Family/Matrimonial: High Net Worth
High Net Worth Guide 2024 : Canada
Band 1
About
Provided by Blaney McMurtry LLP
Blaney McMurtry’s Family Law practice is focused on contentious matters relating to high-net-worth individuals: complicated valuation issues, family trusts, and interjurisdictional issues with offshore assets. The firm’s Private Client Department provides a unique set of services to their clients as one of the few multi-service firms in Toronto that has both an Estates and Family Law practice and are able to call on the expertise of the Firm’s Tax, Corporate and Real Estate lawyers.
With this unique intersection of services comes the ability to offer a strength and depth of practice that is rare and extremely sought after (death of spouse after separation, Inter-Vivos Trusts, Dependant’s Relief Support Claims, corporate reorganizations and tax-planning). Blaneys’ family lawyers advise on separation agreements, Divorce Applications, custody and access, child support, spousal support, division of property, income determinations, business valuations, family trusts, Income Tax, marriage, and cohabitation agreements.
The department is particularly adept at handling cases involving Inter-Vivos Trusts; an area where the Ontario law is not yet well-developed, but within which the team has extensive experience. Our situation inside a firm with a broad service offering (differentiated from a family law boutique) gives us strength to handle (and conclude) Family Law matters that also involve corporate reorganizations, tax, trusts, estate, and general corporate law.
Chambers Review
Blaney McMurtry is highly regarded for its strong matrimonial law practice for high net worth clients. The team regularly handles complex matters involving high-value assets and sophisticated structures.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The family law group at Blaney McMurtry is comprised of excellent lawyers with proven expertise in this area of law."
"The firm demonstrated good technical knowledge and has the ability to evaluate various alternatives."
"The family law group at Blaney McMurtry is comprised of excellent lawyers with proven expertise in this area of law."
"The firm demonstrated good technical knowledge and has the ability to evaluate various alternatives."
Notable Practitioners
James Edney is well versed in all areas of family law, including separation and divorce, family trusts and mediation.
"He is strategic on how to achieve the best outcomes and therefore possesses commercial awareness and vision."
"James is very effective at resolving complex family issues."
Joseph Slavec is an up-and-coming partner at Blaney. He advises high net worth clients on a range of family law matters.
"Joe is an excellent young lawyer who is only getting better."
"Joe would be considered one of brightest lawyers of his vintage. He is always a pleasure to work with."
Judy Piafsky is an experienced senior partner at Blaney McMurtry. She regularly handles complex contentious family law mandates.
"Judy is a fearless advocate."
"Judy is a highly competent lawyer and experienced in her family law discipline."