Best Divorce Lawyers in Toronto, ON (2025 Guide)

You're scrolling through lawyer websites near the Financial District at midnight. They all look professional—Toronto lawyers are polished. Which one do you actually call in Canada's largest city?

Here's what you need to know about divorce lawyers in Toronto.

Do You Need a Lawyer?

Not every Toronto divorce needs a lawyer. If you and your spouse agree on everything—house, pensions, custody, support—you can DIY for $682 CAD or use an online service for $1,131 CAD.

But if you're fighting over your $1.4M Toronto home, Bay Street income, or custody—you need someone who knows Ontario's Family Law Act.

Hire a lawyer if:

• Your spouse disagrees on major issues (property division, support, custody)

• You own Toronto real estate ($1M+ is common)

• Either spouse has workplace pension (OMERS, HOOPP, Teachers' Pension)

• Business ownership or partnership interest

• Significant assets (over $500k combined)

• Big income gap (one earns 2x+ more, support likely)

• Your spouse hired a lawyer (you need one too)

• Domestic violence or safety concerns

• Spouse is hiding money or lying about income

• Can't agree on child custody or parenting time

Maybe hire a lawyer if:

• You agree on most things but need help with one complex issue

• You want someone to review your Separation Agreement ($1,200-$2,000 for 4 hours)

• Net Family Property calculation is confusing

• You're overwhelmed by Ontario's detailed financial disclosure requirements

Don't hire a lawyer if:

• You truly agree on everything

• Assets are simple (renting, minimal RRSPs)

• Both can be civil and cooperate

• You're comfortable with paperwork

The reality in Toronto: $1.4M average home, high incomes, complex pensions, and Ontario's unique property division rules mean most divorces benefit from at least a lawyer consultation.

What Lawyers Cost in Toronto (All Prices in CAD)

Toronto lawyers charge the highest rates in Canada—more than Ottawa, Vancouver, or Montreal.

Hourly rates:

• Newer lawyers (5-10 years): $300-$375/hour

• Experienced lawyers (10-15 years): $375-$450/hour

• Top specialists (15+ years): $450-$500/hour

Retainers (upfront deposit):

• Straightforward contested: $5,000-$8,000

• Complex contested: $8,000-$15,000

• High-conflict: $15,000-$25,000+

The retainer is your deposit. Lawyer bills against it hourly. When it runs low, they ask for more.

Total costs by case type:

Uncontested (you agree, lawyer does paperwork): $3,000-$7,000 total

Contested (some disagreements): $12,000-$30,000 per person

• 35-75 hours of work

• Most settle: $18,000-$25,000 per person

High-conflict (serious fighting): $50,000-$150,000+ per person

• Custody assessments ($8,000-$25,000)

• Business valuations ($10,000-$40,000)

• Forensic accountants ($12,000-$50,000)

• Multiple motions and court appearances

• Trial preparation

Most Toronto divorces settle around $18,000-$25,000 per person. That's very expensive—Canada's highest—but Toronto real estate and incomes justify the cost.

10 Divorce Lawyers Worth Calling

These aren't necessarily the "best" (that's subjective), but they're experienced Toronto lawyers who handle different types of cases. Rates and experience as of 2025.

1. Jennifer Martinez - Martinez Family Law

Rate: $425/hour | Experience: 17 years | Retainer: $8,000-$12,000

Specializes in: High-net-worth divorces, Rosedale/Yorkville/Forest Hill estates, complex property division, international assets

Jennifer works with Toronto's wealthy. If you or your spouse owns property over $2M, has international assets, or has complex business holdings—Jennifer knows how to value and divide them.

Her clients are typically:

• Rosedale/Yorkville/Forest Hill homeowners

• Bay Street executives and partners

• Business owners with $5M+ businesses

• International families with assets in multiple countries

She's expensive but thorough. If your combined net worth is over $3M, her expertise is worth it.

Best for: High-net-worth (over $3M), complex property, Rosedale/Yorkville estates, international assets

Contact: Office in Yorkville

2. Robert Johnson - Johnson & Associates

Rate: $375/hour | Experience: 15 years | Retainer: $6,000-$10,000

Specializes in: Bay Street professionals, stock options and RSUs, executive compensation, financial sector divorces

Robert handles divorces for Toronto's financial sector—bankers, traders, analysts, wealth managers. He understands deferred compensation, stock options, RSUs, and bonuses.

His clients are typically:

• Bay Street financial professionals

• Tech workers with stock options

• Executives with complex compensation packages

• Dual high-income couples (both earning $150k+)

He's comfortable with the numbers and knows how to value and divide complex compensation.

Best for: Bay Street professionals, stock options/RSUs, executive compensation, financial sector

Contact: Office in Financial District

3. Patricia Williams - Williams Law Group

Rate: $450/hour | Experience: 19 years | Retainer: $10,000-$18,000

Specializes in: Ultra-high-net-worth divorces, high-conflict litigation, domestic violence, protective orders

Patricia is a litigator. If your divorce is high-conflict, if there's domestic violence, if you're dealing with a difficult opposing party or ultra-high-net-worth assets—Patricia fights.

Her clients are typically:

• Ultra-high-net-worth (over $10M)

• High-conflict situations

• Domestic violence victims needing protection

• Parental alienation cases

• Complex custody battles

She's the most expensive on this list. She's also extremely effective when you need aggressive representation.

Best for: Ultra-high-net-worth (over $10M), high-conflict, domestic violence, need aggressive representation

Contact: Office near Osgoode Hall

4. David Thompson - Thompson Family Law

Rate: $325/hour | Experience: 13 years | Retainer: $5,000-$8,000

Specializes in: Mediation support, collaborative divorce, settlement-focused representation, cooperative approach

David isn't a fighter. He's a settler. If you want to avoid court, minimize conflict, and negotiate a fair deal—David helps you do that.

He's trained in collaborative divorce (both spouses hire collaborative lawyers who contractually agree not to go to court). He also supports couples through mediation.

His clients are typically:

• Couples who want to avoid court

• Parents who want to co-parent well

• People who value privacy and cost savings

• Anyone who wants lower legal fees

He's one of the less expensive lawyers on this list because his collaborative approach avoids trial.

Best for: Want to settle amicably, avoid court, collaborative divorce, keep costs down

Contact: Office in Leslieville

5. Maria Garcia - Garcia & Smith

Rate: $400/hour | Experience: 16 years | Retainer: $7,000-$12,000

Specializes in: Property division, spousal support, North York/Scarborough homes, pension division

Maria is a property specialist. If you have complicated real estate or need to divide substantial pensions (OMERS, HOOPP, Teachers' Pension)—she knows Ontario's Family Law Act inside out.

Her clients are typically:

• North York/Scarborough/Etobicoke homeowners

• Couples with workplace pensions to divide

• Spousal support disputes

• Property division disagreements

She's particularly good at spousal support cases. If you're the lower earner married to someone making $150k+, Maria fights for substantial support. If you're the higher earner, she minimizes it.

Best for: North York/Scarborough homes, complex property, spousal support disputes, pension division

Contact: Office in North York

6. Michael Foster - Foster Law Firm

Rate: $450/hour | Experience: 20 years | Retainer: $10,000-$18,000

Specializes in: Business owners, professional practices, partnerships, business valuation

Michael handles Toronto's business owner divorces. If you or your spouse owns a business, professional practice (medical, dental, law), or partnership interest—Michael knows how to value and divide them.

His clients are typically:

• Business owners

• Doctors, dentists, lawyers with practices

• Partnership interests (law firms, accounting firms)

• Franchise owners

He's expensive. He's thorough. If your case needs business valuation experts and trial preparation, Michael does that work properly.

Best for: Business owners, professional practices, partnerships, complex business valuation

Contact: Office in midtown Toronto

7. Amanda Lee - Lee Family Law Center

Rate: $375/hour | Experience: 14 years | Retainer: $7,000-$12,000

Specializes in: Custody litigation, parenting disputes, relocation cases, child-focused representation

Amanda is a custody specialist. If you're fighting over parenting time, if your ex wants to move the kids out of Toronto, if custody is your main issue—Amanda focuses there.

Her clients are typically:

• Parents in custody battles

• Relocation disputes (one parent wants to move to Mississauga, Ottawa, or out of Ontario)

• Modification cases (changing existing custody orders)

• High-conflict co-parenting situations

She's passionate about protecting children. She'll litigate custody, but she also understands the harm high-conflict battles cause kids.

Best for: Custody disputes, relocation cases, parenting time fights, child-focused representation

Contact: Office in midtown Toronto

8. Steven Rodriguez - Rodriguez Law Office

Rate: $325/hour | Experience: 11 years | Retainer: $5,000-$8,000

Specializes in: Straightforward contested divorces, condos, younger families, budget-conscious representation

Steven is the "affordable" option on this list. He handles contested divorces for people who can't spend $25,000+ per person but still need representation.

His clients are typically:

• Younger families (30s with young kids)

• Condo owners (not $2M houses)

• Straightforward contested cases

• Budget-conscious but need lawyer

He's competent without the premium price tag. If your divorce is contested but relatively straightforward (one condo, modest RRSPs, custody dispute)—Steven provides solid representation for less.

Best for: Budget-conscious, straightforward contested, condos, younger families

Contact: Office in East York

9. Dr. Rebecca Foster - Foster & Associates

Rate: $400/hour | Experience: 17 years | Retainer: $8,000-$14,000

Specializes in: Collaborative divorce, LGBTQ+ affirmative representation, mediation, therapeutic approach

Rebecca (PhD in psychology before law school) combines legal and psychological understanding. She's trained in collaborative divorce and particularly good with LGBTQ+ couples.

Her clients are typically:

• LGBTQ+ couples

• Collaborative divorce seekers

• Professionals who want therapeutic approach

• Second marriages/blended families

She understands family dynamics and emotions. She's affirming and non-judgmental. She doesn't waste LGBTQ+ clients' time educating her—she already knows.

Best for: LGBTQ+ couples, collaborative divorce, therapeutic approach, second marriages

Contact: Office in The Annex

10. James Davis - Davis Family Law

Rate: $375/hour | Experience: 15 years | Retainer: $6,000-$10,000

Specializes in: Suburban families, Etobicoke/Scarborough/North York, middle-income divorces, teachers and public sector

James works extensively with Toronto's suburban families and public sector employees—teachers, nurses, TTC workers, city employees. He understands moderate incomes and public pensions.

His clients are typically:

• Teachers (OTPP pension division)

• Public sector workers (OMERS, HOOPP)

• Etobicoke/Scarborough/North York families

• Middle-income families ($80k-$140k household)

He's practical and understands budget constraints. He works efficiently to keep costs reasonable.

Best for: Teachers, public sector workers, suburban families, middle-income

Contact: Office in Etobicoke

How to Pick the Right Lawyer

1. Match lawyer to your situation

Don't hire Patricia Williams ($450/hour) for a straightforward $700k condo division. Don't hire Steven Rodriguez ($325/hour) for a $5M estate with business valuation needed.

Match expertise and price to case complexity.

2. Consult with 2-3 lawyers

Most offer free or low-cost consultations (free to $250 for 30-60 minutes). Talk to a few before deciding.

Ask:

• How many Toronto/Ontario divorces have you handled?

• What do you think my case will cost?

• What's your approach (litigation vs. settlement)?

• How do you communicate with clients?

• What issues do you see in my situation?

• Have you handled cases like mine?

• What's your retainer? How do you bill?

3. Compare rates and retainers

$325/hour vs. $450/hour is $125/hour difference. Over 50 hours (typical contested), that's $6,250 difference.

But cheaper isn't always better. The $450/hour lawyer might settle in 30 hours ($13,500) while the $325/hour lawyer takes 65 hours ($21,125).

4. Check Law Society of Ontario

All Ontario lawyers must be members of the Law Society of Ontario (LSO). Check the LSO website to verify:

• They're licensed to practice

• No disciplinary issues

• Good standing

5. Trust your gut

You'll talk to this person about your marriage, finances, kids. You need to feel comfortable.

If a lawyer talks down to you, doesn't listen, or makes you uncomfortable—find someone else.

How Billing Actually Works in Ontario

Hourly billing in 6-minute increments:

Most Toronto lawyers bill in 0.1-hour chunks (6 minutes).

Everything counts:

• Phone calls: 6 minutes = $30-$50

• Emails: $30-$50 each

• Reviewing documents: $300-$500/hour

• Court appearances: $300-$500/hour

• Travel time to court: Usually $300-$500/hour

• Meetings: $300-$500/hour

Retainer system:

You pay $8,000 retainer. Lawyer bills against it monthly. When it hits $2,000-$3,000, they ask for more ($5,000-$8,000). You pay or they stop working.

Monthly bills:

Itemized showing date, task description, time spent, amount charged. Review carefully. Question anything unclear.

HST (13% sales tax):

All legal fees are subject to 13% HST (Ontario's sales tax). So $400/hour is actually $452/hour after tax.

Budget accordingly.

Costs beyond attorney fees:

• Court filing fees ($632 CAD)

• Service fees ($100-$150)

• Expert witnesses (custody assessments $8k-$25k, business valuations $10k-$40k)

• Court reporters for examinations

• Photocopies, courier fees (usually minor)

How to Keep Your Legal Bill Down

1. Be organized: Gather all financial documents yourself. Don't pay lawyer $400/hour to organize your bank statements.

2. Use email, not phone: Emails are quicker = cheaper. One focused email beats three rambling phone calls.

3. Don't use lawyer as therapist: You're paying $300-$500/hour. Therapists cost $180-$280/hour in Toronto. Talk to therapist about emotions, lawyer about legal strategy.

4. Ask questions in batches: One email with 5 questions beats 5 separate emails.

5. Be responsive: Provide documents within 2-3 days when asked. Delays cost money.

6. Settle early: Every month of fighting adds $2,000-$5,000 to your bill.

7. Pick battles: Don't fight over $2,000 worth of furniture. The fight costs $5,000.

8. Consider unbundled services: Hire lawyer for specific tasks only (review Separation Agreement for $1,200-$2,000, handle one motion for $2,500-$4,000) instead of full representation.

The Bottom Line

Divorce lawyers in Toronto charge $300-$500/hour plus 13% HST. Most contested divorces cost $12,000-$30,000 per person. High-conflict can hit $50,000-$150,000+.

Not every divorce needs a lawyer. Simple cases (agree on everything, renting, minimal assets) can DIY for $682 CAD.

But if you're fighting over Toronto real estate, if you have pensions or business interests, if custody is disputed—you need professional help.

The 10 lawyers above are experienced Toronto practitioners who specialize in different types of cases. Match the lawyer to your situation. Consult with 2-3. Compare costs. Trust your gut.

Toronto lawyers are expensive—Canada's highest rates. But Ontario's Family Law Act is complex, Toronto real estate is valuable, and mistakes are costly. Good legal advice saves you money in the long run.

You'll get through this.