Your Trusted Partner in Family Law Across Canada
Why SDA is the Top-Rated Large Family Law Firm in Canada
We pride ourselves on shortening the length of time it takes to finalize the divorce by anticipating and strategizing possible outcomes and taking control of the matter, rather than just responding to it after an issue has arisen. This makes us efficient in reaching a resolution that is in your best interests, which means both parties are free to move on, and most importantly, it means less turmoil for the children.
We take the time to review your matter before you come in and pair you with the lawyer who will be the right fit. In our initial consultations, we seek to thoroughly understand your goals and situation to account for the broader impacts and possible opportunities when we give you legal advice. Our goal is to give you the peace of mind of clearly knowing where you stand and what you can expect from this process.
You do not have just one lawyer but a team supporting you from the beginning of your matter. Our lawyers share knowledge, strategies, and lessons on specific issues, so we maintain your confidentiality and anonymity. Our clients benefit from the experience of their lawyer’s peers and managing partners.
Knowing when and how to take action in order to avoid unnecessary escalation or conflict is paramount in family law. Our lawyers endeavour to resolve your matter without lengthy and costly proceedings, striving to keep your matter out of court if possible. If it is already in court, we keep the representation of your matter focused on the facts and live issues to avoid unnecessary arguments. No matter the situation, we think about the solutions to your problem to move forward and leave them behind.
We are committed to you and your children’s best interests. At our firm, we have a 24-hour response policy, with priority given to matters in court and to children because we understand the added stress of these matters. Throughout, we will support you and provide you with the insight and resources you need to manage the process and circumstances with clarity and confidence. The lawyers of Stephen Durbin & Associates take the burden from your shoulders and find a creative solution, no matter the challenge you face.
Protecting Your Family with
Skilled Legal Advice
Custody And Access
Marital Fraud
Same-Sex Couples
Spousal Support
Grandparents’ Rights
Enforcement Of Orders
Joint Venture And Trust Claims
Mobility
Variation Of Agreements And Orders
Disclosure And Failure To Disclose Assets
High Value And Complex Assets And Income Streams
Appeals
Arbitration
Case Assessment And Legal Opinions
Counsel Facilitated Negotiation
Domestic Contracts
Independent Legal Advice
Legal Opinions
Litigation
Mediation
Equalization Of Net Family Property And Property Division For Married Spouses
Custody And Access
Marital Fraud
Same-Sex Couples
Spousal Support
Grandparents’ Rights
Enforcement Of Orders
Joint Venture And Trust Claims
Mobility
Variation Of Agreements And Orders
Disclosure And Failure To Disclose Assets
High Value And Complex Assets And Income Streams
Appeals
Arbitration
Case Assessment And Legal Opinions
Counsel Facilitated Negotiation
Domestic Contracts
Independent Legal Advice
Legal Opinions
Litigation
Mediation
Equalization Of Net Family Property And Property Division For Married Spouses
Meet Our Team
The Caring Professionals Behind Your Family’s Legal Support
Stephen Durbin
Owner
Melissa Fedsin
Senior Associate Lawyer/ Managing Lawyer
Lisa K. Stern
Senior Counsel/ Director of Business & Marketing
Afnan Arshad
Associate Lawyer
Zach Savarie
Client Relations Coordinator
Jeff Behrendt
Senior Associate Lawyer Ottawa*
NAZIFA ISLAM
Senior Associate Lawyer
Sean Johnson
Senior Associate Lawyer
Alessandra Muia
Associate Lawyer
Claire Quigley
Managing Senior Law Clerk
S Lori Sushinski
Senior Law Clerk Ottawa*
Denise Ludditt
Administrator
Eryne Crough
Law Clerk
Imelda Aniz
Office Administrator
Jane Kameoka
Law Clerk
Karen Todd
Human Resources and Office Manager
Madison Bousfield
Law Clerk
Mackenzie Sutherland
Associate Lawyer
Nicole Paldino
Associate Lawyer
Rose Fuda
Law Clerk
Sandra Coreschi
Law Clerk
Sonja Gill
Associate Lawyer
Zehra Karagoz
Associate Lawyer
Zachary Hatton
Student-at-Law
Elgin Tagle
Student At LawLet's Find the Best Solution for Your Family
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Locations
#1 Firm Locations Near You in GTA
We have several offices conveniently located in the heart of each city located across the GTA
Hamilton
1 Hunter Street East GroundFloor, Hamilton, ON L8N 3W1,
Canada
Mississauga
55 Village Centre Pl Suite #200,Mississauga, ON L4Z 1V9,
Canada
Markham-Thornhill
55 Commerce ValleyDr W #502, Markham
ON L3T 7P4, Canada
What Our Clients Say
“Choosing SDA was the best decision we made. Their team truly cares about their clients.”
Noah
Stephen and his team helped my parents settle their divorce ammicably after 20 years of separation! I am glad I didn’t have to mediate or take sides – really appreciate all the hard work that was put into my family’s situation and that we can all put it behind us.
I contacted Stephen some time ago with a problem I was having with my business. My landlord wanted to buy me out of my lease. Business was pretty bad anyway so I was almost willing to take a very small amount that he offered $68,000 (all numbers expressed here are in current value dollar amounts).
Mariusz Cnota
I have the honor to express my deepest admiration for the work and exceptional professionalism of Stephen Durbin. He is not only a brilliant lawyer but also a person of impeccable reputation, remarkable intelligence, and a rare sense of justice.
Stephen Durbin embodies the qualities that distinguish true masters of their profession: outstanding competence, strategic thinking, impeccable tact, and genuine respect for every individual. His approach to every case is thoughtful, precise, and rooted in a profound understanding of the law. He has a remarkable ability to identify the essence of even the most complex legal situations, make balanced decisions, and defend his position with dignity and strength. Thanks to his professionalism and dedication, many people have received not only legal protection but also restored confidence in justice.
Stephen Durbin is a lawyer you can trust without hesitation. His name has become a symbol of reliability, intelligence, and the highest standards of legal excellence.
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Craig
My initial consult went very well. Lisa took extra time to listen to the merits of my case, offered me meaningful short and long-term advice and gave me the confidence to proceed with SDA for my family law needs.
Annette
I had Stephen Durbin represent me in my family law matter. My matter was a bit harder because my ex lived out of Province and I had no contact with him for many years.
If you are looking for top-quality representation – then Stephen Durbin & Associates is right where you need to be. From day one they gave me peace of mind during a very difficult time in my life. When I had met briefly with Stephen during my consultation, I was told that I could trust them to take care of me with my family law matter. Nazifa Islam and her team – Hope and Chyvonne – were extremely professional, efficient, and completely transparent throughout the entire process. I needed someone attentive. I needed someone to advocate for me and my son. I needed this team – and they exceeded my expectations! They went above and beyond for me and not once made me feel like I was just another “File Number” to them. They were always available when I had questions or concerns, and truly made me feel at ease. Nazifa was brilliant and very knowledgeable; I was lucky to have her by my side. She advised me through my separation agreement, always pursuing not just what I wanted but what was in the best interests of me and my son. The outcome was in my favour. Stephen Durbin & Associates gave me a voice when I felt silenced. Worth every single dime!! I highly recommend.
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George
What a difference an experienced lawyer does make. With Stephen, It was a legal experience, but it was also therapeutic in some ways because he seemed to know exactly what I was going through and his confidence gave me confidence through the process. Can’t thank him enough. It’s great to move on.
Nancy
Stephen is my go-to lawyer during difficult times. His knowledge, wisdom, and expertise is simply unparalleled. He puts you right at ease and knows exactly how to handle any situation. Thank you for all your help.
905-332-9779