Ending a marriage can be a difficult situation emotionally and financially, especially without reliable legal representation.
If you plan to end your marriage or if your spouse has served you with a divorce petition, a divorce attorney can be an invaluable asset.
They can help you determine the best options for handling the situation and reaching a favorable outcome in your divorce proceedings.
Check out our guide for the Best Divorce Lawyers in Toronto.
How Much Do Divorce Lawyers Cost in Toronto?
Every divorce case is different. Your exact costs cannot be calculated in advance. However, on average, Divorce lawyers in Toronto can charge $3k - $5k just to get started on your case, and an additional $150-$400 per hour on top of that. That's not including court fees and other costs associated with divorce.
In general, uncontested divorces are less expensive than contested divorces.
It’s safe to say costs will probably rise significantly if kids and (lots of) money and assets are in the picture.
The heightened expense is usually tied to the complicated nature of the assets and/or difficult custodial concerns.
Here are the best Divorce Lawyers in Toronto
1. Russell Alexander Collaborative Family Lawyers
The team at Russell Alexandre is experienced in practicing all aspects of family law. They represent clients across all of Ontario.
They focus solely on family law, which helps them understand the difficulties individuals face when going through a separation or divorce.
Client Reviews
I have had the best experience in dealing with Courtney Derick in the past and I have had nothing but the best service from her. She did a fantastic job. I was frankly, in awe of her legal knowledge and her ability to break down complex legal terms into concepts I could easily understand to achieve my best result. She went above and beyond the call of duty. Russell Alexander Collaborative Family lawyers is extremely lucky to have Courtney on their team. I would trust no one else.
2. GOLDSTEIN Divorce & Family Law Group
The Toronto family lawyers of the GOLDSTEIN Divorce & Family Law Group are committed to protecting your rights and helping you find solutions for your most difficult family law issues.
They have extensive experience in family law and have earned their place among the best family lawyers in Toronto.
Client Reviews
Allan and his team did a wonderful job with my case. It was a straight forward process and now a big weight off my shoulders. I will definitely recommend Allan and his team to any of my friends and family if they ever need legal advice.
3. Simple Divorce | Divorce Lawyer Toronto
Based in Toronto, Ontario, Simple Divorce truly provides an affordable alternative to get a divorce in Ontario.
In addition to divorce services, Simple Divorce specializes in assisting clients with separation agreements, prenuptial agreements, and foreign divorce opinion letters.
Client Reviews
If you're looking for competent divorce lawyers in Toronto, these are the go-to guys. They handled my complex divorce and made it less stressful. Really grateful for the support.
4. DKGC Family Law | Di Battista, Katz, Grant, Cobbina
Di Battista Katz Grant Cobbina LLP is a Toronto, Ontario-based family law firm specializing in all areas of family law such as divorce, child custody and access, and domestic agreements:
- cohabitation agreements
- marriage contracts
- separation agreements
Client Reviews
I couldn’t more highly recommend Andrea Di Battista as a family lawyer. She is incredibly knowledgeable, tenacious and thorough. She always made time for me and responded to my questions and concerns quickly and with such kindness and empathy toward my situation.
She is the reason I have the resolution I do today in what was a very difficult separation and final divorce. I have recommended Andrea to friends and all have had the same great experience in dealings with her.
How To Choose the Right Divorce Lawyer?
It is recommended for those going through a contested divorce or even an uncontested divorce to hire an experienced family law attorney.
Here are some steps to follow when choosing the right divorce attorney:
- Do Your Research: Pay attention to online reviews, check with the Better Business Bureau for complaints, and ask others how their experience was with your potential divorce lawyer.
- Keep Your Options Open: It is recommended that you interview at least two to three potential family law lawyers before making your final choice.
- Ask the Right Questions: Be sure to ask your attorney about their fee structure, courtroom experience, if they have worked on similar divorce cases in the past, and the outcomes of those cases.
Best Divorce Lawyers in Toronto FAQs
For the most part, each spouse pays their legal fees. However, there are potential exceptions to this. Your spouse may be required to pay for your attorneys under certain conditions such as:
- They control the household money
- You are a stay-at-home parent
- They have significantly more money than you
It can take 4 to 6 months or in some cases more than a year for a divorce case to conclude in Ontario.
Factors that have the largest influence on the amount of time it takes for your divorce case to be final involve the type of divorce (contested or uncontested), how complex your divorce is, child custody support issues, and whether or not there remain disputes that cannot be resolved before going to court.
On average, uncontested divorces are far less costly than contested divorces. Couples that can agree on the parameters of child custody, spousal support, child support, alimony, property division, etc. won’t have to spend thousands of dollars in mediation, or court, and utilizing the services of a divorce lawyer.
The cost of hiring a lawyer for an uncontested divorce can be closer to $2,500.
