Tomlinson Law

09/24/2026

A little update from Tomlinson Law:

Over the coming weeks, I’ll be transitioning away from Facebook and, eventually, closing this page.

As my practice and professional interests continue to evolve, I’ve found myself wanting more space to actually write—to share thoughts on family law, advocacy, access to justice, community issues, and the work that matters to me—rather than simply posting about my business.

LinkedIn feels like a better home for that next chapter.

If you’ve followed this page, worked with me, crossed paths with me professionally, or simply want to stay connected with what I’m writing and working on, I’d love for you to follow along with me on LinkedIn.

I’ll keep this page active for a little while during the transition, but eventually Tomlinson Law will be saying goodbye to Facebook.

Thank you to everyone who has followed and supported this page over the years. 🤍

08/27/2026

Recently, as a result of a horrendous case involving some of the most heart-wrenching facts imaginable, postpartum mental health has been discussed extensively across social media.

And once again, despite advancements in science, education, awareness and available resources, we are having a conversation about whether a woman was failed by the very systems created to help her.

You have heard that phrase from me before: “the system created to help her.”

Because this conversation reaches far beyond postpartum mental health.

It echoes conversations I have had repeatedly about intimate partner violence, the gaps that exist within our systems, and what happens when the systems designed to protect vulnerable people fail to recognize risk until after tragedy occurs.

I have said before that too many of our systems are reactive rather than preventative.

We respond to tragedy. We investigate after the harm. We ask what went wrong when it is already too late.

What I have spoken about less is the perspective of one of the people working within a system that is supposed to help.

Those of us working within these systems have knowledge, experience and perspectives that matter. Yet, too often, we remain quiet. There are professional obligations that appropriately constrain what we can say. There are confidentiality obligations that I take extraordinarily seriously. There are boundaries that must exist.

But respecting those obligations does not require silence about systemic problems.

And fear of criticism should not require silence either.

Over the last several years of my career, I have deliberately immersed myself in case law, legislation, research and education concerning intimate partner violence, coercive control and their intersection with family law. I have watched the law evolve. I have watched our understanding evolve. And I have also seen how much work remains to be done.

The same must be true of postpartum mental health.

Awareness after tragedy is not enough.

We need education before the crisis.
We need resources before the breaking point.
We need professionals who recognize warning signs.
We need systems capable of communicating with one another.
We need to listen when women tell us that something is wrong.

And we need the courage to examine where our systems fail—even when doing so is uncomfortable.

My role as a lawyer does not prevent me from having an opinion about those systems.

It gives me a unique perspective from which to advocate for them to be better.

I will continue advocating for greater awareness of intimate partner violence. I will continue advocating for meaningful conversations surrounding postpartum mental health. I will continue talking about gaps in our systems, deficiencies in available supports, and opportunities for education, prevention and reform.

And yes, speaking publicly about difficult issues can attract criticism.

Advocacy can make people uncomfortable.

Calling attention to systemic problems can make you unpopular.

And being a lawyer who is prepared to advocate firmly and unapologetically can occasionally make you a target.

That will not make me quiet.

I know my professional obligations. I know the boundaries within which I am required to practise. I also know my value, my skills, my knowledge and my ability to advocate effectively, efficiently and, when necessary, aggressively.

I am incredibly proud of that part of myself.

So, while I will always respect the confidentiality entrusted to me and the professional responsibilities that come with being a lawyer, I will not confuse professionalism with silence.

I am not done learning.

I am not done advocating.

And I am certainly not done speaking about the things that need to change.

If that means standing a little closer to the fire, that’s okay.

I can dance for hours in the blazing heat.

07/16/2026

Due to the continued extreme risk to the general public resulting from the current air quality, and in the interest of protecting the health and safety of our staff and clients, our office will be closed today. Staff will not be required to work remotely, allowing them the opportunity to focus on their own health and the wellbeing of their families.

We are hopeful that conditions will improve and that regular business hours will resume on Monday.

If you are currently awaiting correspondence, materials, or a response from Ms. Tomlinson that was anticipated this week, please be assured that she remains committed to addressing all matters as diligently as possible, in order of urgency and priority. However, the current air quality conditions may result in unavoidable delays, and we appreciate your patience and understanding.

For our existing clients: While we appreciate that legal matters often require flexibility and accommodation, if you believe your matter requires immediate attention or has become more urgent, you are encouraged to proactively contact Laurie during our operating business hours to arrange an appointment so that your file can be reviewed accordingly.

Thank you for your understanding, and we encourage everyone to prioritize their health and safety during this period.

07/15/2026

UPDATE:

The health and safety of our staff and clients remains our top priority.

Due to the impact of the current outdoor forest fire smoke on the air quality, and as our office is located adjacent to the building's exterior entrance, the indoor air quality has been significantly affected despite our best efforts. As such, our team will be working remotely for the remainder of the day.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we prioritize the health and safety of our staff.

Thank you,

Tomlinson Law

06/26/2026

This is an opportunity to meet with a lawyer, receive legal information, and better understand your family law matter and available options.

Accessing legal representation has become increasingly difficult, leading to more individuals navigating the family court system without counsel.

While Tomlinson Law is not accepting new retainers, we remain committed to supporting our community by sharing information about valuable legal resources. Initiatives like the Women’s Family Law Legal Clinic improve access to justice by allowing individuals to speak with a lawyer, ask questions, and make informed decisions about their next steps.

If you or someone you know could benefit from this service, contact Alicia to learn more about eligibility and scheduling.

Upcoming Legal Clinics💜

Community Connection Centre is proud to offer two monthly legal clinics to support survivors of gender-based violence.

Held at Community Connection Centre (390 Bay St), these clinics provide trauma informed advice and information on topics such as tenant rights, navigating eviction processes, the Family Court process, and legal supports available.

✨Women’s Housing Rights
Wed. July 8, 2026
11:00am-4:00pm

✨Women’s Family Law
Mon. July 20, 2026
11:00am-7pm

To learn more or book your consultation directly, please contact Alicia at 249-356-5080.

06/13/2026

🐛 Introducing Our “Worry Worms” 🐛

We know that meeting with a lawyer isn’t always easy.

Sometimes it’s your very first appointment and you’re feeling overwhelmed. Sometimes it’s the tenth appointment and you’re simply exhausted by the process. Sometimes you’re sitting quietly while your lawyer’s brain and fingers are moving at lightning speed, taking notes, reviewing documents, and trying to solve problems all at once.

Whatever brings you through our doors, we recognize that legal matters can be stressful.

That’s why we’ve added these little Worry Worms to our office. 💛

While they were originally intended with our child clients in mind, we’ve quickly discovered that adults love them just as much. Every client—young or old—is welcome to take a Worry Worm if they need one. Hold it, squeeze it, tell it your worries, or simply keep it nearby during your appointment. Sometimes the smallest comforts can make a difficult conversation feel a little easier.

We are committed to creating a space where our clients feel supported, heard, and cared for—not just legally, but as people.

A special thank you to Treasure Trove and Wendy Agnew for creating these custom Worry Worms for our office. They have been such a hit that we’re already preparing to place another order!

05/31/2026

FREE online parenting program for parents and caregivers in Algoma, Timiskaming, Cochrane, Simcoe and Muskoka

05/29/2026

05/23/2026

Trigger Warning | Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)

I wrote a book! 🙈📕

As you may or may not be aware, over the last 10 months, I've been on a journey to authorship. Since I was 16 years old, I've dreamed of publishing a novel. It's been my longest dream, and perhaps to me, my most important.

I hinted last summer that I was writing again in my stories. And much to my dismay, my MKP supporters pushed for more. You wanted details about what I was writing, why I was writing, and you wanted to read the final product. I am certain that if it wasn't for all of you, this dream would have never come to fruition. So thank you for being my biggest advocates and supporters of the little 16-year-old girl who used to write stories on lined sheets of paper in her twin-sized bed.

Last night, I had the honour of photographing and speaking at the 2nd Annual Victim Services of Algoma Gala. It was my first speaking engagement as an author (it feels weird to say that!). While working on my speech, I was able to properly conceptualize how this novel came out of my photography career.

Over the last decade, I've had the privilege of getting to know the people within the Algoma district on a much more intimate level through my camera. My clients have shared stories with me that have inspired me, wounded me, and transformed me in ways I didn't think possible. But it's the stories about intimate partner violence (IPV) that have struck a chord with me most, and lead me to my current writing journey.

With my clients' permission, I have woven their tales of courage, resilience, and bravery into my debut, self-published novel, The Scars that Bind Us. This novel deals heavily with IPV through the main character of Kaydence Fletcher. My clients' emotions, mental health struggles, and harrowing journeys within abusive relationships are detailed in a way that is meant to shed light on the silent epidemic that is IPV and give a voice to those who are often voiceless.

Last night's gala was difficult. The stories from survivors and statistics plaguing are community were hard to swallow. I may have also bawled my eyes out during my speech when confronted with the surviving family members of Angie Sweeney, a victim of the femicide that happened in October of 2023 - the catalyst for my very novel. But one thing was certain at that gala: we are surrounded by incredible supporters, workers, and members who are actively trying to break the cycle and end the stigma around IPV.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for helping me realize a dream that I thought I had lost somewhere during my adulthood. We're never too old to keep dreaming. 💚💚

If you'd like to read the entirety of my speech, it is now available on my blog: https://www.meaghankentphotography.com/blog/i-wrote-a-novel/

If you are interested in purchasing a copy of my novel when it releases on June 15 2026, you can subscribe to my author website at www.meaghankentwrites.com and will be notified when it becomes available.

05/23/2026

There’s something deeply disappointing about watching women tear down other women — especially in spaces that were created to support and empower mothers.

Just over a year ago, whilst in labour with my daughter, I became the topic of discussion in a moms group after someone asked for recommendations for a lawyer “willing to stand up to me.” What followed included false allegations about me and my practice, personal attacks, and even comments about my appearance. The critcism even extended to my office decor.

Apparently, displaying a quote from the Honourable Ruth Bader Ginsburg stating, “Women belong in all places where decisions are being made,” a “boss lady” nameplate, and a Rupi Kaur poem about women learning their worth was considered offensive, overwhelming, or too much.

But here’s the thing — I stand by every single one of those pieces.

As a young mother of two who continued advocating for clients throughout both pregnancies instead of taking maternity leave, I know exactly how difficult it can be to exist as a woman in professional spaces. I also know the scrutiny that comes with being outspoken, ambitious, and unapologetically confident.

The comments didn’t upset me. I know who I am. I know what I stand for. I know the work I quietly do behind the scenes for clients, families, women, fathers, and children. I do not need validation from strangers on the internet to continue doing meaningful work.

But what did stick with me was this:

We need to do better teaching our children — not just our daughters, but our sons too — that powerful women are not something to mock, fear, or diminish.

As an aunt to four incredible nieces, a mother raising a son who I hope grows into a man who respects and uplifts women, and a feisty one-year-old daughter who is absolutely going to move mountains someday, I will proudly continue displaying every “boss bitch” quote in my office.

Because yes — I am a boss bitch.

And so is every single client who walks through these doors terrified, anxious, heartbroken, and trying to rebuild their life anyway.

To all the strong women, resilient mothers, survivors, professionals, caregivers, and fighters out there:

Tomlinson Law sees you.

Tomlinson Law supports you.

And Tomlinson Law will always make space for women to take up room unapologetically.