Tomlinson Law

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.

05/16/2026

I recently spoke at a conference about IPV and family law. I spoke about the 2021 amendments to the Divorce Act, which expanded the definition of family violence to include intimate partner violence and non-physical forms of abuse, including coercive and controlling behaviour. At the time, the Supreme Court of Canada’s decision in Ahluwalia was still pending, and the tort itself had not yet been formally recognized. However, I discussed the significant impact the case already had on the definition of family violence.

A few days later I had a reminder set for 9:45 a.m. that Friday — waiting for the release of the decision.

This new tort matters. It recognizes the profound and often lifelong harms caused by abuse within intimate relationships and creates a separate avenue for remedies beyond the confines of traditional family law rulings. While family courts appropriately consider IPV when determining the best interests of a child, the effects of IPV extend far beyond parenting determinations — impacting victims psychologically, emotionally, physically, and financially, including through non-matrimonial losses that often remain uncompensated.

This was an important and necessary decision.

Major recognition belongs to the Honourable Justice Renu Mandhane of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, whose original decision first recognized this tort. Although the Court of Appeal rejected it, the majority of the Supreme Court of Canada ultimately agreed that this cause of action should exist.

Well done.

05/14/2026

Recently, the Office of the Auditor General of Ontario released an independent audit examining the Family Responsibility Office’s systems, policies, and enforcement processes relating to court-ordered child and spousal support obligations.

For many family law lawyers, the findings are unfortunately not surprising. The report highlights longstanding systemic issues that continue to impact both support recipients and support payors across Ontario.

Among the findings:

• On average, it took FRO approximately 8.5 months to register cases and issue a first support payment through the system;

• 22% of cases took longer than one year to register;

• Despite policies requiring wage garnishment in all eligible non-compliant cases, only 80% of non-compliant payors had garnishments in place as of March 31, 2025;

• Enforcement practices were found to be inconsistent, even in similar circumstances, despite the existence of internal policies and guidelines;

• As of March 31, 2025, FRO was holding approximately $14.1 million in overpayments — including monies collected beyond what was owed due to inconsistent processes and procedures.

While much of the public discussion surrounding FRO focuses on enforcement against payors, the audit also highlights the importance of fair, transparent, and consistent administration for everyone involved in the system.

At Tomlinson Law, we certainly have our own opinions and experiences when dealing with FRO matters. However, the purpose of sharing this audit is ultimately to educate the public — both recipients and payors alike. Many of the issues raised in court proceedings involving arrears, enforcement, delayed payments, overpayments, and compliance may not stem from misconduct by either party, but rather from the significant systemic issues and procedural gaps identified within FRO itself.

Read the full report here.

Our audit examined FRO’s systems, processes and policies to enforce court-ordered child and spousal support obligations in compliance with legislation. We also looked at how accurately FRO accounted for and distributed funds from support payors to recipients, made use of its human resources, and e...