Stephanie Ostrom
Stephanie Ostrom is a family lawyer and co-founder of Birch Law, a family law office that offers unbundled services to self-represented individuals so they can get professional legal help without handing over their entire case. As a lawyer practicing exclusively in family law for the past 14 years, she discovered that most people in family court or going through a separation represent themselves. She co-founded Birch Law with Amelia Yiu to support these individuals by providing accessible legal information and limited retainers for those unable to afford full legal representation during separation or divorce.
Stephanie has practiced exclusively in family law for over 14 years. Her litigation experience includes appearances before the Ontario Court of Justice and Ontario Superior Court, and extends to multiple levels of the family court system, including custody claims, complex property division and spousal support issues. She has also participated in mediation and arbitrations.
She co-founded Birch Law with Amelia Yiu to support self-represented individuals by providing accessible legal information and limited retainers for those unable to afford full legal representation during separation or divorce.
Stephanie firmly believes that the best thing about being a family lawyer is helping people through a traumatic experience. She works hard to ensure her clients receive everything they are entitled to through the Family Law Act and/or the Divorce Act. She particularly appreciates the challenge of defending someone who is without a voice, helping that individual be heard.
Areas of Focus
- Separation and divorce
- Marriage contracts (e.g., prenuptial agreements)
- Common law or domestic partnership agreements
- Spousal support/alimony
- Child custody (decision making and parenting time)
- Adoption
- Property division (equalization and trust claims)
- Negotiating settlements
Geographic and Market Focus
Birch Law serves families who wish to represent themselves in family law issues. In-person and virtual services are available for families throughout Ontario, including Whitby, Oshawa, Durham Region, Niagara Region, Peterborough, and other areas across Ontario.
Credentials and Education
- Specialized Honours Bachelor in History from York University (2009)
- Juris Doctor (JD) from Queen’s University (2011)
- Over 14 years of experience exclusively in family law
Associations and Recognition
- Recognized as a top Family Law Lawyer for multiple consecutive years (3 Best Rated, Reader’s Choice Awards)
- Won the Durham Region Law Association’s The Honourable Justice Brian Shaughnessy Award, recognizing her contributions to the legal community in 2023
- For over 10 years, she has volunteered pro bono legal assistance to Luke’s Place, an award-winning, non-profit organization that helps women who have left abusive relationships
- Member of the Legal Advisory Board for Luke’s Place
- Awarded the Ontario Volunteer Service Award by the Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism in 2025
Unique Approach and Philosophy
Whether through amicable negotiation of separation agreements or litigation in the family court system, Stephanie guides families through the legal process with thoughtfulness and compassion. She strategizes with her clients, using her in-depth knowledge of the family law landscape to safeguard their rights. She constantly advocates for her clients’ best interests during a challenging time. By passing along her knowledge of the law and steering individuals through the separation process, Stephanie feels like she empowers them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who does Birch Law typically work with?+
Birch Law focuses on family law issues for clients in the Ontario area. Because of our unique approach, offering unbundled services to individuals who want to represent themselves, we typically work with people who can handle some parts of their case themselves. When individuals want help with specific aspects of their case, we help them decide what services would benefit them during their intake call.
What does "unbundled" services mean?+
Instead of hiring a lawyer for your whole case, you can hire our lawyers for specific services. Some examples include reviewing a document, filing documents with the court, or helping you prepare for court. This unique approach allows clients to stay in control and pay only for the services they need.
What services does Birch Law provide?+
We provide document review; legal coaching sessions to help you understand the legal process and understand your rights; legal document drafting; mediation support; legal research and opinions; independent legal advice; limited court representation; document notarization and commissioning; and filing court documents.
What are your prices?+
Prices depend on how complex the work is, and how long it takes. Some services have an hourly rate while others are a flat fee. We’ll always tell you the price before we start. We are committed to transparent pricing.
Can I hire you again later?+
Yes! Many clients start with one service and add more later as their case progresses. You are only committed to the service you request each time.
Do you only work with married people?+
No. We work with people who have never been married, people who have lived together, and people who never lived with their partner.