MacDonald & Partners LLP
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[edit] General Info
Taking Care of Families MacDonald & Partners believes that giving clients all the attention and resources they need to achieve a successful resolution of their family matter is not an option, but a primary responsibility. A successful resolution means fair treatment all the way around. When the case is over, we want our clients to know that they have not been taken advantage of, nor have they taken advantage of the other party.
“We try to resolve problems created by the separation with the least amount of pain and conflict. We do this with understanding and knowing how and when to be either gentle or resolute. It’s always a balance”- James MacDonald, Family Law pioneer for 40 years
MacDonald & Partners is committed to acting in the best interests of the family. We foster civility and respect in our negotiations and where children are involved, encourage the creation of a parenting plan that gives them the best that each parent can offer.
Advocate and Ally Senior Counsel Gary Joseph has spent most of his professional life in the courts and has learned over the years that clients want a lawyer who knows the ins and outs of their case, and can present it effectively. They also want a lawyer who understands how important the case is to the client, is in tune with the client’s and the law’s values, and acts as an ally.
“Clients are understandably anxious about the process and need the comfort of knowing their cause is right and that their lawyer not only believes in the cause but also in them”- Gary Joseph, MacDonald & Partners Senior Legal Counsel.
All of the firm’s partners and associates share this philosophy and take pride in their competence, preparedness, and ability to support clients through the litigation process.
Leaders in the legal community MacDonald & Partners is a firm of over-achievers when it comes to knowledge and understanding of Family Law issues. Not only do we do our homework, on some matters we wrote the book the homework is based on. The firm continues to play a leadership role in the legal community through our legal writing, presentations at legal education programs, and service on the boards of professional associations. These undertakings increase our own understanding of the law as well as contribute to the knowledge base within the legal community. Our mandate extends to promoting better practice as well as promoting legal reform.
We are especially proud of introducing the collaborative Family Law process to Toronto. This process uses modern techniques developed by the Harvard Negotiation Project to achieve an agreed upon settlement of claims arising from separation based on problem solving and advocacy without being adversarial.
Most cases are settled without a trial, but many of them need to involve the court process to the point of settlement in order to achieve stability or to counter a threat. In those cases, MacDonald & Partners dedicates the appropriate resources to achieve a successful resolution. We work with and for our clients’ best interests. [http://www.macdonaldpartners.com/]
[edit] Practice Areas
MacDonald & Partners has chosen to practice exclusively in the area of Family Law. We understand how much is at stake when family relationships break down. And we know how to help our clients reach the best outcomes for themselves and their families. When family life gets complicated, MacDonald & Partners are the lawyers to rely on.
- Principled Negotiations
- Leaders in Collaborative Practice – Advocacy without being adversarial
- Proficiency in all Courts – Case Conferences, Motions, Trials, Appeals
- Analysis and Use of Expert Evidence
- Financial Investigation of Complex Property and Business Transactions
- Corporate and Trust Analysis
- Legal Research and Opinions
- Settlement Agreements
- Cohabitation Agreements
- Marriage Contracts
- Separation Agreements
- Hague Convention and International Child Abduction
- Grandparents’ Rights
- Children in Need of Protection
- Adoption
- In Vitro Fertilization and Gestational Carriage
- Custody and Parenting of Children
- Child support
- Spousal support
- Property division
- Divorce
[edit] Lawyers
MacDonald & Partners reputation for results is based on performance and client satisfaction. Our partners and associates embrace a broad range of family law experience, but each of us has set family justice as a personal goal. Together we take a leadership role in shaping the future of family law. It's the kind of law we believe should be practiced. A family relationship, when it breaks down, requires closure with the least amount of pain possible.The team at MacDonald & Partners work towards a dignified closure and the future well being of the family as a two-home unit. The proof is in the results. To see the biographies of our lawyers, please click on their names below:
* James C. MacDonald, Q.C., Counsel * Gary S. Joseph , Partner and Firm Chair * Phyllis Brodkin, Partner * Willam H. Abbott, Partner * Georgina Carson, Partner * Geoffrey Wells, Associate * Michael Stangarone, Associate * Kim Stock, Associate * Christine Marchetti, Associate * Antonette Barreto, Associate * Sheila Bruce, Associate * Kristy Maurina, Associate * Ann Wilton, Research Associate
James C. MacDonald, Q.C., Counsel Jim is a Family Law pioneer. He was one of the founders of Family Law as a specialized area of practice. The founding chairman of the National Family Law Section of the Canadian Bar Association and a former Director of Legal Education of the Law Society and head lecturer in Family Law, he was the first recipient of the Canadian Bar Association's Award for Excellence in Family Law (1997). He was the founder and the first president of the Toronto Collaborative Law Group (now Collaborative Practice Toronto), an organization devoted to settling family law matters using co-operative instead of confrontational strategies. A fierce proponent of family justice, Jim’s philosophy of a client-centered approach guides the firm’s approach to law and his insights have shaped the very direction of family law in Ontario. His formidable experience has included tremendous commitment to the development of the law and the training of well-qualified family law lawyers. He has represented some of Canada’s most illustrious citizens, and done so with discretion and success. Currently working on his sixth book, MacDonald is one of the most published lawyers in the field of family law. He practices as a collaborative family law lawyer.
James MacDonald can be reached at: (416) 971-4802 Ext. 221 or via e-mail at jmacdonald@mpllp.com.
Gary Stuart Joseph, Partner and Firm Chair Gary is a certified specialist in family law with an LL.M. in constitutional law. He was called to the bar in Ontario in 1978 and is also a member of the Alberta bar. He has extensive trial and appellate experience at all levels of the courts in both Ontario and Alberta and has appeared as counsel in the Supreme Court of Canada.
A highly respected family law practitioner, Mr. Joseph also lectures frequently in family law, has been an instructor in family law for the Bar Admission course and has published many articles on family law. He is a founding lecturer for the Family Information Session program of the Superior Court of Justice and was recently recognized by the Chief Justice for his efforts in this regard.
Gary Joseph can be reached at: (416) 971-4802 Ext. 223 or via e-mail at garyj@mpllp.com.
Phyllis Brodkin, Partner Phyllis is a Specialist in Family Law and has practiced in this area since 1989. She has a strong commitment to her clients. She is an effective negotiator and works hard to find a way to resolve even the most difficult of cases. If settlement is not possible, she utilizes her extensive trial experience to bring about the best outcome. Phyllis prides herself on being "tough but fair" and will fight for her client's rights both at the negotiating table and in court. Life experience and maturity has taught her to apply her vast knowledge of family law to successfully resolve even the most complex of family matters.
Phyllis has developed a unique expertise in international child abduction cases and Hague Applications for the return of children from foreign countries. Her high level of proficiency for these often challenging cases is combined with a passion for her clients' interests that is unparalleled.
Phyllis is also at the forefront of practitioners who assist parties with the legal aspects of in vitro fertilization, gestational carriage and donor contracts.
Phyllis Brodkin can be reached at: (416) 971-4802 Ext. 230 or via e-mail at pbrodkin@mpllp.com.
William H. Abbott, Partner Will completed his undergraduate degree at Bishop's University in Lennoxville Quebec in 1988, graduated from the University of Windsor Law School in 1993 and was called to the Ontario Bar in 1995. Will practices in all areas of family law and negotiations. His attention to detail and thorough preparation of materials used in litigation, mediation or arbitration has proven invaluable in obtaining favourable results for the firm’s clients.
William H. Abbott can be reached at: (416) 971-4802 Ext. 245 or via e-mail at wabbott@mpllp.com
Georgina Carson, Partner Georgina has practiced family law exclusively for 15 years. As an experienced practitioner, she was appointed a Dispute Resolution Officer in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Toronto, a quasi-judicial capacity in which she assists parties in resolving their disputes.
Georgina assists her own clients with often complex property, tax, estate, custody and support issues. She appears regularly in all levels of court in Ontario.
Georgina's approach to family law is solution-based. She invokes alternative dispute mechanisms to assist her clients whenever possible and attempts to resolve matters efficiently and cost-effectively. Georgina is fully trained as a collaborative lawyer and is a member of the Collaborative Family Law Association of Ontario.
Georgina has acted for the Office of the Children's Lawyer, representing children in custody and access disputes as well as in child protection matters.
Georgina is a popular speaker, writer and teacher of family law. She is an executive member of the family law section of the Ontario Bar Association.
Georgina Carson can be reached at: 416-971-4802 Ext. 238 or via e-mail at gcarson@mpllp.com
Geoffrey C. V. Wells, Associate Geoffrey joined the firm in 2004 as an associate. He was called to the Ontario Bar in 2003 after receiving his LL.B. from Queen’s University. Geoffrey completed his B. Sc. (Hons) at Trent University in 1994 and his M.A. in Business Economics at Wilfred Laurier University in 1995. Prior to practicing law, Geoffrey worked in finance in the telecommunications industry and has adapted those skills to benefit his clients. His practice includes all aspects of matrimonial litigation. Geoffrey is a member of the Canadian Bar Association and the Ontario Bar Association.
Geoffrey Wells can be reached at: (416) 971-4802 ext. 247 or via email at gwells@mpllp.com
Michael Stangarone, Associate Michael completed his undergraduate degree at University College, University of Toronto, where he graduated with Distinction and received several awards for academic achievement. He studied law at the University of Western Ontario and was admitted to the Ontario Bar in 2005. He took part in oral advocacy competitions and worked at the Dispute Resolution Centre, where he developed his negotiation and mediation skills. Michael acquired his interest in family law while working for a prominent London area family lawyer during law school. He focuses on all aspects of family law, including custody, access, support and property issues. His strong work ethic and dedication to achieving the best possible results for clients make him a valued member of the MacDonald & Partners team.
Michael Stangarone can be reached at: (416) 971-4802 ext. 244 or via email at mstangarone@mpllp.com
Kim Stock, Associate Kim completed her undergraduate Honours degree in History at McGill University. She then obtained her law degree at at the University of Ottawa where she graduated cum laude in 2001 and was called to the Ontario Bar in October 2002. Over the years, Kim has gained invaluable experience through her work for the Washington D.C. Government Prosecution in Child Abuse and Neglect, for the Child Support Team at the Department of Justice in Ottawa, and a battered women's shelter in Montreal. These activities, along with her experience in private practice, have enabled Kim to offer strong legal skills, with an understanding of the client's unique, personal needs. Kim takes a balanced, reasonable approach to her practice, while striving to obtain success for the client. Kim's practice includes all aspects of Family Law.
Kim Stock can be reached at: (416) 971-4802 ext. 288 or via email at kstock@mpllp.com
Christine Marchetti
Christine Marchetti, Associate Christine completed her undergraduate degree at St. Michael’s College, University of Toronto, where she graduated with Distinction. She studied law at the University of Western Ontario and was admitted to the Ontario Bar in 2005. She volunteered at Community Legal Services on campus, where she developed her advocacy skills. Christine first became interested in family law while working for a general practice firm during her articles. Christine further developed her advocacy skills while working at a North Toronto firm specializing in family law before joining MacDonald & Partners. She focuses on all aspects of family law, with a particular interest in custody and access issues. Christine is dedicated to client needs and takes a reasonable and practical approach to her practice. Christine is fluent in Italian.
Christine can be contacted at 416-971-4802 ext 239 or via email cmarchetti@mpllp.com
Antonette Barreto
Antonette Barreto, Associate Antonette Barreto received her LLB from Queen’s University in 2000. She was called to the Ontario Bar in 2002.
Antonette’s practice includes all facets of family law. Applying her advocacy, communication and negotiation skills she seeks to achieve resolution for clients whether through negotiating domestic contracts and agreements, litigation or alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. In serving the firm’s clients, Antonette strives to attain client- focused, strategic results.
Antonette has experience attending before all levels of court in Ontario, including the Ontario Court of Appeal. Also, she has been co-editor of the monthly publication, Money and Family Law and has published articles on a variety of family law topics.
Antonette can be reached at 416-971-4802 ext 222 or via email abarreto@mpllp.com
Sheila Bruce
Sheila Bruce, Associate Sheila received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint Mary’s University in 1982 and her law degree from Dalhousie Law School in 1985. After articling with a Toronto civil litigation firm, Sheila was called to the Ontario Bar in 1987 and has since practiced exclusively in family law in Toronto and York Region. Sheila has Collaborative Law training and extensive experience in negotiating and drafting domestic contracts. Sheila regularly appears in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, Family Branch, throughout the GTA and other areas of Ontario, and has a particular interest in trial advocacy. She has appeared as counsel for the Children’s Aid Society and as an advocate for children through the Office of the Children’s Lawyer. Sheila’s practice includes all areas of family law.
Sheila can be reached at 416-971-4802 ext 301 or via email sbruce@mpllp.com
Kristy Maurina
Kristy Maurina, Associate Kristy completed her double Honours B.A. at the University of Windsor where she graduated with distinction. She studied law at Osgoode Hall Law School and was called to the Bar of Ontario in 2007. Kristy developed her interest in family law while working for a downtown Toronto litigation boutique. In this role she gained invaluable litigation experience and developed strong advocacy and negotiation skills. Kristy’s achievements include successfully representing her client in an eight day precedent setting hearing before the Law Society of Upper Canada Hearing Panel, wherein the Hearing Panel accepted her argument that a licensee’s medical condition acted as a complete defence to the allegations of misconduct. Kristy has argued at various levels of court in Ontario, including the Court of Appeal. Kristy now brings these skills with her to MacDonald & Partners LLP. Her practice includes all aspects of family law.
Kristy can be reached at 416-971-4802 ext 222 or via email kmaurina@mpllp.com
Ann Wilton, Research Associate MacDonald & Partners' clients benefit tremendously from Ann’s prodigious knowledge of the law and ability to locate the appropriate case law to support their interests. Ann is a research lawyer with 19 years of experience and contributes significantly to the highly respected books produced by the firm. Her experience and skills are also invaluable to the firm in advising its clients and in preparing materials for the courts.
Ann Wilton can be reached at: (416) 925-7166 or via e-mail at ac_wilton@hotmail.com
[edit] Contact
For more information, please contact us at
Main Office
Mailing address:
MacDonald & Partners LLP 90 Adelaide Street West 3rd Floor, Toronto, ON M5H 3V9 Tel.: (416) 971-4802 Fax: (416) 971-9584 E-mail: famlaw@mpllp.com
North York Office
Mailing address:
MacDonald & Partners LLP The Madison Centre 4950 Yonge Street Ste. 509 Toronto, ON M2N 6K1 Tel.: (416) 971-4802 Fax: (416) 229-7076
[edit] Notable Cases
[edit] Public Opinion
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