About Us...

Patricia has studied at the University of Toronto, Queen’s University, Osgoode Hall Law School. She graduated with a law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School (first year law school was studied at Queen’s University) and she earned an Honours Joint Specialist Degree in Philosophy and Political Science from the University of Toronto. Since her call to the Ontario Bar in 2004 Patricia has practiced exclusively in the area of family law representing clients province-wide in the Ontario Court of Justice, the Superior Court of Justice and in numerous lawyer assisted mediation-arbitrations.

Patricia is a member of the Peel Law Association, the International Professional
Women’s Association, she is recognized by “Marquis Who’s Who” as a notable
professional and most recently as a professional woman of notoriety because of her
contribution to the legal community and to professional women. In addition, she has
won awards for professional excellence and her contribution to family law in general for
the past four years. Together with running a busy practice, Patricia has lectured at the
Ontario Bar Association on the complex legal issue of paternity and child support in
short/non-existent parental relationships, she is a regular guest on a weekly radio talk
show that discusses a number of relevant topics including the merits and pitfalls of
alternative dispute resolution and managing difficult parties and lawyers, “Straight Talk
Family Law Radio”, she also lectures high school and college students in career studies
and over the past nine years has actively mentored college and university students as
they pursue a career in the legal field.

Authored papers include:
- The Use of Forensics and DNA in Building and Dismantling Court Cases
- The Future Use of DNA Forensics in the Courtroom
- A personal research project includes investigating and writing an independent medicolegal
paper creating a diagnostic and treatment model on the development and
treatment of PTSD in child victims of severe parental alienation
- In a more academic stream, various papers Patricia has explored and written on the
impact to international security, economies of scale, and the possibility of civil
insurrection stemming from geo-political/global unrest and the interwoven relationship
between unlikely partners in geo-political struggles. This focus on international
relations is a personal interest she focuses on when taking a break from the law

Vian earned her Law Clerk Diploma from Humber College in 2003. Two years later in 2005, Vian and Patricia met and began working together in a family law firm in Mississauga until late in 2006 when Vian embraced an opportunity to work for two prominent Toronto family law firms until she rejoined Patricia when Nelson Family Law opened its doors to the community in 2008. Together they have developed the processes and procedures Nelson Family Law is known for to this very day.

Vian brings a wealth of unparalleled experience to her work. She is knowledgeable in preparing complex Financial Statements and analyzing the opposing side’s Financial Statements, she understands and navigates court procedures to ensure documents are prepared, served and filed in a timely manner, she is invaluable when called upon to assist in complex court appearances, she works closely with all clients as their matter proceeds along its process. Our clients will undoubtedly admit Vian is an ever present pillar of strength and the sound of reason as they travel along their journey.

Vian’s accolades are far more prominent than on the job accomplishments. She is a member of the Institute of Law Clerks of Ontario (ILCO), she regularly participates in continuing education through formal course programs and independent study, she is a Commissioner of Oaths for the firm and she is fluent in five languages.