Michael Zalev, Family Law Attorney in the United States
Dedicated family law attorney.
Practices in
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Quick answer
Michael Zalev 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 Lawyer of the Year — Family Law, Toronto (Canada) (2023).
About Michael Zalev: Michael Zalev is an attorney based in Toronto, ONTARIO. The practice focuses on Family Law.
Areas of practice
Michael's practice areas in the U.S.
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
Michael Zalev, family law attorney serving the U.S.
Michael Zalev is an attorney based in Toronto, ONTARIO. The practice focuses on Family Law. Michael works from the U.S. and takes on family law matters across the region.
Michael is a skilled and strategic litigator, negotiator, and problem solver who provides tactical, sensible, and proactive advice to his clients. He meticulously prepares clients for mediations, hearings, arbitrations, and trials, taking the necessary time to explain the finer details of each case. He is experienced in dealing with cases at all levels of court, including the Divisional Court, the Ontario Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court of Canada.
As a partner at Epstein Cole, Michael’s practice focuses on family law and the defence of professional negligence claims against family law lawyers as Preferred Counsel for the lawyer's insurer, LawPRO. He regularly deals with complex family law parenting and financial issues involving appeals, contested facts, inter-jurisdictional matters, abduction, parent-child contact problems, stock options, private businesses, pensions, bankruptcy, and more. Michael works to minimize conflict, focusing on problem solving, loss prevention, and repairs, often working on behalf of LawPRO, lawyers, and other professionals.
Michael is an Associate Editor of the Reports of Family Law, and the co-author of "Franks & Zalev, This Week in Family Law", a weekly family law newsletter published in FamilySource by WestlawNext Canada. He has been appointed as a Dispute Resolution Officer for the Superior Court of Justice in Toronto. He is also the co-chair of the annual Walsh Family Law Negotiation Competition that is run by the Ontario Chapter of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, and he regularly presents at continuing legal education programs about family law and professional negligence issues.
Michael’s previous work as a clerk for the Judges of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice has given him unique insight into how contentious decisions are made in court and this experience has positively shaped how he approaches all legal matters. For Michael, the first step is determining how best to set up the case, build a factual record, and synthesize it all without sacrificing quality. He is quick to assess the state of any legal matter, effectively evaluating how to achieve the most desirable outcome for his clients.
How Michael handles family law matters
Michael is a skilled and strategic litigator, negotiator, and problem solver who provides tactical, sensible, and proactive advice to his clients. He meticulously prepares clients for mediations, hearings, arbitrations, and trials, taking the necessary time to explain the finer details of each case. He is experienced in dealing with cases at all levels of court, including the Divisional Court,…
Who Michael represents
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for family law matters in the United States.
Recognition
Michael's legal honors and published work
Michael has received 2 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Lawyer of the Year — Family Law, Toronto (Canada)
2023
Best Lawyers in America — Family Law
2026
Legal awards and honors
Lawyer of the Year — Family Law, Toronto (Canada) (2023). Best Lawyers in America — Family Law (2026).
Locations
Michael Zalev's office in Toronto
Michael's primary office is at 393 University Avenue, Suite 2200, Toronto, Ontario. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Michael Zalev
Michael has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
No reviews yet
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Michael Zalev — 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 Zalev
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.