissism and narcissistic divorce cases
Cons
- Complaints about several additional charges
- Consultations require a deposit
Customer Reviews
Straightforward and sound legal advice
“Barry was recommended to me by a colleague and I’m so grateful to cross paths with him. It has been an absolute pleasure working with him. I really appreciate all the help and sound advice he provided me. Highly knowledgeable and straightforward lawyer. Can’t thank you enough! Highly recommend it!”
-Mr. Jeremy Wagner, Google Review
Highly committed associates
“Jotty and Brittany were amazing at providing legal support while I was going through a high conflict separation and custody/access case. Both Jotty and Brittany were highly knowledgeable, professional and transparent throughout the time I was represented by Nussbaum Law. It’s also important to note that both individuals were highly committed to my case and there wasn’t any point in time where I felt I wasn’t receiving enough support or guidance. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and unsure on how to navigate family law, I would highly recommend this firm and specifically this team as they were instrumental in the positive outcome that I attained with my case. Thank you both!!”
-Mr. Abshir Stock Yusuf, Google Review
6. GDH Family Law
Address: 400 Applewood Crescent Suite 200, Concord, ON L4K 0C3
Contact Details:
- (416) 535-6944
- (416) 535-6212
- [email protected]
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
Website: https://gdhfamilylaw.com/
Our experience with GDH Family Lawyers was exceptional. From the moment we reached out to them, they demonstrated professionalism, empathy, and a deep understanding of family law. The team took the time to listen to our situation and provided clear, honest advice on the best course of action. Their approach made a potentially stressful and emotional process much more manageable, and we felt supported throughout.
What stood out about GDH Family Lawyers was their thoroughness and attention to detail. They worked diligently on our case, ensuring all legal aspects were covered and that we were fully informed every step of the way. Whether it was explaining legal terminology or answering our questions, they made sure we understood the process, which was incredibly helpful during such a challenging time.
Their communication was always timely and professional, and we appreciated how they kept us updated on the progress of our case. They also provided practical solutions that helped us navigate difficult situations with ease, showing their experience in handling family law matters. We felt like our case was in capable hands and that they were genuinely invested in achieving the best possible outcome for us.
We highly recommend GDH Family Lawyers to anyone seeking reliable, compassionate, and skilled legal representation in family law matters. Their expertise, combined with their supportive approach, makes them a trusted choice for anyone facing family-related legal challenges.
Pros
- Multilingual team of associates
- Senior lawyer is a board-certified practitioner in both Ontario and New York
- Experienced in dealing with narcissism and narcissistic divorce cases
Cons
- Complaints about several additional charges
- Consultations require a deposit
7. Mills and Mills LLP
Address: 2 St Clair Ave W Suite 700, Toronto, ON M4V 1L5, Canada (Google Maps)
Contact Details: +14168630125
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Established in 1884, Mills and Mills LLP is one of the longest-standing law firms in Toronto and is currently headed by David Mills, the founder’s great-grandson.
While David’s practice is focused on estate law, the firm also deals with family law. Its family law associates are adept in settling family disputes over assets, estates, spousal support, and equalizing net family properties.
If you need legal aid in dealing with property division, estate plans, separation agreements, and disclosures of hidden assets during a divorce settlement, this is a firm you can consider.
In case you’re wondering, the team comprises deputy generals, attorneys general, treasurers, and High Court judges across Ontario!
Pros
- Large team of associates
- Established in 1884
- Best for clients dealing with asset, estate, and property divisions
Cons
- Not suitable for child support or custody cases
- Complaints about unresponsiveness
Customer Reviews
Honest and professional legal aid
“We were referred to by Mr Zachary Silverberg and this was a great pleasure meeting with him. He was thorough and respectful, collecting details from us. He gave us his honest and professional opinion that we felt that he was very trustworthy and that he put our interest first. We would highly recommend him to our family and friends.”
-Ms. Mary Hui, Google Review
Makes law easy to understand
“Our experience, from beginning to end, was excellent. Our questions and concerns were answered and addressed, with simple to understand (I.e., not legalese) and the advice we were given was perfect. I also loved that we could do most of the transaction virtually or through email, with only the final signing in person. Super convenient! Thank you, I highly recommend this firm.”
-Ms. Amanda Parris, Google Review
