Brianna HarrisonFIRMS WITH THE BEST ELDER CARE LAWYERS IN TORONTO
With the rising aging population in Toronto, cases of elder abuse—physical, financial, and emotional—are also increasing. The Toronto Police Service estimates that potential abuse victims could reach 42,000 seniors. As legal, healthcare, and financial matters grow more intricate, the demand for elder law has also surged.
Elder care lawyers, or elder law attorneys, play a vital role in navigating these complexities. They provide representation in court and offer non-litigation services such as estate planning, financial management, guardianship, and long-term care arrangements. If you or a loved one are affected, these legal experts offer personalised and compassionate support.
How We Chose the Best Elder Care Lawyers in Toronto
How Much Do Elder Care Lawyers Cost in Toronto?
Elder care lawyers typically range from $300 to $650 per hour.Experienced elder law attorneys often bill on an hourly basis for services related to estate planning, guardianships, and complex cases.
1. Goddard Gamage LLP
Goddard Gamage LLP was established in 1999 by founding partners Jan Goddard and Nimali Gamage. The women-led boutique law firm offers comprehensive legal services in elder law in both courtroom representation and advisory roles. These include power of attorney preparation, estate planning, guardianship, and addressing elder abuse, among other areas.
As a testament to their commitment, Goddard carries a Distinguished Fellow status from the Canadian Centre for Elder Law (CCEL). Complementing her expertise, Gamage is deeply engaged in disability, health, and aging-related legal issues. Remarkably, both lawyers are recipients of The Best Lawyers in Canada awards and the Ontario Bar Association’s (OBA) Trusts and Estates Section.
Their leadership guides a young yet promising team of litigators and solicitors who share the same empathetic approach in handling emotionally charged legal matters inherent to elder law. Their clientele mainly consists of senior citizens, their families, and persons with disabilities.
Pros
- 20+ years practising elder and estate law
- Elder law boutique law firm
- Specialises in both litigation and solicitor’s services
- Compassionate and highly-involved team
- Routine awardee of Canadian Lawyer
Cons
- Limited portfolio on courtroom representation
Client Reviews
Always helpful, and friendly and got back to us with the next steps quickly
“Goddard Gamage made the process of crafting a will very easy. She walked us through every step and it was such a relief to realise that we weren’t leaving all this stress and work for our loved ones. Her staff were always helpful, and friendly and got back to us with the next steps quickly. We have recommended this law firm to several friends/family who were looking.” – Sonya Goldberg, Google Reviews
They are go-to experts in elder and estates law
“I have had the pleasure of working with Jan and her team at Goddard Gamage since 2013 and have been impressed by their professionalism, compassion, and care for their clients. They are go-to experts in elder and estates law.” – Morgan MacLeod, Google Reviews
2. Wagner Sidlofsky LLP
Founded in 2000, Wagner Sidlofsky LLP is a dedicated litigation firm exclusively focused on representing clients in court proceedings and legal disputes. Led by partners Charles Wagner and Gregory Sidlofsky, the team comprises five lawyers specialising in elder law, estate litigation, and commercial litigation.
Wagner is a Certified Specialist in Estates and Trusts Law, and notably, a recipient of the esteemed Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal. Gregory Sidlofsky boasts an impressive portfolio of around 200 reported cases and has presented before the Supreme Court of Canada, as well as administrative tribunals.
Both lawyers possess extensive expertise in elder law litigation in the areas of abuse, will challenges, and capacity claims. Their notable cases include John Gironda et al. v. Vito Gironda et al., which involved undue influence issues. More recently, they represented Williamson Estate v. Sweetnam, where they addressed mental capacity concerns affecting the validity of a will.
Pros
- Extensive experience in litigation involving elder law
- Regularly appears in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice
- Diligent and proactive approach
- Communicates using clear and accessible language
- Special focus on estate, financial abuse, and will challenges
Cons
- Doesn’t offer non-litigation services
Client Reviews
Gave us peace of mind in a stressful but successful outcome
“Words cannot describe the professionalism and expertise we experienced through working with this firm. Charles Wagner is one of a kind. He provided us with sound, clear, and practical legal advice. When you are in distress, it is difficult to think clearly and make good decisions. Charles explained the law and outlined in clear language the steps in the process that where needed to be done. He was reassuring, articulate, knowledgeable, and effective. Charles made the process so much easier and gave us peace of mind in a stressful but successful outcome.” – Sabrina De Bartolo, Google Reviews
Provided excellent, courteous, and professional care
“Words cannot express what fine individuals David and Adin Wagner are. During a traumatic and turbulent moment in my life, David and Adin provided excellent, courteous, and professional care. They corresponded with concise feedback and easily understood information. They were always available to provide support when needed, and gave me peace of mind” – Carol Spivak, Google Reviews
3. WEL Partners
Whaley Estate Litigation Partners, also known as WEL Partners, boasts a formidable team of eight lawyers and firm counsels who specialise exclusively in matters related to trusts and estates. Spearheaded by Kimberly A. Whaley, a distinguished litigator, mediator, and solicitor, the boutique firm stands as a pinnacle of expertise in this domain.
Whaley’s accomplishments have garnered her numerous recognitions as a leading practitioner. These include a BV Distinguished Rating from Martindale-Hubbell and the prestigious OBA Hoffstein Book Prize Award, acknowledging her substantial contributions to the OBA within her areas of expertise.
Throughout her career, Whaley has consistently exhibited exceptional proficiency in fiduciary litigation. She adeptly navigates disputes involving guardianship, finances, trusts, estates, and power of attorney abuse. Many of these cases intersect with elder abuse, where clients often suffer maltreatment in domestic settings or while under the care of healthcare providers, among other scenarios.
Pros
- Named leading practitioner by prominent legal organisations
- Distinguished Fellow of the CCEL
- Comprehensive legal services related to elder law
- Over 20 years in practise
- Represents vulnerable sectors
Cons
- Few reports on billing errors
- Not as efficient or timely with resolutions for some clients
Client Reviews
Genuinely care about representing your best interest as a person
“Kim and her team are professional and have an exceptional knowledge of the law. She is fantastic and backed by an unparalleled team of legal professionals who genuinely care about representing your best interest as a person, not just a “client.” – Dominique Samaroo, Google Reviews
They patiently explain and make things clearer for me to understand
“Kim, Lua, and Tracy are looking after my case. Although at first, it was very hard for me to understand the law terms language that they used when talking to me. But they patiently explain and make things clearer for me to understand. They have been very helpful, which help makes me feel better that I am being legally protected.” – Kelly Hong Le, Google Reviews
4. Stienburg Law
Stienburg Law comprises a trio of lawyers specialising in civil litigation, advocating on behalf of a diverse clientele with a particular focus on vulnerable sectors. Additionally, they have experience at administrative tribunals and courts across Ontario, driven by a commitment to proactive planning and representation.
Christopher Stienburg, the founder and principal lawyer, brings a personal touch to elder law due to his firsthand experience as a caregiver to an elderly family member. This exposure acquainted him with the challenges faced by seniors in nursing homes, leading him to open the practice in 2019.
Their expertise covers estate litigation and elder abuse, often intertwined areas. This includes wills, personal injury, financial exploitation, and nursing home abuse. Beyond courtroom representation, they extend services into estate management, healthcare decisions, assisted living arrangements, and guardianship.
Pros
- Dedicated to serving vulnerable sectors
- Wide range of elder care services, including litigation
- Represented in all levels of Ontario courts
- Offers fair pricing
- Prompt and genuine approach
Cons
- Limited track record of reported cases
Client Reviews
He gave wonderful support and was always right there to answer any questions
“An amazing lawyer! Had a lawyer before this who took years to do what Christopher did in 1 year. He gave wonderful support and was always right there to answer any questions I had. Never once did he make a decision without my go-ahead. I knew every message that was sent an all discussions going on at all times. Praying to God I never get hurt again an need a lawyer but if I do I know this is who I will go with.” – Kyle Cormier, Google Reviews
Trustworthy and has your best interest in mind
“Chris really cared about me as a client and provided exceptional service. His advice was sound and I was kept up to date on a regular basis. Chris is trustworthy and has your best interest in mind. I recommend Stienburg Law to anyone requiring lawyer services.” – Laura Burch, Google Reviews
5. Jasmine Daya & Co.
Jasmine Daya, after serving as Duty Counsel for civil litigation cases at Pro Bono Law Ontario and teaching at Queen’s University, established her own firm in 2017. She’s also an accomplished public speaker, author, blogger, and podcaster, delving into both legal matters and personal interests.
Her boutique law firm specialises in personal injury and insurance claims, catering to a diverse clientele. This includes elderly individuals who have suffered neglect and abuse, particularly within nursing homes, by caregivers and personal care providers. The cases they have tackled cover physical, emotional, and even sexual abuse. Additionally, the firm handles instances of financial exploitation and neglect of the elderly.
The firm’s operational model involves contingency fees, meaning they only charge their elderly clients if a favorable case outcome is achieved.
Pros
- Proven track record of successful outcomes
- Caring and strongly advocates for clients
- No win, no fees
- Offers free consultations for new clients
Cons
- Doesn’t specialise in proactive planning
- Limited to personal injury litigation
Client Reviews
Really goes to bat for her clients and has their best interests at heart
“Her best quality is that although she is always busy she makes you feel like you are her only client. She takes time with you and listens to what you have to say without ever making you feel rushed. Jasmine is honest and really goes to bat for her clients and has their best interests at heart… We would highly recommend Jasmine to anyone needing a lawyer.” – Karen Brown, Google Reviews
She explained everything clearly and was very thorough and responsive
“I highly recommend Jasmine and her team. I was involved in a claim last year and was unable to afford a lawyer myself. Jasmine took on the case and was confident that she could get me what I deserve. She explained everything clearly and was very thorough and responsive. She held up her end of the deal and got me a settlement that I am grateful for.” – Steven Dagenais, Google Reviews
