Experience You Can’t Learn in Law School
A Past That Built a Relentless Advocate Family Lawyer Toronto
Kathryn Smithen’s life didn’t begin in a courtroom. It began in hardship, survival, and rebuilding from the ground up. Today she uses that journey to fiercely protect women and families navigating the most difficult chapters of their lives.
Practice Areas at a Glance
Comprehensive family Law Services Across Toronto & the GTA
Kathryn Smithen is a respected family lawyer in Toronto providing comprehensive legal services to women navigating separation, divorce, custody disputes, and financial support matters. Located at 4711 Yonge Street in North York, the firm serves clients throughout the Greater Toronto Area, including Brampton, Milton, Newmarket and the Oshawa area.
Divorce
Contested and uncontested proceedings, including high-conflict and high-worth cases
Child Custody & Parenting
Decision-making responsibility, parenting plans, and parenting time disputes
Child Support
Guideline calculations, Section 7 expenses, and support variations
Spousal Support
Entitlement determination, SSAG calculations, periodic and lump-sum settlements
Separation Agreements
Drafting, review, and negotiation of comprehensive separation agreements
Property Division
Equalization calculations, asset tracing, and high-value property disputes
Mediation & ADR
Alternative dispute resolution to reduce conflict, save costs, and reach fair agreements
Same-Sex & LGBTQ+ Family Law
Inclusive, affirming representation for all families
Cohabitation Agreements
Protecting common-law partners' rights, assets, and offering independent legal advice
Book a confidential consultation today.
Why Woman Trust Smithen Family Law
A Perspective Few Family Lawyers Can Offer
Lived Experience Meets Legal Expertise
Kathryn Smithen brings a perspective that few family lawyers can offer. Her personal journey through hardship and rebuilding gives her a profound understanding of what clients’ experience.
TRAUMA-INFORMED REPRESENTATION
Family law cases often involve trauma and a history of suffering. Our approach is designed to minimize re-traumatization while providing fierce, effective advocacy to ensure your needs and those of your children are met.
STRATEGIC & RESULTS-FOCUSED
Every case is approached with a clear, personalized strategy. We identify your goals early, develop a plan to achieve them, and keep you informed and involved at every stage.
CONVENIENT TORONTO LOCATION
Located at 4711 Yonge Street in North York, we serve clients throughout Toronto and the GTA. We offer both in-person and virtual consultations.
Smithen Family Law
The Story of a Survivor Who Became an Advocate,
Turning Hard-Earned Wisdom Into a Family Law Practice Defined by Integrity and Humanity
Kathryn’s life has been shaped by hardship, survival, and the determination to rebuild even when the world felt unforgiving.
Her journey through trauma, loss, rebuilding, and profound personal change gives her an understanding of family law that few lawyers ever develop. She knows what fear feels like, what uncertainty does to a person, and how heavy it is to protect yourself and your children alone.
That lived truth guides her to meet every client with empathy instead of judgment, clarity instead of confusion, and strength that never intimidates. Kathryn offers more than legal representation. She provides reassurance, stability, and the sense that someone finally stands with you, not against you.
Family Lawyer & Advocate
How We Protect You
Support for Every Chapter of Your Family Law Journey
Family law is overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone.
Our work is strategic, steady, and trauma-informed, designed to deliver clarity, safety, and confidence when life feels most uncertain.
Stories of Strength
What Our Clients Say
The most meaningful measure of our work is the lives rebuilt along the way. These stories reflect courage, trust, and the quiet victories that matter most when navigating family law and personal transformation.
She Worked Hard and Stayed With Me Through Everything
K. Smithen was attentive, professional, and dedicated throughout my case. She listened, answered all my questions, and fought for the best interests of me and my child. Her compassion and hard work made a difficult process easier. I strongly recommend her.
M.O.
Her Guidance Helped Me Feel Protected and Supported
Ms Smithen is professional and cares for her clients. I was able to focus in my situation and rely all the legal stuff to her. Due to her knowledge, I was able to secure a home for my kids. She offers good advice and makes sure the job gets done. Her rates are fair and the quality of her job is excellent. She is prompt to respond even on weekends or evenings. During the worst time of my life I felt protected and care for. Without her I would have been a mess. She is strong communicator and when in court she has a great presence and makes you feel comfortable in an unfamiliar environment. When sick you call a doctor. With a divorce you want her representing you.
L.K.
Her Team Supported Me Through Every Step With Grace.
Kathryn listened carefully to my situation and made me feel safe and supported. She and her team worked diligently, guided me with grace, and helped me stay focused during a difficult time. Her professionalism, strength, and compassion made a tremendous difference. I strongly recommend her.
WY Chan
Dedicated, Empathetic, and Truly Exceptional Representation.
Kathryn is dedicated, understanding, empathetic, and incredibly sharp. She represented me in family court with outstanding attention to detail. I felt heard, validated, and fully supported throughout the process. I am forever grateful for her hard work and commitment to my case.
MCF
Her Compassion and Integrity Helped Us Stand Again.
My divorce was extremely difficult, but Kathryn helped us land on our feet. She handled my case with exceptional compassion, professionalism, and attention to detail, protecting me and my children at every step. I am deeply grateful for her integrity and dedication. She is truly the right lawyer in hard times.
Asta Velyviene
She Helped Me Protect My Son and My Future.
Kathryn guided me through my divorce and child custody case with compassion and constant support. She kept me informed, answered every question, and helped me secure a fair agreement that protected my son’s special needs. Her judgment, creativity, and dedication made a difficult process manageable.
Paula Goncalves
Where Strength Meets Compassion
You Don’t Have to Face This Alone.
Whether you need immediate guidance or space to understand your options, we’re here to support you with clarity and compassion. Reach out, and let’s take the first step toward safety and resolution, together.
In the Public Eye
Featured Insights,
and Media
Kathryn’s voice and experience have resonated widely, shaping conversations on justice, trauma, and resilience. Explore published articles, interviews, and case perspectives that reflect both her expertise and her lived truth.
How Lawyers Are Portrayed in Literature and Movies
How Lawyers Are Portrayed in Literature and Movies
Beyond the Blue Dress: Letter to the Editor of Vanity Fair Magazine
Beyond the Blue Dress: Letter to the Editor of Vanity Fair Magazine
Crime and Punishment for Youth in Canada: Letter to the Editor of the Toronto Star
Crime and Punishment for Youth in Canada: Letter to the Editor of the Toronto Star
Why I Went to Law School – Ontario Bar Association’s Campaign of the “First 100 Why I Went to Law School” Stories
Why I Went to Law School – Ontario Bar Association’s Campaign of the “First 100 Why I Went to Law School” Stories
Law Times Top Newsmakers in 2011
Law Times Top Newsmakers in 2011
We are the Dead: Months’ long Maclean’s investigation into domestic violence in Canada
We are the Dead: Months’ long Maclean’s investigation into domestic violence in Canada
As Seen In
National Media
Your Next Step Starts Here
You Don’t Have to
Face This Alone
Whether you need immediate guidance or space to understand your options, we’re here to support you with clarity and compassion. Reach out, and let’s take the first step toward safety and resolution, together.
