About Alves Law
Alves Law is a family law firm based in Oakville, Ontario, with its office on Lakeshore Road East. Family law is the core of the practice, and the firm also handles residential real estate transactions and a narrower criminal defence practice built around assault and domestic assault charges, since the firm says these often surface alongside a family law dispute. A good part of the real estate work supports the firm's own family law clients through a sale, purchase, or refinance, and the firm also takes on real estate files for other firms' family law clients who are working through high conflict separations.
The team of five lawyers brings a mix of backgrounds. Emma Alves, the firm's namesake, studied political science and French translation at the University of Toronto, earned a law degree from the University of Melbourne, and was called to the bar in Alberta before Ontario. Another lawyer holds a Ph.D. in Family Law from Southwest University of Political Science and Law in China, was called to the Ontario bar in 2021, and has been recognized by courts in Canada for legal expertise in Chinese family law and procedure. The rest of the team includes a lawyer called to the bar in Saskatchewan before Ontario, and a lawyer who joined from a Hamilton family law practice in January 2026.
Practice areas
Not listed
Milestones & recognition
- Emma Alves, the firm's namesake, was called to the bar in Alberta in 2015 and in Ontario in 2018, and trained as a mediator in both provinces in addition to holding credentials as a barrister and solicitor.
- One of the firm's lawyers holds a Ph.D. in Family Law from Southwest University of Political Science and Law in China and an LL.M. from Osgoode Hall Law School, was called to the Ontario bar in 2021, has been recognized by courts in Canada for legal expertise in Chinese family law and procedure, and serves as an arbitrator with the Guangzhou Arbitration Commission and on two family law councils in China, with the Guangdong Law Society and the China Law Society.
- Another lawyer at the firm is collaboratively trained in family law, was called to the bar in Saskatchewan in 2014, and was called to the Ontario bar in 2016.
- The newest lawyer at the firm was called to the Bar of Ontario in 2024, articled with a full service firm in London, Ontario, and practised family law in Hamilton before joining Alves Law in January 2026.
In the community
- Alves Law says its community work includes seminars, written materials, and presentations meant to help people understand their legal rights and options before a legal problem turns into a crisis.
- The firm publishes a family law blog that tracks changes in Ontario family law, including the 2021 shift in the Divorce Act away from the terms custody and access toward decision-making responsibility and parenting time.
Good to know
Wheelchair accessible
Woman-owned
LGBTQ+ friendly
Virtual appointments
By appointment
In-person servicesLawyers 4
This firm’s lawyers at a glance
- Called to the bar
- 2018–2024 · median 5 years in practice 2 of 4 lawyers
- Law schools
- Osgoode Hall Law School, Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University, University of Melbourne, Western University 4 of 4 lawyers
- Languages on the roster
- English, Mandarin
Who handles what
The neighbourhood
Alves Law's office is at 235 Lakeshore Road East in Oakville. The Downtown Oakville Business Improvement Area, representing businesses in the town's downtown core, describes the area as a shopping and cultural district that's rich in history and heritage, home to more than 500 business members mixing retail, dining, and professional services.
The firm's reach goes well past Oakville itself. It serves clients in Burlington, Mississauga, Milton, Hamilton, Newmarket, and York Region as well, fitting a family law practice built around the wider Greater Toronto Area rather than one neighbourhood.
Frequently asked questions
- Does Alves Law handle divorce and child custody matters in Oakville?
- Yes. Family law is the firm's main focus, covering divorce, decision-making responsibility and parenting time (what used to be called custody and access), child support, spousal support, and property division, handled through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or litigation.
- I've been charged with assault. Can Alves Law defend me?
- The firm's criminal defence practice concentrates on assault and domestic assault charges, often for clients whose case also touches a family law matter. The firm reviews the evidence and the Crown's case to build a defence strategy.
- Can Alves Law help me buy, sell, or refinance a home during a separation?
- Yes. The firm handles residential real estate transactions and has particular experience acting for family law clients, including ones in high conflict separations, on a sale, purchase, or refinance.
- Does Alves Law offer free consultations?
- No. The firm charges for consultations, saying the fee reflects the time and preparation that goes into reviewing a situation and giving specific recommendations. Fee estimates are provided upfront, and fixed or hourly arrangements are both available depending on the matter.
- I already have a lawyer but I'm unhappy with them. Can I switch to Alves Law?
- Yes. The firm says clients have the right to change representation, and it will discuss a file transfer and work to minimize disruption to an ongoing case.
- Where is Alves Law located and what areas does it serve?
- The office is at 235 Lakeshore Road East in Oakville. The firm serves Oakville, Burlington, Mississauga, Milton, Hamilton, Newmarket, and York Region.
Where to find them
Suite 201, 235 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville, ON, Canada L6J 1H7 · 289-430-5078
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