Atty. Martha A. McCarthy

Atty. Martha A. McCarthy

Martha was called to the Bar in Ontario in 1991, winning the Silver Medal and the Family Law and Advocacy Prizes. She has practised family law since her call, first in a large Bay Street firm, then at a large specialist boutique, and now with her own firm.

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Profile Summary

About Martha A. McCarthy at a glance

Martha A. McCarthy is a family law and adr attorney, practicing at McCarthy Hansen & Company LLP. Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Family Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Family Law Mediation (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026).

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Martha was called to the Bar in Ontario in 1991, winning the Silver Medal and the Family Law and Advocacy Prizes
  • She has practised family law since her call, first in a large Bay Street firm, then at a large specialist boutique, and now with her own firm
  • Though Martha’s practice focuses on all aspects of family law, she has regularly advocated on behalf of same-sex couples
  • Martha’s work in M. v
  • H., Halpern, and the Same Sex Marriage Reference resulted in equal marriage and widespread amendments to federal and provincial legislation for same-sex couples
  • Martha has also been actively involved in same-sex parenting rights, including a case which achieved legal recognition for a three parent family
  • Martha is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and the International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, a board member of The Advocates’ Society, and has instructed trial advocacy at the University of Toronto law school for more than a decade
  • She has received numerous awards, including the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Conference Hero Award from the Canadian Bar Association (1999), the Ontario Bar Association Award of Excellence in Family Law (2007), the Hope and Freedom Award by the Metropolitan Community Church for her contribution in the progress towards equality (2010) and the Law Society Medal (2013) for outstanding service within the legal profession

Practice Areas Explained

Martha A. McCarthy's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Martha A. McCarthy handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Family Law

Family law attorneys handle divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, prenups, and protective orders. Find verified family lawyers near you.

Martha A. McCarthy is one of 187,066 family law attorneys indexed nationally. Browse family law attorneys →

Mediation & Arbitration

Mediators and arbitrators for civil, commercial, family, and employment dispute resolution.

Martha A. McCarthy is one of 73,906 adr attorneys indexed nationally. Browse adr attorneys →

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Martha A. McCarthy

What practice areas does Martha A. McCarthy handle?
Martha A. McCarthy focuses on family law, adr. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in their licensed jurisdictions.
How can I contact Martha A. McCarthy for a consultation?
You can contact Martha A. McCarthy directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Martha A. McCarthy received?
Martha A. McCarthy's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Family Law; Best Lawyers in America — Family Law Mediation; Best Lawyers in America — Awards:; Best Lawyers in America — Law Society Medal (2013); Best Lawyers in America — Hope and Freedom Award (2010).

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Family Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Family Law Mediation
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Law Society Medal (2013)
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Hope and Freedom Award (2010)
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Conference Hero Award -CBA (1999)
- 2026
Lawyer of the Year — Family Law, Toronto (Canada)
- 2024
Lawyer of the Year — Family Law, Toronto (Canada)
- 2016
Lawyer of the Year — Family Law, Toronto (Canada)
- 2012

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