Michael Stangarone, Family Law Attorney in the United States
Dedicated family law attorney.
Practices in
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Quick answer
Michael Stangarone is an attorney based in Toronto, ONTARIO. The practice focuses on Family Law.
- Based in
- Toronto, ONTARIO
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Family Law
- Handles Family Law matters from Toronto, ONTARIO.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Family Law (2026).
About Michael Stangarone: Michael Stangarone is an attorney based in Toronto, ONTARIO. The practice focuses on Family Law.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Michael takes on
Michael concentrates on family law. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Family Law cases nationwide
Michael takes family law 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Michael Stangarone — family law lawyer in the U.S.
Michael Stangarone is an attorney based in Toronto, ONTARIO. The practice focuses on Family Law.
Michael Stangarone is a partner at MacDonald & Partners LLP, where he has practiced exclusively in the area of family law since 2005. He was called to the Ontario Bar after earning his LLB at the University of Western Ontario. He regularly appears at all levels of court in Ontario, including the Ontario Court of Justice, the Superior Court of Justice and the Court of Appeal, and has developed an expertise in cases involving international child abduction. Michael’s practice includes all areas of family law including complex property and support matters, inter-jurisdictional support and custody/access issues, international abduction (Hague Convention and non-Hague Convention) cases, mobility issues, appeals, and custody and access disputes. He has authored numerous articles for legal education programs and various publications, and is a popular speaker at legal education programs. Michael is a contributing author to the books written by MacDonald & Partners LLP, including Handling a Family Law Matter and Family Law Arbitration in Canada, and he has been quoted in various family law articles including in The Lawyers Daily, Canadian Lawyer Magazine, The Law Times and Toronto Sun. Michael is a Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers.Experienced Family Law Lawyer.
Michael Stangarone is a Family Law lawyer and passionate advocate for justice and fairness for families and Family Law litigants.
Joined MacDonald & Partners LLP as an associate in 2005 and became a partner in 2011.
Called to the Ontario Bar after earning his LLB at the University of Western Ontario, and an undergraduate degree in Political Science from the University of Toronto, with distinction.
Practice includes all areas of family law including complex property and support matters, inter-jurisdictional support and custody/access issues, international abduction (Hague Convention and non-Hague Convention) cases, mobility issues, appeals, and custody and access disputes.
Strong and leading litigator and advocate at all levels of Court in Ontario with many reported decisions.Specific expertise in the area of international child abduction involving Hague and non-Hague Convention countries, with many reported decisions in this area including but not limited to Geliedan v. Rawdah, Balev v. Baggott, Vantriet v. Ogutu, Singh v. Ramotar, Usmani v. Hassan, and Daji v. AlNaser.
Effective, strong and reasonable negotiator, invoking alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, (mediation and mediation/arbitration) to reach successful resolution of complex Family Law matters. Michael has been recognized by his peers as a leading Family Law Practitioner and has been awarded as a 2020 Canadian Legal Lexpert® Ranked Lawyer.
Passionate Advocate,Regularly appears at all levels of court in Ontario, including the Ontario Court of Justice, Ontario Superior Court of Justice and the Ontario Court of Appeal, and has developed an expertise in cases involving international child abduction.
Author of numerous articles for legal education programs and various publications. Presented on the issue of International Child Abduction under the Hague Convention. Has authored numerous articles for legal education programs and various publications and is a contributing author to the books written by MacDonald & Partners LLP, including Handling a Family Law Matter and Family Law Arbitration in Canada.
Member of the Law Society of Ontario, Advocates' Society, Ontario Bar Association and Canadian Bar Association
Michael's approach to family law cases
Michael Stangarone is a partner at MacDonald & Partners LLP, where he has practiced exclusively in the area of family law since 2005. He was called to the Ontario Bar after earning his LLB at the University of Western Ontario. He regularly appears at all levels of court in Ontario, including the Ontario Court of Justice, the Superior Court of Justice and the Court of Appeal, and has developed an…
The kind of cases Michael takes
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for family law matters in the United States.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Michael has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Family Law
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Family Law (2026).
Locations
Michael Stangarone's office in Toronto
Michael's primary office is at 155 University Avenue, Suite 1700, Toronto, Ontario. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Michael Stangarone
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Michael Stangarone — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new family law attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael'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; Michael will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a family law attorney in your state
A short list to run through before you commit: How many family law 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 Michael
Michael discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in family law practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every family law 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. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Michael's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many family law practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Michael Stangarone
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a family law case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Michael offer a free consultation?
Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some family law attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do family law cases in this state typically take?
Simple family law 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. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Michael take my case if I'm outside the area?
Michael evaluates matters case by case. If the venue is outside Michael'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 Michael?
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. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Michael accepting new family law clients right now?
Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.