Ruso & Associates
Family Law
WHAT WE DO
About

ABOUT US

Ruso & Associates is a boutique family law firm in the Greater Toronto Area with offices in Richmond Hill and Oakville. Vincenzo Ruso is a skilled litigator who has practiced family law for over a decade. He founded the firm in 2009. Since then, the firm expanded to a team of five lawyers and continues to grow. We have represented over 2000 clients, each with their own story, circumstances and needs. Ruso & Associates has the experience, resources and skills required to resolve all types of family law disputes. Our lawyers provide high-quality services with integrity and work to efficiently resolve your case, whether by advocating on your behalf in court, mediating your matter or drafting your domestic agreement. We understand that family law matters can be especially difficult and strive to be readily available to our clients, including beyond the hours of 9-5. Dedication, compassion, client service and commitment are the core values of our firm.

About
Our Team
Our Team
Services

SERVICES

Ruso & Associates is a boutique family law firm based in Richmond Hill and Oakville. We advise clients on the following issues:

Spousal support

The Divorce Act and Family Law Act establish broad principles for spousal support. The length of the parties’ relationship, their financial circumstances, and roles fulfilled during the relationship may influence whether one spouse is entitled to support from the other. Spousal support payments have tax implications and can be structured in different ways.

Decision-making and Parenting time

Formerly known as “custody”, decision-making responsibility refers to the ability to make decisions about a child’s health, education and religion. Formerly known as “access”, parenting time is the time a child spends in the care of each parent after separation.

Child support

The federal and provincial Child Support Guidelines are regulations that set an amount of child support based on the number of children and the income of the payor. Other factors, including residential arrangements and needs of the children or parents, may influence the amount of support payable.

Divorce and separation

In a divorce proceeding, one or both spouses seek a divorce alone or together with claims for support, parenting issues or the division of property.

Property division

Under the Family Law Act (Ontario), married spouses are subject to a property division regime called the “equalization” of net family property. Common-law spouses are not subject to the equalization regime, but have alternative ways of making claims for the fair division of assets.

Mediation

Mediation is an alternative dispute resolution process. The mediator acts as a neutral intermediary and works with the parties to narrow or resolve the issues in dispute. As a mediator, Vince brings valuable legal experience and insight to tailor creative resolutions to the needs of each family.

Agreements - Cohabitation & Marriage Contracts

Providing detailed guidance in the protection of one’s assets and support obligations prior to and/or during a cohabitation or marriage

Alternative Dispute Resolution

We represent clients in settlement negotiations, mediation and arbitration.

Services
clients

OUR TEAM

Vincenzo Ruso – Founder & Managing Partner

Vincenzo (“Enzo”) is the Founder of Ruso & Associates. Enzo has extensive experience in family law, including high-conflict parenting and support disputes, complex financial and property matters, mobility cases and domestic contracts.
A confident and experienced advocate, Enzo regularly appears in the Ontario Court of Justice and Ontario Superior Court of Justice. He represents clients in mediation, arbitration and litigation, as the case requires. While he offers strategic and efficient advice, Enzo also has the compassion and charisma to put both counsel and clients at ease.
Enzo completed his undergraduate degree at York University and his law degree at the University of Ottawa. As a student, Enzo was active in political campaigns and continues to participate on policy advisory committees.

Enzo prides himself on being readily available for his clients as he guides them through the inevitable transitions inherent in the family law process, providing sound legal counsel throughout. Dedication, client service and commitment are the core values of his firm.

Laura Oliver – Managing Partner

Laura has been a strong advocate in the courts for over 25 years. She has practiced exclusively in the area of family law since her call to the bar in 1997. After 25+ years of practice, Laura still loves what she does. Laura has attended before the Ontario Court of Justice, the Superior Court of Justice and the Ontario Court of Appeal and has dealt with all aspects of litigation. Laura does not view herself as a ‘litigator”, however; likes to think of herself as an advocate for her clients, helping them develop a plan and approach that is best suited to the individual client and his or her situation.

An experienced advocate outside of the firm, Laura is a member of the Ontario Bar Association, the Advocates’ Society, and the Family Law Co-Chair on the Executive of the Federation of Ontario Law Associations. She is also currently a Dispute Resolution Officer in Milton and a Small Claims Court Judge in Brampton.

Outside of work, Laura is an active member of the Oakville community, an avid traveler, squash player, snowboarder, and cyclist, consistently taking part in the Ride to Conquer Cancer every year. We are thrilled to have welcomed her to the R&A family in 2023.

Michael Bruno – Associate Lawyer

Michael is an Associate Lawyer at Ruso & Associates. He completed his Joint Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History at the University of Ottawa in 2010. He went on to complete a Master’s Degree in History at the University of Ottawa in 2012 before earning his Law Degree from Queen’s University in 2017. While attending Queen’s, Michael also obtained a Certificate in International Public Law from the Bader International Study Centre in the United Kingdom.

Michael practices in all areas of family law, with a particular focus on high conflict Decision-making and Parenting time disputes, complex property and equalization issues, child and spousal support and domestic contracts. A focused and pragmatic advocate, Mike is skilled at breaking down the complexities of the family law process. His composure puts clients at ease in high-pressure situations. He is particularly effective in defusing tension and setting realistic expectations for clients. Michael is excellent at providing solution-oriented, honest and direct advice.

In his spare time, Michael enjoys spending time with his spouse and loved ones, watching hockey, and walking his Brittany Spaniel, Lolita.

Erica Morassutti – Associate Lawyer

Erica received her Bachelor of Arts in Art History from McGill University and her J.D. from Queen’s University. Erica excelled in law school, where she won course prizes in Information Privacy and the Children’s Law Placement, coached the Walsh Family Law Appellate Moot and worked as a family law research assistant for Professor Mary Jane Mossman. Erica also volunteered in the Queen’s Prison Law Clinic, where she represented federal inmates in disciplinary court proceedings and specialized in domestic violence cases. Before joining Ruso & Associates, Erica summered and articled at a prominent family law firm in downtown Toronto.

Erica maintains a diverse family practice, including high-conflict parenting disputes, complex property division, support matters and domestic contracts. She has appeared in the Ontario Court of Justice and Ontario Superior Court of Justice and has assisted in cases before the Court of Appeal.

Clients appreciate Erica’s responsiveness and commitment to their cases. Persistent and precise in her approach, Erica is an energetic advocate who can guide clients through the court process and persuasively articulate their positions to ensure their rights are protected.

In her free time, Erica enjoys downhill skiing, art exhibitions and any film with an Ennio Morricone soundtrack.

Daniel Broadus – Associate Lawyer

Daniel completed his undergraduate degree at Laurier University, with a BA in Philosophy in 2016 and earned his law degree from Queen’s University, Faculty of Law, in 2019. After articling in the Litigation Services department at the Law Society of Ontario, he was called to the Ontario Bar in 2020. He is developing a broad practice in family and matrimonial law and is dedicated to client service. Daniel is extremely detail oriented and is particularly skilled at articulating complex and difficult legal issues to clients.

Outside of work, Daniel is an avid road cyclist and an average home cook. He loves a good story, and enjoys them equally well in novels, movies and video games. He also serves as a youth leader at his church.

Jordyn Cowley – Associate Lawyer

Jordyn received her Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Psychology and J.D. from Western University. Prior to joining Ruso & Associates, Jordyn spent the first five years of her career practicing as criminal defence counsel at a reputable firm in downtown Toronto. She has appeared in the Ontario Court of Justice and Ontario Superior Court of Justice, and has assisted on cases before both the Ontario Court of Appeal and Supreme Court of Canada.

Jordyn is developing a broad family law practice, inclusive of property division, support issues, and domestic contracts. She is particularly skilled at legal research and writing, and is dedicated to providing effective client service.

Outside of work, Jordyn is a hands-on mom to two girls and two dogs. In her spare time, she loves to attend concerts and travel the world.

Gabriela Mejia – Law Student

Gabriela is a law student at Ruso & Associates and a JD candidate at the University of Western Ontario. Prior to attending law school, Gabriela received her Honours Bachelor of Arts and Science in political science at the University of Toronto in 2017, and her Master’s in Public and International Affairs at York University in 2020.

Before joining Ruso & Associates as a law student, Gabriela worked as a junior family law clerk for the firm, serving as a liaison between the firm and its clients.

In her free time, Gabriela enjoys cooking, working out and spending time with friends and family.

Karin Salomon – Senior Law Clerk

Karin is the senior law clerk at Ruso & Associates and has been with the firm for nearly a decade. Karin completed her Honours Bachelor of Arts and Science at York University, with a double major in Psychology and a Certificate in Law and Society.

Karin has a thorough and seasoned understanding of Ontario’s family court system and legal procedure. She plays a critical role in preparing court documents, anticipating potential challenges before they arise, and ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the firm’s day-to-day functions. Karin understands the importance of maintaining an organized and client-oriented practice. She is extremely personable, charismatic and empathetic, helping clients feel comfortable and heard during difficult legal processes.

When not at work, Karin enjoys spending time with her spouse and children, hiking and kickboxing.

Fareesha Saheed – Law Clerk

Fareesha is a Law Clerk at Ruso & Associates. Fareesha completed a Diploma in Paralegal Studies at Humber College in 2016 and received her Paralegal License shortly after in 2017.

Prior to joining Ruso & Associates, Fareesha worked at boutique personal injury firms and has over four years of experience in accident benefits, providing the necessary support to a wide range of clients and cases. She now assists in the revision of client disclosure, the preparation of court documents, researches matter-specific issues and performs day-to-day administrative tasks. 

In her free time, Fareesha enjoys working out and spending time with her friends and family.

Natalia Kasiuk – Law Clerk

Natalia is a Junior Law Clerk at Ruso & Associates. She has completed her Honours Bachelor of Arts in Criminology with Minors in Psychology and Sociology.

Natalia serves as liaison between the firm and its clients, ensuring they are kept apprised of all case updates. She also assists in managing and reviewing client files, assembles case materials, researches matter-specific issues and performs day-to-day administrative tasks. 

In her free time, Natalia enjoys hiking, skiing, and spending time with friends and family.

Samantha Del Core – Legal Assistant

Samantha is a Legal Assistant at Ruso & Associates. She graduated from the University of Toronto with an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and minors in Philosophy and Ethics of the Law.

Before joining Ruso & Associates, Samantha worked in administrative roles at corporate and construction law firms.

Samantha provides valuable administrative support to the team, including the preparation and filing of court materials, disclosure organization and client management.

Outside of work, Samantha enjoys reading and spending time with her friends and family.

Julia Dell – Controller

Julia is the Financial Controller at Ruso & Associates.  She graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University in 2019 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, in addition to a Graduate Diploma in Accounting.  Julia successfully passed the CPA common final exam in 2020 and is a member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario.

Prior to joining Ruso & Associates, Julia worked at a large accounting firm in downtown Toronto. Julia has over three years of experience working in audit and financial reporting and has joined Ruso & Associates to aid with the overall financial wellbeing and management of the firm.  Julia further acts as a liaison between clients and lawyers to ensure an accurate and low-hassle billing process.

Outside of work, Julia enjoys theatre, skiing, exploring new restaurants and spending time with her friends.

clients

CONTACT US

Please contact us for more information about our services.