Clarke v. Denyes, 2026 ONCA 143
JS
I have practised family law for more than two decades, advising and representing clients in matters involving varying levels of conflict, complexity, and urgency — from negotiated settlements to litigated court orders. Over time, I have seen how decisions made early in a matter can shape its direction and significantly affect the cost and difficulty of resolving it later in the process. Family disputes are rarely confined to a single issue, and part of my role is to recommend the appropriate strategy, recognizing that not every situation requires the same approach or level of intensity.
I began my career in corporate litigation at a large firm in Toronto after completing an internship in international human rights advocacy in New York City. Those experiences continue to shape how I practise family law today, particularly in matters where financial, parenting, and personal safety issues intersect and influence the broader resolution of a family dispute. Many of my matters involve representing clients experiencing family violence, including financial, emotional, psychological, and physical abuse. I approach each matter with a comprehensive view, ensuring that decisions support the overall direction and long-term stability of the client and their family.
I also approach every matter with the expectation that it could proceed to court at any point. As a trained mediator and arbitrator, I am equally comfortable assisting clients in negotiation and mediation as I am representing them in court. That preparation strengthens the ability to resolve issues outside of court when appropriate, while allowing for a decisive shift to litigation if necessary. My advice reflects the specific needs and circumstances of each client, rather than a preference for any particular process. Clients value that clarity during important life transitions and periods of uncertainty.
I founded Stanchieri Family Law nearly 20 years ago with a clear emphasis on high-quality advice and representation, timely communication, and fair billing practices. Those principles continue to shape the culture of the firm and how I practise today.
Clarke v. Denyes, 2026 ONCA 143
Clarke v. Denyes, 2025 ONSC 1894
Clarke v. Denyes, 2025 ONSC 2936
Clarke v. Denyes, 2024 ONSC 14
Clarke v Denyes, 2023 ONSC 3984 (CanLII)
B. v. M., 2021 ONSC 6608
M. v. M., 2021 ONSC 7148
Caparello v. Henkenhaf, 2020 ONSC 901
Mume v. Yusuf, 2019 ONSC 3049
Taub v. Cabba, 2018 ONSC 2311
Romero v. Malecka, 2018 ONCJ 400
Garnet v. Garnet, 2016 ONSC 949
M. (D.) v. J. (R.), 2014 ONCJ 579
M. (D.) v. J. (R.), 2014 ONCJ 84
Shabotynsky v. Shabotynsky, 2012 ONSC 3617
Masci v. Masci, 2012 ONSC 1288
Cook v. Cook, 2011 Carswell Ont 3230
Highly recommend Stanchieri law. Julie Stanchieri, thank you for taking the time to listen and give me excellent, practical advice. You explained things so well and you made sure I understood my options. Your expertise was evident. It’s so refreshing to talk to a lawyer that genuinely cared. If you’re looking for a lawyer that really wants to help you, don’t look any further. I give you 5 stars easily. Thank you again.
Julie is wonderful! She made this process seem easy for me and always had my best interests at heart. I would recommended her 100%. Julie and the whole team at Stanchieri Family Law exceeded my expectations.
Stanchieri Law Firm was always professional and competent handling my divorce. Julie was strategic and supporting throughout the process. Would highly recommend.
The Stanchieri Family Law team always put things into perspective when dealing with complex situations. They are honourable and compassionate, especially dealing with very complicated family situations. Julie Stanchieri (Partner), William Francis (Lawyer) and Ashley Kennedy (Managing Clerk) are remarkable, professional and exceptional!
Acquiring a lawyer can be nerve wracking, as it comes at time where your mindset and mental health are already low. This is one of the many reasons why I am writing this review, for anyone looking for a lawyer and has come acrossed Julie Stanchieri’s profile. I promise that she is everything and more when it comes to advocating and fighting for her clients. Her firm is family oriented and it is deeply rooted in trust and empathy. Julie works well under pressure, she is also always accessible when it comes to needing emergency meetings and quick email replies. She is highly educated and has knowledge that goes beyond the court room. Julie is level headed and can map out plans, regardless of how difficult the process seems. She is truly remarkable and her drive and passion for justice is eminent in her work habits. I was with Julie for almost two long years, battling a difficult case, that seemed to have every possible road block. However, despite these barriers, Julie always made time to give me the emotional support. She makes the time to reassure clients, allows you in to be apart of the game plan and curate the next move. As I mentioned, my court process was long and though the two years it wasn’t always seamless. There would be times where I would feel useless from my side, not being able to do anything or feeling like the firm wasn’t doing enough. As humans in distress we want instant results and I had to learn that. Julie and her team were so empathetic in understanding my distress from being away from my children and my struggles that were seeping into my work life. She understood that my restlessness was from my worries and not her inability to fight. She has a group of people who work alongside her, that are also just as brilliant and educated. I want to thank every single one of them for taking on my case and working so relentlessly. Finally, I want to reassure everyone, especially those who fall in the lower socio economic group or those who are minorities, that this firm is a safe space. I myself am a Black women and this firm allows me to be my authentic self, without having to feel like I need to accommodate them. Rather Julie Stanchieri and her firm accommodates me, regardless of what hassle I might bring. Acquiring a lawyer is expensive, however, this firm is worth every penny and speaking from personal experience I did not have the funds to pay upfront, but this firm cares more about seeing justice prevail and they have been so kind in allowing me the space to pay forth. This type of care, empathy, love and compassion is hard to come by. Thank you, Julie Stanchieri.”
I was represented by Julie Stanchieri during my recent separation and divorce and could not have been more pleased with the outcomes. Julie and her team which included Ashley and Katelynn handled every detail and concern with a high level of care and expertise. Everyone at the firm is extremely professional and efficient as well as a pleasure to deal with. Going through a divorce is a highly emotional event in one’s life and Julie and her team approached everything with compassion and understanding. Her diligence and attention to detail ensured that my settlement was fair and protected my best interests. Without hesitation I would highly recommend Julie and the entire team of professionals at Stanchieri Family Law!
I met with 5 lawyers before deciding to go with Julie and I’m so glad that I did. My divorce was the single most difficult experience of my life. The emotional and mental pressures were overwhelming at times and trying to maintain a positive attitude was almost impossible. From the beginning Julie completely understood the emotional toll the process was having on me and I felt that she had my best interest at heart and invested a lot of her energy towards getting me the best possible outcome. Aside from her extensive knowledge in family law Julie possessed an extraordinary ability to communicate our case in a powerful and succinct manner. I appreciate her for all that she was able to do for me.
I came to Julie in September of 2019 after going through other family law lawyers and what an absolute breath of fresh air! Julie is eloquent, calm, kind hearted and the most knowledgeable lawyer l have by far seen out there and has been my saving grace going through my 7 year divorce battle. I wish l would have found her 7 years earlier…l would have never been litigating or going through what l did. Her team, Tyler….amazing. Attention to detail …incredible! I was literally giddy reading his correspondence cause they were impeccably written. They are a no conflict team, honest, professional and get the job done in the most cost efficient manner!!! I don’t know how l could have got this far without you Julie, Tyler and Robert. I will never be able to express my gratitude to you all and what you have done for me. Would l recommend Julie? 200% You would be making a mistake by not using Julie and her team! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!! Finally at peace!
Going through a divorce is frankly bloody awful, harrowing and very stressful. I asked the Universe for help when selecting a law firm to help me navigate the process. The answer came in loud and clear and I retained Stanchieri Family Law. I found Julie Stanchieri, David Rappaport and Ashley Kennedy UNCOMMONLY SMART, trustworthy, honest, no BS, no lies, no devious games, they listened to what I was saying, treated both sides with respect, straight shooting professionals in my opinion, a class act if ever there was one. Nobody wants to end up in this predicament but it happens and Stanchieri Law got me through it, I owe them a great debt of thanks. I highly recommend this firm 10/10.
I wholeheartedly recommend Stanchieri Family Law to anyone who requires family law expertise. From my initial meeting with Julie through the several years of negotiations that were handled by David Rappaport, I was always completely confident that I was receiving the best professional advice. In addition, everyone at the firm related to me as a person, not just as a “client.” I felt free to ask questions (which were thoughtfully answered) that were not necessarily legal in nature but involved the complex range of emotions and challenges experienced by anyone involved in the process of separation and divorce. I would also like to mention Ashley Kennedy, who was always very friendly and efficient in handling administrative matters.
My experience with Stanchieri Family Law was absolutely amazing. Due to being a father and the applicant, I was very concerned about how successful I would end up being at meeting my daughter, especially since my circumstances were going to hinder the process. Without getting into too much personal detail, I have to say I was probably one of the most difficult clients to be successful at representing. I was concerned to the point of wondering if anyone would even represent me. I had my initial consultation with Julie and she was very considerate to my circumstances. I decided to move forward with having Stanchieri Family Law represent me. Julie assigned an intermediate experienced Lawyer to my case. At first I was concerned that my circumstances required a very experienced lawyer.
I was pleasantly surprised when the lawyer assigned to my case exceeded my expectations. I got to meet my infant daughter in a most timely fashion. I achieved shared parenting and decision making in a most difficult situation. I realized how amazing the lawyer assigned to my case really was when I started reviewing the documents and effort put forth by the opposing counsel. My documents and court filings were very detailed and it was clear countless hours were spent preparing them. Whereas opposing counsel was one of the most experienced lawyers in the city and their efforts did not compare to what Stanchieri Family Law put forward in representing me whatsoever. They guided me and instructed me throughout the process on all the things that would benefit my case and I happily participated in all their advice which intern allowed me to achieve the success I needed with my family law matter.
I am forever grateful for this law firm and for the opportunity I had to have them represent me, as it has forever changed my life and I am now a integral part of my first daughter‘s life. I am so excited to be the most amazing father and it is all thanks to everything this law firm has done for me.