Business Details
15 Years
experience
Trusted Family & Estate Law Services in Toronto
Founded in 2011, Sheard Law has been dedicated to providing compassionate and strategic legal representation in Toronto's Danforth community. Our practice focuses on family law and estate matters, guided by the principle that effective legal solutions require both technical expertise and a deep understanding of our clients' personal circumstances. With over 18 years of experience since admission to the Ontario Bar in 2005, our lead counsel John Sheard combines legal acumen with a background in English literature to offer clear communication and tailored strategies. We prioritize early resolution of disputes while maintaining readiness for court proceedings when necessary, always focusing on realistic outcomes that align with our clients' unique needs.Our firm maintains a client-centered approach by limiting case volume to ensure personalized attention, fostering a calm environment that helps de-escalate emotionally charged situations. Through transparent billing practices and industry-leading case management software, we provide detailed documentation of all services rendered. Our commitment extends beyond legal technicalities to address the human elements of each case, including emotional dynamics and family relationships, particularly in matters involving children. With a track record of resolving over 1,000 cases, we combine proven experience with innovative approaches to legal problem-solving while maintaining strict adherence to professional ethics and client confidentiality.
Services
Family Law
Estate Administration
Probate Services
Separation Agreements
Divorce Proceedings
Wills Challenge
Spousal Support
Child Custody
Financial Disclosure
Court Representation
Details
- Year established: 2011
Highlights and features
- We offer 18+ years of specialized experience in Ontario family law and estates
- Our approach prioritizes conflict avoidance while maintaining readiness for court
- We implement transparent billing with detailed time tracking software
- Our team limits case volume to ensure personalized client attention
- We combine legal expertise with understanding of emotional family dynamics
What people say
Extremely responsive
Transparent billing practices
Compassionate and attentive
Kept costs down
Dedicated professionalism
Services
Family Law
Our family law practice addresses divorce, separation, and child custody matters with strategic legal guidance. We help clients navigate complex emotional situations while protecting their rights and interests. Our approach emphasizes early resolution through negotiation while maintaining readiness for court proceedings when necessary, always prioritizing clients' long-term well-being and financial considerations.
Estate Administration
We provide comprehensive estate administration guidance, helping executors fulfill their legal obligations. Our services include will validation, asset distribution, and dispute resolution. We assist clients with probate applications and executor responsibilities while minimizing potential conflicts between beneficiaries through transparent communication and legal compliance.
Separation Agreements
Our firm specializes in drafting and reviewing separation agreements that protect clients' rights. We ensure proper financial disclosure and negotiate fair terms for property division, spousal support, and child custody arrangements. Our agreements are carefully crafted to withstand legal scrutiny while addressing the unique circumstances of each client's situation.
Wills Challenge
We represent clients contesting wills or defending estate claims. Our litigation approach balances aggressive advocacy with practical advice about potential outcomes. We guide clients through complex legal procedures while helping them understand the evidentiary requirements and potential consequences of challenging estate documents.
Child Custody
Our child custody services focus on creating parenting plans that serve children's best interests. We help establish legal decision-making authority and parenting time schedules. We guide clients through Ontario's evolving family law framework while addressing practical considerations related to children's education, healthcare, and emotional well-being.
People
John Sheard
Counsel
John Sheard is a Toronto-based legal professional with 18 years of experience since being called to the Ontario Bar in 2005. He specializes in family law and estate litigation, having graduated from Queen's University Law School in 2004 and earned an Honors B.A. in English from the University of Toronto in 2001. His unique background enables clear legal communication and strategic problem-solving for complex cases.
Questions
What areas of law does Sheard Law specialize in?
We focus on family law matters including divorce, separation agreements, child custody, and spousal support, as well as estate administration, probate, and will challenges.
How does Sheard Law approach conflict resolution?
We prioritize early resolution through negotiation and mediation while maintaining readiness for court proceedings when necessary, always focusing on realistic outcomes that align with clients' needs.
What can I expect during my initial consultation?
Your initial consultation will involve discussing your specific situation, identifying objectives, and receiving practical legal advice about your rights and potential options for moving forward.
How are legal fees structured at Sheard Law?
We offer transparent billing with hourly rates starting at $495+HST for lead counsel, estate administration starting at $4,500+HST, and support services at $50/hr+HST with detailed time tracking.
Do you serve clients outside Toronto?
While based in Toronto's Danforth community, we serve clients throughout the Greater Toronto Area and can provide remote consultations when appropriate.
Reviews (5)
Nicholas Waddell
Mar 26, 2021
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Extremely professional and genuinely concerned for his clients, Mr. Sheard is truly one of a kind. He offers advice that keeps those he serves at the forefront. Highly recommended.
Michelle De Freitas
Oct 28, 2020
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I was getting a divorce and John was highly recommended to me by a friend. I was extremely pleased with the way he handled the processing of my divorce. He was very personable but also kept me informed while keeping costs down which I really appreciated. He definitely eased the stress that came with my divorce and I would highly recommend him.
Sabrina Qi
Oct 05, 2020
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Divorce is one of the most stressful thing in the world . I was really upset & lost , when I started my divorce . Luckily, I found John to be my lawyer .. He is not like some other lawyers that tried to get you into a bigger fight with the other side ( which might cost you much more money but not getting much more from the separation ). He analyze my situation ;he give me very professional suggestion & he helped me resolve my divorce quickly with reasonable expenses . I am so grateful for his passion, dedication, and professionalism
Heather Mackay
Jun 29, 2020
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Positive:Professionalism,Responsiveness
Confident and knowledgeable. Helped my
family and me as we went through the processes of family court with honestly and clarity. A good legal alley to have on your side.
Confident and knowledgeable. Helped my
family and me as we went through the processes of family court with honestly and clarity. A good legal alley to have on your side.
Ariana Bregasi
Jul 21, 2019
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I first called John because I thought the office was close to mine and I knew I was going to have lots of appointments there. From the first call he gave me great practical and useful advice and that carried through the whole process. He sticks to the facts, is very thorough, honest, works fast and is outstandingly knowledgeable of the law. When you go to him its probably not the best time of your life, but everyone in the office is very compassionate and kind, and you can feel that you have someone really on your side. Because of downtown traffic the office was not as close as I had estimated
