Joel Miller is a Partner at Ricketts Harris LLP and the Chair of the firm’s Family Law Practice Group.

Joel represents clients in all aspects of Family Law including Collaborative Law, complex custody and child support cases, spousal support issues, division of property, marriage contracts, separation agreements, business issues relating to separation, and other related court proceedings. He has spoken on Family Law subjects at various National Family Law Conferences.

There is very little that Joel hasn’t been involved in on behalf of his clients or has encountered in his over 40 years of practice of successfully settling most of the family law disputes he encounters. Not only has he dealt with contentious cases in Canada, but he also has experience in dealing with matrimonial assets in foreign jurisdictions. Joel brings experience, the respect of his peers and the courts, compassion, and humanity to his work.

“Too often in family law matters people are faced with having to make decisions swiftly and when emotions are running high. Those decisions may have far reaching impact and often, once made, are difficult to change. I see my role as one of helping clients analyze the situation they're facing and then presenting to them options for steps they can take. Many times those options aren't attractive, but after looking at each one the client can at least make a thoughtful decision as to what to do next. In this way, each client is best able to use family law to help them achieve their goals as best as possible in the circumstances.” (Joel Miller)

Joel enjoys an excellent reputation as one of the leading Family Law lawyers in the City. He gets results. He’s had the opportunity of appearing before all levels of the court in Ontario on behalf of clients including successfully, the Ontario Court of Appeal. He has also been appointed by a Bench and Bar Committee of the Superior Court to be a Dispute Resolution Officer for the Superior Court of Ontario, Family Division, in Toronto, a position he currently holds. As a practical, strategic thinker who can provide strong leadership in emotionally charged situations Joel is able to cut through complexities and destructive opposing arguments to provide clarity for informed decisions that lead to the best possible outcome.

Joel’s practice focuses on resolving issues to the best advantage of his clients and attempts to do so without unnecessarily escalating any costs or ill-will amongst the parties. He has long recognized that many Family Law disputes can be resolved before trial and has great success in full disclosure and good faith negotiation. His reputation has been built on proven mediation ability, imaginative thinking, a sensible approach, and strategic insight as to the best interests of all involved. Above all, he is an excellent listener. One tactic Joel employs in separation dispute resolution is to draw-out, where possible, areas of common concern for both parties in an attempt to reach as broad a mutual agreement as a reasonable approach to the matter will allow.  He tries to find an equitable, dignified, efficient, and cost effective severance of a couple’s matrimonial affairs and assets without rushing to court. However, when necessary, he’ll act swiftly in court to address immediate concerns and help clients gain control over their lives and achieve their best possible outcome.

Joel provides a secure and dignified process within which to discuss and effectively resolve the many parenting and financial issues that come with a family breakdown. He provides the benefit of strong working relationships with other professionals and experts such as child specialists, parenting coaches, and financial specialists who can be included into negotiations when needed.

By involving other members of the Ricketts Harris staff where appropriate, Joel uses a team approach to client services so that work can be performed in the most cost effective way consistent with client objectives.