Having practiced divorce law in Toronto for 25 years, I often get asked for referrals when I have a conflict, or my schedule does not permit me to take on new matters. Usually I try to match up the referral with the needs and personality of the particular client or professional asking.
Choosing a lawyer can be a difficult experience. Go with your gut, ask questions and ask other professionals or former clients for recommendations. The key is to have confidence in your counsel together with open and regular communication. You want a lawyer who will listen to your story, show compassion, empathy and a willingness to be a fearless advocate.
There are many great family lawyers in Toronto. Since 2022, I have curated a list of Toronto’s Top Rated Divorce Lawyers based on my experience having worked with these lawyers on increasing access to justice or advocating for my own clients against them in contested motions, hearings and trials. I of course exclude my own team from consideration for this list.
– Russell Alexander, Founder of Russell Alexander Collaborative Family Lawyers
2025
Toronto’s Best Divorce Lawyers for 2025
1. Jarret Johnston – Strategic and Collaborative Divorce Lawyer
Jarret Johnston is renowned as one of Toronto’s best divorce lawyers for his strategic approach and advocacy in complex family law cases. His collaborative style helps clients navigate divorce proceedings smoothly, making him ideal for those seeking effective, thoughtful representation.
- Website: https://gjjlaw.ca/
- Phone: (705) 324-3577
- Address: 6 Albert Street North, Lindsay, ON K9V 4J1
2. Ritu Horra – Compassionate GTA Family Lawyer
Ritu Horra provides empathetic, client-focused legal support, excelling in cases involving complicated financial and property issues. Her dedication ensures personalized advocacy, earning her recognition among the GTA’s top family law lawyer. In 2018, Ritu was appointed to the Dispute Resolution Office panel for the Superior Court of Justice in Newmarket. Lawyers appointed to this panel main function is to support the family law court process by aiding parties in attempts to resolve their issues prior to their case proceeding before a judge. Ritu is a trained mediator. Ritu is also collaboratively trained.
- Website: https://horrafamilylaw.com/
- Phone: (416) 840-1475
- Address: 500 Hood Road, Suite 400, Markham, ON L3R 9Z3
3. Mark Borden – Expertise in High-Net-Worth Divorces
Mark Borden specializes in high-net-worth divorces and complex property disputes. His meticulous preparation and strong financial expertise provide clients with robust protection of assets and interests.
- Website: https://bordenfamilylaw.ca
- Phone: (905) 576-6090
- Address: 304 Stevenson Road North, Oshawa, ON L1J 5M9
4. Paula McMurtry – Top Advocate for Family Welfare
Paula McMurtry is known for her passionate representation in custody and access matters, emphasizing child welfare and careful management of family dynamics. Her commitment makes her a top choice for emotionally challenging divorce proceedings.
- Website: https://www.mcmurtrylaw.ca/
- Phone: (905)-982-2650
- Address: 229 Mary Street c/o, Port Perry, ON L9L 1A2
5. Harrison Notkin – Innovative Divorce Representation
Harrison Notkin is recognized for his innovative strategies and strong courtroom presence. Whether negotiating settlements or litigating complex issues, Harrison consistently achieves effective results, solidifying his status as one of the GTA’s top divorce lawyers.
- Website: https://galbraithfamilylaw.com/
- Phone: (289) 802-2433 ext. 239
- Address: 124 Dunlop Street West, Barrie, ON L2N 1B1
2023
Best Toronto Divorce Lawyers in 2023
For 2023, we took a different approach and canvassed our team of more than 20 associate lawyers and 40 legal professionals for their perspectives.Congratulation to my colleagues who made this year’s Top 5.It was a difficult deciding who are the best Toronto divorce lawyers but you are all certainly worthy and capable counsel.
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Brian Galbraith
What our team had to say about Brian:
“As 2023 President of the IACP, Brian continues to be a trail blazer and promoter of resolving disputes outside of the judicial system using collaborative practice. Brian and his team are great to work with.”
BIOGRAPHY:
Brian is known in the legal community for his commitment to efficiently practicing family law using technology and streamlining the divorce processes. He is also know for embracing both mediation and Collaborative Practice: two process that efficiently help clients achieve their goals.
Brian was a founder of The Mediation Centre of Simcoe County and continues to mediate cases. He also helped bring Collaborative Practice to Ontario and continues to be a leader in the Collaborative community.
Brian has conducted numerous courses and workshops in Collaborative Practice at the local, provincial and international level; teaching lawyers, therapists and financial specialists the principles and techniques of this cost-effective process.
Brian’s passion is his family. He is happily married to Nicole, a flight attendant. Nicole helps manage the law firm too. They enjoy travelling regularly especially to his hometown of Calgary. Brian enjoys canoe-camping and white water canoeing with his family. Brian also enjoys scuba diving, golfing, curling and skiing. Brian appreciates the opportunity to give back to his community through his membership in the Rotary Club of Barrie and by serving Rainbows, an organization that helps heal grieving children.
CONTACT DETAILS:
Toronto Center Office
1200 Bay Street
Toronto, ON M4W 1J2
Phone: (416) 639-9734
Toronto South Office
330 Bay Street
Toronto, ON M5J 0B6
Phone: (647) 370-8965
North York Office
25 Sheppard Avenue W.
North York, ON M2N 6S7
Phone: (647) 371-5096
E: Brian@GalbraithFamilyLaw.com
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Aaron Franks
What our team had to say about Aaron:
“Aaron is well known across the family law bar, GTA, for his knowledge, and expertise in family law. Aaron regularly speakers at CPDs, including the Family Law Summit, and shares his knowledge and expertise to other family law lawyers in recent cases and providing his opinions on how recent decisions continue to shape family law. He is a renowned mediator and arbitrator offering services to other family law lawyers who wish to consider mediation and/or arbitration with their own cases.”
BIOGRAPHY:
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 areas of family law and the defence of solicitor’s negligence claims. His background in business and finance allow him to skillfully address issues related to property and cross-border issues within the family law context. Aaron’s practice ranges from complex financial issues to national and international child abduction.
Aaron has acted as counsel at all levels of court in Ontario, including the Supreme Court of Canada. He is regularly retained as a mediator and arbitrator in private disputes and has been appointed as a Dispute Resolution Officer for the Superior Court of Justice in Toronto.
He is currently an Adjunct professor at the University of Toronto Law School and a former Adjunct Professor at Osgoode Hall Law School, teaching family law. Aaron was also an instructor with the Family Law Section of the Bar Admission Course. He regularly participates in speaking engagements on various family law topics across the country. He has been on the Editorial Board of the Reports of Family Law since 2005, and he is the Co-Author of “Franks & Zalev – This Week in Family Law”, a weekly family law newsletter published in FamilySource by WestlawNext Canada.
Aaron has been internationally recognized as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers and Band 1 Ranked lawyer in the Chambers & Partners Global High Net Worth Guide ln Family/Matrimonial (Canada).
Aaron puts his clients’ minds at ease with his calm demeanor, thorough approach, and wit when appropriate. You can expect Aaron to take full ownership of your case, caring not only about the outcome but about you.
CONTACT DETAILS:
Epstein Cole LLP
393 University Ave,
Toronto, ON M5G 1E6
Ph: 416.862.6225
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Shirley Levitan
What our team says about Shirley:
“She is one of the best specialists in fertility law. Overall, a great person and easy to work with.”
BIOGRAPHY:
Shirley is licensed to practice law in Ontario (1988) and New York State (1991). In 1991, after spending her initial years at a large Toronto Bay Street law firm, Shirley decided to help clients on a more personal level by opening up her private practice.
Working exclusively in the areas of family law and fertility law, Shirley has extensive experience in restructuring families as a result of separation and divorce and building a family through fertility and reproductive technology. Her knowledge and experience are well respected, and she is sought out by her colleagues and peers to give advice on the law, strategy, process and ethical issues. Shirley offers the proficiency and knowledge you deserve to help you work through your specific challenges, needs, and priorities to achieve your goals.
CONTACT DETAILS:
Shirley Eve Levitan, Family & Fertility Law
Ph: 416-238-2398
E: shirley@familyandfertilitylaw.ca
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Natalie Derbyshire
What our team says about Natalie:
“She works hard for her clients.”
“Ms. Derbyshire is a collaborative lawyer and is fair to work with. She refrains from being litigious which makes her and her firm easy to deal with.”
BIOGRAPHY:
Natalie Derbyshire is a Partner at Stanchieri Family Law in Toronto. She has been practicing family law since 2006, when she was called to the Bar of Ontario. As a certified collaborative practitioner, she promotes collaboration as a child-focused and cost-effective dispute resolution strategy that can be a recipe for a “win-win” result. She firmly believes that alternative dispute resolution processes lead to more satisfying outcomes for clients overall.
Natalie believes that litigation files benefit from the intervention of collaborative family and financial professionals, who facilitate creative legal problem-solving in a transparent, open, honest, and respectful manner. Through interest-based, as opposed to rights-based negotiation, clients generate customized solutions with the help of a team of collaborative professionals, thereby allowing them to maintain control over the resolution of issues arising from their separation, which often leads to long-term client satisfaction and more peaceful upbringings for children of separated and divorced families.
CONTACT DETAILS:
Stanchieri Family Law
375 University Ave, Suite 900
Toronto, ON, M5G 2J5
Ph: (416) 595-9995
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Ritu Horra
What our team says about Ritu:
“Ritu is a caring, compassionate lawyer and brilliant legal strategist. She is always polite and professional. She is a great advocate for her clients.”
BIOGRAPHY:
Ritu Horra graduated from the University of Western Ontario with an Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy. She then attended law school at the University of Windsor, where she obtained her LL.B. She was called to the Ontario Bar in 2005.
Ritu has practiced family law since her call to the Bar. Her practice includes all areas of family law including: custody, access, support, property issues and collaborative family law. Ritu’s dedicated and client centered approach enables her to achieve the best possible results.
Ritu is a trained Family Mediator. Family mediation is a voluntary process in which a mediator (a neutral party) assists the parties in resolving their disputes related to their separation. The mediator does not decide the case. Instead, the mediator works with the parties to reach an agreement which both parties are agreeable to. Ritu’s sensible approach to resolving all family law disputes greatly assists the parties in reaching a result that works for their family.
In May 2018, Ritu was honored with an appointment to the Dispute Resolution Officer (DRO) panel for the Superior Court of Justice in Newmarket, Ontario. Lawyers appointed to this Panel function to support the family law court process by aiding parties in attempts to resolve their issues prior to their case proceeds before a judge. This has been a valuable experience that greatly assists Ritu when she acts for her own clients in court.
CONTACT DETAILS:
Horra Family Law
500 Hood Road Suite 400
Markham, Ontario L3R 9Z3
Ph: 416-840-1475
2022
Toronto’s Top Rated – Collaborative Divorce Lawyers
What is collaborative divorce? Basically the parties and their lawyers agree not to go to court and to resolve the separation following collaborative practices principles, including: being fair and honest, not taking advantages of mistakes and crafting creative resolutions by focusing on the clients’ goals and interest.
As I indicated in our Toronto’s Top Rated Divorce Lawyers blog, having practiced divorce law in Toronto for over 20 years, I often get asked for referrals when I have a conflict, or my schedule does not permit me to take on new matters. Usually, I try to match up the referral with the needs and personality of the particular client or professional asking.
Choosing a collaborative lawyer can be a daunting experience. Go with your gut, ask questions and ask other professionals or former clients for recommendations. The key is to have confidence in your collaborative lawyer together with open and regular communication. You want a lawyer who will listen to your story with compassion and empathy.
There are many great collaborative divorce lawyers in Toronto. This list simply represents some of best of the best in my perspective having worked with these lawyers on common cases or resolving family separations using collaborative divorce. I’m of course excluding my own firm in making this list; however, these are the lawyers that I feel are the ‘top guns’ if you are seeking a Toronto collaborative lawyer.
1. Brian Galbraith
Brian has done more to promote collaborative practice (CP) in Ontario than any other lawyer that I know. Brian and I have trained dozens of lawyers in the Introductory Interdisciplinary Collaborative Training. Like our firm, Brian has a large contingent of fully trained CP professionals in his firm. Brian has spoken at local CP practice groups and has a very successful practice. In addition to being a role model for many Ontario Lawyers, Brian is passionate about promoting CP internationally as well. He has been a board member of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP) and now serves as President of the IACP.
If you are seeking a CP lawyer in Toronto, Brian is an easy pick.
Biography: Brian Galbraith has been practicing family law for more than 32 years. He owns Galbraith Family Law which has 16 lawyers practicing family law with offices in Barrie, Newmarket and Toronto. Brian was instrumental in bringing Collaborative Practice to Ontario and Simcoe County and was awarded the Founder’s Medallion for his efforts to establish Collaborative Practice in Ontario. He was the first president of Collaborative Practice Simcoe County and is again serving as its president. Brian is also the incoming President of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals and an international leader in the Collaborative movement. For a number of years, Brian has taught Collaborative Team Practice to lawyers and other professionals. Including having taught workshops across Ontario and presenting for the Law Society of Ontario at the Family Law Summit.
Phone: (705) 302-0394
2. Ellen Nightingale
Ellen is one of Toronto’s leading CP leaders and is our number two pick. Ellen’s experience, compassion and empathy make her a great collaborative practice leader. She is actively involved in the Ontario Association of Collaborative Professionals (OACP) and serves as a board member. During the pandemic Ellen showed leadership in arranging online webinars to teach and help other CP professionals to learn to how to pivot to digital and offer remote CP services virtually.
Biography: Ellen Nightingale is the Principle of Ellen Nightingale Family Law and has been practicing law in Ontario for 40 years. Collaborative Practice is at the core of Ellen’s work, she is a Collaborative Lawyer and a Past Chair of Collaborative Divorce Toronto as well as a Member of the Board of Directors of the Ontario Association of Collaborative Professionals (OACP). Ellen has recently earned the OACP designation of Advanced Collaborative Practitioner, and she is one of only a handful of collaborative professionals in Ontario (there are more than 600 professionals) to have earned the ACP to date. Ellen received a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Windsor and a Bachelor of Arts degree from York University. She is a member of the Law Society of Ontario, and is also an active volunteer in the community.
Phone: (416) 920-9393
3. Natalie Derbyshire
Natalie and I have worked together for many years and she has shown great leadership in promoting CP and collaborative divorce. Natalie organizes regular CP study groups for Toronto lawyers, is an active member of numerous CP practice groups, including the YCP, CDT, and OACP. She presently serves as a Director on the YCP Board and previously served as a Director on the FDRIO Board. Natalie is passionate about her clients and will go the extra mile (or kilometre) to make sure they are well looked after.
Biography: Natalie Derbyshire is a Partner at Stanchieri Family Law in Toronto and has been practicing family law since 2006, when she was called to the Bar of Ontario. She is a certified collaborative practitioner and aims to save clients money, primarily recommending dispute resolution processes, such as collaboration, mediation and negotiation, as alternatives to court, whenever prudent. Natalie’s passion is to help others and her goal is to exceed client expectations by imparting insight as to how present actions can have lasting effects and simplify future day-to-day living.
Natalie graduated Law School and attended convocation in 2005 where she took an oath, along with my classmates, to zealously advocate for her clients. Natalie takes that oath and her job seriously and she loves what she does. She expressed that it is her privilege to assist clients at a vulnerable time in their lives. Life as they know it may never be the same, but Natalie strives to help her clients take one step at a time and move forward fearlessly, understanding that every ending is a new beginning and how the next chapter is written is up to them.
Phone: (416) 595-9995
2022 Toronto’s Top Litigation
1. Gene C. Colman
Gene and I have been opposing counsel on several contested litigation files. We have recently worked together on the ad hoc Family Law Steering committee. We obtained over 1,000 signatures to keep all family law hearing presumptively remote and raised public awareness of important issues involving access to justice. I have always found Gene to be informed, respectful, and prepared. He will fight for your rights.
Bio: Gene C. Colman is a 1977 graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School and was called to the Ontario bar in 1979. Starting at the province’s first Unified Family Court
in Hamilton and then based in Toronto from 1988, his has dedicated his entire career to family law. While in law school he proposed the model for the Osgoode Intensive Family Law Program and was instrumental in founding the Canadian Journal of Family Law.
Gene C. Colman is a published legal author, whose work has been cited favourably by the Supreme Court of Canada. He is a member of various organizations including the Ontario Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the Association for Family & Conciliation Courts, and the Family Dispute Resolution Institute of Ontario.
Address: 25 Bowring Walk, North York, ON M3H 5Z8
Phone: (416) 635-9264
2. Lisa Gelman
Lisa manages a firm of close to 20 associates lawyers and is very similar in size as our team at Russell Alexander Collaborative Family Lawyers. I have worked successfully with several associates from Lisa’s office and have always found them to be capable advocates. Lisa has also been a role model of mine demonstrating important leadership for the family law bar.
Bio: Lisa Gelman has been practicing family law since 1995 and in 2001 she began the law firm of Gelman & Associates. Currently Gelman & Associates is the biggest family law firm in North York with offices around the GTA. Lisa has a B.A. form the University of Western in political science and an LLB from Osgoode Hall Law School. She was called to the Bar of Ontario in 1995. Lisa is both passionate and compassionate in her representation of her clients. She gives them the best of both worlds: someone who is tough when she needs to be but who believes in negotiating and settling whenever possible.
Address: 4211 Yonge St #210, North York, ON M2P 2A9
Phone: (416) 736-0200
3. Martha McCarthy
Martha is a renowned Toronto divorce lawyer. We often meet at family law conferences and I have no hesitation in referring clients to Martha as I know they will be in good hands. She also has a team of very capable associate lawyers.
Bio: Martha has practised family law for over 25 years. She was trained by a legendary barrister at a large full-service firm in downtown Toronto and developed into a lawyer with a broad knowledge base about the intersection between family law and the many other areas of law that it touches: corporate law, tax, shareholders’ remedies, trusts, estates, torts, damages, marriage contracts and many others. After spending several years at a large specialist boutique, Martha founded her own firm in 2007 with her clerk Angela and two other lawyers. Now the firm has over fifty employees and operates out of a two-building campus on Davenport Road.
She has received numerous awards, including the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Conference Hero Award from the Canadian Bar Association (1999), the Ontario Bar Association Award of Excellence in Family Law (2007), the Hope and Freedom Award from Toronto’s Metropolitan Community Church for her contribution in the progress towards equality (2010) and the Law Society Medal (2013) for outstanding service within the legal profession.
Martha is a Past President of The Advocates’ Society and served on that board for 10 years. She continues to work on law reform projects with The Society relating to family law and access to justice.
Address: 152 Davenport Rd, Toronto, ON M5R 1J2
Phone: 416-862-6226
4. Aaron Franks
I have known Aaron for most of my professional career and my articling principal, back in the day, would have regular cases with the late and great Phil Epstein. Most of our appellant work is referred to Aaron and his capable team. He is a thought leader for the legal community with his weekly newsletter and case commentaries. Aaron is also a very effective mediator and arbitrator and has built a first class arbitration centre at his Toronto office.
Bio: 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 areas of family law and the defence of solicitor’s negligence claims. His background in business and finance allow him to skillfully address issues related to property and cross-border issues within the family law context. Aaron’s practice ranges from complex financial issues to national and international child abduction.
Aaron puts his clients’ minds at ease with his calm demeanour, thorough approach, and wit when appropriate. You can expect Aaron to take full ownership of your case, caring not only about the outcome but about you.
Address: 393 University Avenue, Suite 2200 Toronto, ON M5G 1E6
Phone: 416-862-6225
5. William Abbott
William is a very capable Toronto divorce lawyer and also has a strong practice in northern Ontario. A consummate professional, William attends court well prepared with thought out arguments and is an effective advocate for his clients. We have often been on the other side of cases and I have no hesitation in recommending William Abbott if you are seeking an effective divorce lawyer.
Bio: William H. Abbott is an experienced Family Lawyer, known for his detailed preparation and representation as a negotiator and litigator.
- 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 traveler
- Have had approximately 100 reported court decisions
- Was recently voted by his peers at the bar to the 2021, 15th Edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada
- Member of the Nipissing Law Association
- Contributor to Family Law Education
- Speaker on Family Law at the Canadian Bar Association and other professional organizations
- Contributing author to books written by MacDonald & Partners LLP on various family law subjects
Address: 155 University Ave. Suite 1700 Toronto, ON M5H 3B7
Phone: 416-507-2631
Are you looking for a divorce lawyer in Toronto? Divorce lawyers play a critical role in helping you navigate your divorce proceedings. It’s important to find the right lawyer, someone who understands the intricacies of family law and is familiar with the local court system. Here are some tips to help you find the right divorce lawyer in Toronto.
Tips for finding a lawyer that is right for you
Do Your Research
When it comes to finding a lawyer, it’s important to do your research. Start by compiling a list of potential lawyers who focus on family law (you can add the ones we have recommended above). Read online reviews and ask friends or family members for referrals. Once you’ve narrowed down your options, make sure to check their websites and social media pages for more information about their practice areas and client testimonials.
Schedule an Initial Consultation
Once you’ve identified one or two potential lawyers, contact them to set up an initial consultation. This is a great way to get a feel for the lawyer’s personality and experience levels before making any commitments. During this meeting, be sure to ask questions about their approach to cases like yours as well as their fees and billing policies. It is helpful to write your questions down in advance and have your notes ready to review during the consultation, so you don’t forget or overlook any important points. Also consider whether the lawyer has experience with collaborative divorces if that is something you are interested in pursuing.
Ask About Their Approach
It’s also important to ask your lawyer what their approach will be when handling your case. Do they prefer mediation or litigation? Lawyers have sometimes been categorized as “peacemakers” vs. “warriors”; or “arsonists” vs. “firefighters”. Consider which approach would be the best fit for your family. Are prospective lawyers willing to work with other parties involved? Will they provide advice on other issues such as domestic violence, child support or spousal support? Knowing how your lawyer typically handles these matters can give you peace of mind throughout the process.
Choose A Lawyer with a Focus on Divorce Law
It’s important that you find a lawyer whose focus is divorce law as this means they will be more familiar with legal matters related to family law than someone who deals primarily with other areas of law such as criminal or corporate law. An experienced divorce lawyer in Toronto will understand all aspects of family law including child custody arrangements, child support, division of assets/liabilities/debts, spousal support issues, and more. They will also be better equipped to navigate any legal complexities that may arise during your case.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
Divorce can be an incredibly stressful process but finding the right lawyer doesn’t have to add any additional stress if you know what steps to take. Do your research into potential lawyers; ask around for referrals; book consultations; ask questions; narrow down your options; and then choose the one who best meets your needs from both an expertise perspective and financial standpoint. With careful consideration and diligence during this process, you’ll eventually find the perfect fit—a divorce lawyer in Toronto who is equipped to handle all aspects of your case with skillful precision and advocacy on your behalf.
FAQs: Choosing the Right Divorce Lawyer in Toronto and the GTA
- What should I look for in a divorce lawyer?
- Look for experience, specialized expertise in your case type, client reviews, and a communication style that matches your needs.
- How much does hiring a divorce lawyer typically cost in Toronto?
- Costs vary depending on the complexity of the case, but typically range from $250 to $600 per hour.
- Is a local divorce lawyer necessary if court hearings are remote?
- While not strictly necessary, a local lawyer often understands regional court nuances and can provide more personalized service.
Reach out to these distinguished professionals for knowledgeable, personalized legal support tailored to your specific situation.