Birch Law
1 lawyer · Durham Region
One of 91 law firms listed in Oshawa, and one of 47 handling Family Law.
About Birch Law
Birch Law is a family law practice built entirely around unbundled, or limited scope, legal services. Instead of a full retainer that covers an entire case, clients hire the firm for specific pieces of help, whether that's reviewing a document, one legal coaching session, or a single court appearance. The firm points to research finding that most people in family court represent themselves, and that even limited legal assistance improves outcomes for self represented litigants. Appointments are held in Whitby, Oshawa, Barrie, Niagara, and Peterborough, backed up by virtual meetings, and the combined team of lawyers and clerks has more than 25 years of family law experience.
Birch Law was co-founded by Stephanie Ostrom, who has practiced exclusively in family law for more than 14 years and has appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice and the Ontario Superior Court on custody, property, and support matters. Family lawyer Keshia Maloney, who grew up in Oshawa, joined the practice after more than a decade in retail customer service and management, and went on to earn a law degree from the University of Leicester. The firm's own name shows up in its branding too: it calls its pricing commitment the Cost Transparency Guarantree.
Practice areas
Milestones & recognition
- Stephanie Ostrom co-founded Birch Law with Amelia Yiu to offer unbundled family law services to self represented individuals who can't afford full representation during separation or divorce.
- Ostrom has practiced exclusively in family law for more than 14 years, appearing before the Ontario Court of Justice and the Ontario Superior Court on custody, property division, and spousal support matters.
- In 2023, Ostrom won the Durham Region Law Association's Honourable Justice Brian Shaughnessy Award, recognizing contributions to the legal community.
- In 2025, Ostrom received the Ontario Volunteer Service Award from the Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism.
- One of the firm's lawyers holds a National Committee on Accreditation Certificate of Qualification from the Federation of Law Societies of Canada.
In the community
- One of the firm's lawyers has volunteered pro bono legal assistance for more than 10 years to Luke's Place, a nonprofit that supports women who have left abusive relationships, and sits on its Legal Advisory Board.
- The firm's lawyers belong to the Durham Region Law Association, the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers, and the Women's Law Association of Ontario.
Good to know
Wheelchair accessibleFees & payment
Flat feeLawyers 1
Offices 2
The neighbourhood
Birch Law doesn't work out of one flagship office. Appointments happen in Whitby, Oshawa, Barrie, Niagara, and Peterborough, and virtual meetings are available for clients who'd rather not travel to any of them at all. That spread fits how the firm works: a client books in for one specific piece of help, a document review, a coaching session, a single hearing, so there's no need to funnel everyone through a single downtown address.
Frequently asked questions
- I'm representing myself in a divorce or separation. Can Birch Law help?
- Yes, that's who the firm is built for. Birch Law offers document review, legal coaching, document drafting, mediation support, and limited representation at specific court appearances, so clients only pay for the piece of help they actually need.
- How much does it cost to work with Birch Law?
- It depends on the service. A lawyer's time is billed at $325 an hour and a law clerk's at $150 an hour, Independent Legal Advice is a flat $650 plus HST, and limited court representation starts at $1,500 plus HST depending on the court schedule. Notarizing and filing court documents are flat fees of $60 and $80.
- What is Independent Legal Advice (ILA) and when do I need it?
- ILA is usually required before signing an agreement your ex's lawyer drafted. A Birch Law lawyer reviews the agreement with you, explains your rights and obligations, and provides a certificate confirming you received independent advice, typically in one meeting.
- Can Birch Law go to court for me if I'm handling most of my case myself?
- Yes, through limited court representation. A lawyer appears at a specific hearing on your behalf, helps you get ready beforehand, and talks through next steps afterward, while you continue handling the rest of the case yourself.
- Does Birch Law help with mediation?
- Yes. The mediation support service helps clients plan a strategy before mediation, prepare documents, and review a Memorandum of Understanding afterward.
- Where is Birch Law located, and can I meet virtually?
- Birch Law holds appointments in Whitby, Oshawa, Barrie, Niagara, and Peterborough, and also offers virtual meetings across Ontario for clients who'd rather not travel.
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Notary & Commissioner ServicesListing compiled from the firm’s public website in September 2026. Verify licence status in the Law Society of Ontario directory ↗