A ‘Founder’: Gene C. Colman has been practising family law for over 47 years.  He has been a trend setter, thought leader, and pioneer:

• Established the Canadian Journal of Family Law while still a law student in the 70’s;
• Founding member: Lawyers for Shared Parenting & Canadian Equal Parenting Council;
• Has written widely on family law topics, has spoken at international conferences, and has established legal precedents in the courts.

Multi Jurisdiction: Divorces and other family law cases that involve more than one jurisdiction is an area of practice where our firm has experience. I discuss issues with Ontario and international aspects here.

Child Abduction: Where child abduction between counties is an issue, one must consider The Hague Convention of 25 October 1980 on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, a multilateral treaty that establishes proceedings for the prompt return of children who have been wrongfully removed or kept away from their home country. Canada is a signatory to this Convention, along with many other states. However, some countries have not adhered to the Convention, and we have experience there as well.

Residence: Some international family law matters involve complex issues of residence, and one must consider which property regime is to be properly applied. If there is an arguable choice of jurisdiction issue, then your Canadian lawyer must be able to work well with the lawyer in the other country to first of all determine where the client is best off.

Two levels of government in Canada: In Canada, family law jurisdiction is divided between the federal government and the provincial and territorial governments. For my firm to be involved, your case must have a connection to Ontario, as my firm handles cases throughout the province.

Consultations: My in depth consultation is a transformative experience.  I thoroughly prepare, ask pointed questions, and then develop a customized strategy designed to protect what matters most to you.

Advocacy: For years I have vociferously advocated -  

• that courts in Ontario react quickly and resolutely against international parental child abductions;
• on behalf of a legislated presumption for Equal Shared Parenting;
• that courts take seriously parental alienation (resist / refuse);
• that courts conduct themselves to consistently act with procedural fairness; and,
• for gender equality.

Demonstrated Commitment: In September 2018, I was named as the FDRIO (Family Dispute Resolution Institute of Ontario) Member of the Month. I have been front and centre in the campaign to improve access to family law justice in Ontario during and post-COVID. I am also a Founding Member of Lawyers for Shared Parenting as well as a Founding Editor of the Canadian Journal of Family Law. Over the years, I have published many articles in respected journals, including one that the Supreme Court of Canada relied upon when it addressed a difficult concept in Canada’s Child Support Guidelines.

Centrality of Family: As a proud father of seven children, and grandfather to many, and with over 46 years of family law experience, I recognize the special bonds children have with their parents and grandparents.  Every child has the right to enjoy a loving relationship with each parent.  And my boutique family law firm dedicates itself to achieving that goal for children and their parents.

My firm provides clients with trusted legal counsel in a wide range of family legal matters. There is a reputation of excellence throughout Ontario, Canada.