Debra L. "Deb" Stephens, Trusts Attorney in the United States
Dedicated trusts attorney.
Practices in
Are you Debra L. "Deb" Stephens?
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Quick answer
Debra L. "Deb" Stephens is an attorney based in Toronto, ONTARIO. The practice focuses on Trusts. Currently practicing at Tupman & Bloom LLP.
- Based in
- Toronto, ONTARIO
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Trusts
- Handles Trusts matters from Toronto, ONTARIO.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Trusts and Estates (2026).
About Debra L. "Deb" Stephens: Debra L. "Deb" Stephens is an attorney based in Toronto, ONTARIO. The practice focuses on Trusts. Currently practicing at Tupman & Bloom LLP.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Debra takes on
Debra concentrates on trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case Debra handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Trusts cases nationwide
Debra takes trusts matters nationwide. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Debra agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Debra L. "Deb" Stephens — trusts lawyer in the U.S.
Debra L. "Deb" Stephens is an attorney based in Toronto, ONTARIO. The practice focuses on Trusts. Currently practicing at Tupman & Bloom LLP.
Debra Stephens is Counsel to WEL Partners and practices exclusively in the following areas: Passing of Accounts, Guardianship, Fiduciary appointments and representation, Estate administration and Mediation. She was called to the Bar of Ontario in 1982. Her practice initially focused on family, estate, trust and guardianship issues. Since 1998 she has specialized in estate litigation, administration and planning.
Debra has worked in private legal practice for most of her career. Prior to joining WEL Partners as Counsel, she practiced at Goddard Gamage Stephens LLP, a firm that specializes in estate and trust matters and guardianship and elder law. Before joining GGS, Debra was The Children’s Lawyer for the Province of Ontario. The Office of the Children’s Lawyer is responsible for providing legal services to children in various proceedings before Ontario courts and tribunals. Prior to her appointment as The Children’s Lawyer, Deb was with Schnurr Kirsh Stephens, a firm that also specializes in trust, estate and mental incompetency issues.
Debra is currently on the Executive of the Ontario Bar Association Trusts and Estates Section. Debra has been an adjunct professor with the University of Toronto Law School teaching estates and trust law, has taught the Estate Law Clerk programme at Humber College, and has lectured on estates, trusts and guardianship issues at Osgoode Hall Law School and for the Osgoode Professional Development programme. Debra is a frequent lecturer and has chaired programmes for the Law Society of Upper Canada, the Ontario Bar Association, regional Estate Planning Councils, and other professional and community organizations. Debra has also authored numerous articles related to estates, trust, insurance, guardianships, and family law.
Working with Debra on a trusts matter
Debra Stephens is Counsel to WEL Partners and practices exclusively in the following areas: Passing of Accounts, Guardianship, Fiduciary appointments and representation, Estate administration and Mediation. She was called to the Bar of Ontario in 1982. Her practice initially focused on family, estate, trust and guardianship issues. Since 1998 she has specialized in estate litigation,…
Clients Debra works with
Debra reviews new inquiries case-by-case for trusts matters in the United States.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Debra has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Trusts and Estates
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Trusts and Estates (2026).
Locations
Debra L. "Deb" Stephens's office in Toronto
Debra's primary office is at 372 Bay Street, Suite 2100, Toronto, Ontario. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Debra L. "Deb" Stephens
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Debra L. "Deb" Stephens — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new trusts attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Debra usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Debra charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Debra's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Debra will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a trusts attorney in your state
A short list to run through before you commit: How many trusts matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Debra
Debra discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in trusts practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every trusts matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Debra confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Debra's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many trusts practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Debra L. "Deb" Stephens
How much does it cost to hire Debra for a trusts case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Debra walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Debra offer a free consultation?
Debra charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Debra's office. Some trusts attorneys offer free consults — check Debra's current terms during booking.
How long do trusts cases in this state typically take?
Simple trusts matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Debra gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Debra take my case if I'm outside the area?
Debra evaluates matters case by case. If the venue is outside Debra's regular jurisdictions, the intake call will confirm whether direct representation or a referral makes more sense.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Debra?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Debra will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Debra accepting new trusts clients right now?
Debra's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.