John P. Schuman, C.S., Child and Family Law

Specialties

John is a Certified Specialist in Family Law. He is a respected family lawyer, education lawyer, children’s rights lawyer, mediator, arbitrator and Collaborative Lawyer. John has earned the respect of his clients, judges, mediators and arbitrators for his sensible approach to resolving family law issues, his concern for children, and his understanding of complex financial matters. At paragraph 71 of a court decision, click here, Justice Sherr wrote «Mr. Schuman’s conduct in this case is an example of what lawyers are supposed to do in difficult cases.»

John handles family law cases in relation to child custody, child access, child support, spousal support, property division. He also acts in child protection cases (cases involving children’s aid societies. John also does a significant amount of work in education law — helping students who are victims of bullying, have special needs, are being wrongfully suspended or expelled, or need an advocate at their school or in the education system.

John is also a paramedic and helps fellow first responders with legal problems.

The mainstream media has recognized John’s expertise and turns to him when it needs a top lawyer in the areas of family law and children’s rights. John has appeared on: CBC/​Radio Canada, the Ward and Al Show on Canada Talk Radio, Family Matters with Justice Brownstone (also see this page), DivorceSource Radio, Real Estate 101, and To Your Success. John is also the host of the Ontario Family Law Podcast.

History

Established in 2001.

John has always practised in the areas of family law and children’s rights. He articled at a prominent Toronto litigation firm. After John was called to the bar in 2001, he practised at a firm known for its work in children’s legal issues and family law. He was also counsel for a children’s aid society before joining a prominent Toronto family law litigation boutique. He joined Devry Smith & Frank in 2009, where he practices mostly in the area of family law, but also heads up the Education Law group, advocating on behalf of children.

John has litigated before every level of court in Ontario, several tribunals and the Supreme Court of Canada. Several of John’s cases have been reported in law reports. John’s cases involving children’s rights have been reported in the national media.

John has been a paramedic since 1992 and has helped other paramedics, police officers and fire fighters with their legal problems since he became a lawyer.

Meet the Business Owner

John S.

Business Owner

John is a Certified Specialist in Family Law and has been practicing family law and children’s rights law since 2001. Before that, John articled in family law and clerked for a family court judge. John has his LL.M. from Queen’s University in children’s law. His thesis on the questioning of child witnesses remains a leading resource for lawyers and investigators.

John is the author of «A Guide to the Basics of Ontario Family Law», the Child in the Courtroom chapter of Wilson on Children and the Law, and the Child Protection chapter in «Evidence in Family Law.» He has also been the author of many articles in refereed law journals on issues related to family law, health law and children’s rights.

Outside of the practice of law, John has been a paramedic since 1992. He is also an avid swimmer, cyclist and father.