- Sherman Law LLP

 

 

Aubrey J. Sherman, B.A., LL.B., AccFM, AccIM, CODR

Family Lawyer, Divorce Lawyer, Accredited Family Mediator in Waterloo Region

Over two decades of dedicated and responsive legal services to individuals and families in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph and across Ontario

 

Helping families in Waterloo Region and across Ontario reduce conflict and resolve legal disputes

 

 

Aubrey J. Sherman - Sherman Law LLP, Family/Divorce Lawyer in Kitchener-Waterloo

 

 

 

Managing Partner/Lawyer

Senior Partner with over 20 years of experience

Facilitator/Negotiator and Advocate

Accredited Family Mediator (OAFM)

Accredited Intergenerational (Elder) Mediator (OAFM)

Child-Inclusive Roster Mediator (OAFM/NavOn)

Alumnus of the Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School

Certified Collaborative Practitioner (OACP/IACP)

ODR Specialist - Certificate in Online Dispute Resolution (FDRIO)

Integrative Law Practitioner & Conscious Contracts® Practitioner

 

"Conflict does not have to define a family's future. With thoughtful guidance, informed decision-making, and respectful dialogue, even the most difficult transitions can become opportunities for lasting resolution."

- Aubrey J. Sherman

 

Connect

[email protected]

519-884-0034 X 24

(he/him/his)

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CONNECT WITH AUBREY TODAY!

 

 

Aubrey J. Sherman - Best Business of 2026 ThreeBestRated for Divorce and Estate Planning Community Votes Kitchener Waterloo - Best Business of 2026 Platinum - Estate Lawyers; Platinum - Mediation Services; Platinum - Kitchener-Waterloo Lawyers - Platinum presented to Sherman Law LLP Community Votes Kitchener Waterloo - Best Business of 2026 Platinum - Estate Lawyers; Platinum - Mediation Services; Platinum - Kitchener-Waterloo Lawyers - Platinum presented to Sherman Law LLP Community Votes Kitchener Waterloo - Best Business of 2026 Platinum - Estate Lawyers; Platinum - Mediation Services; Platinum - Kitchener-Waterloo Lawyers - Platinum presented to Sherman Law LLP

 

Why Work With Aubrey?

 

Aubrey J. Sherman offers a thoughtful and experienced approach to family law—one grounded in skilled advocacy, collaborative and practical problem solving, and solutions designed with his clients' futures in mind. He takes the time to understand the people behind the legal issues, while providing the knowledge, strategic advice and advocacy clients need to move forward with confidence. 

 

Aubrey believes that strong advocacy and an approachable, resolution-focused style should go hand in hand.

 

  • Advocacy begins with understanding. Excellent advocacy is about more than winning an argument. It requires understanding what is really at stake for each client and helping them find a path forward. Aubrey brings together a combination of family law advocacy and dispute resolution expertise that is rarely found in one practice: more than two decades of family litigation experience combined with extensive professional training and expertise in family mediation, negotiation, collaborative practice and conflict resolution.
  • Clear and practical advice. Aubrey translates complicated legal issues into understandable options, risks, and next steps to help clients make informed decisions.
  • Honest assessment of risk and options. Aubrey provides candid advice about the strengths and weaknesses of a position, the potential costs of litigation, and whether another approach may better serve his client’s interests.
  • Experience shaped by respected mentors. Aubrey had the privilege of learning from and being mentored by respected leaders in family law and dispute resolution. Those experiences have shaped his approach to advocacy, negotiation and complex legal issues, and reinforced his belief that strong representation can coexist with constructive, less adversarial approaches to resolving family disputes.
  • A focus on resolution when it makes sense. Family disputes do not always need to become courtroom battles. When a resolution outside of court is appropriate, Aubrey helps clients look beyond the immediate legal dispute and consider the financial, personal and family dynamics that can shape the right solution.
  • Strong advocacy when litigation is necessary. When court proceedings are required, Aubrey draws on more than 20 years of experience to provide strategic and effective advocacy. His approach extends beyond the immediate court proceeding, with careful consideration of his clients' legal interests, family circumstances and long-term goals.
  • A commitment to education and mentorship. Aubrey has contributed to the education and professional development of others through teaching, mentoring, and speaking engagements in family law, mediation, negotiation and dispute resolution. His involvement in legal education reflects his commitment to sharing his experience and contributing to the next generation of legal professionals.

  • A thoughtful approach to complex disputes. Aubrey brings extensive family law experience, strategic insight and an empathetic approach to complex and high-conflict matters. He helps clients understand their options, assess what matters most, and determine the most appropriate path forward.

 

Whether you are facing conflict with a family member, planning your estate for the next generation, or seeking a more respectful way to resolve a dispute relating to separation or parenting, Aubrey provides knowledgeable family law, divorce, parenting, and estate planning guidance focused on protecting your legal interests while considering the people and relationships that matter most.

 

LET'S DISCUSS YOUR SITUATION

 

Family Lawyer, Divorce Lawyer & Accredited Family Mediator in Waterloo Region

 

Family law is about more than knowing the law. It is about understanding people, relationships, competing priorities, and what is at stake for the future.

 

Aubrey brings over 20 years of experience in family law advocacy together with extensive training and accreditation in family mediation, negotiation, collaborative practice, and conflict resolution. His goal is to help clients understand their options, make informed decisions, and choose a path forward that protects what matters most to them and their families.

 

A recognized leader in family dispute resolution, Aubrey is an alumnus of Harvard Law School's Program on Negotiation and Mediation, an Accredited Family Mediator (AccFM), an Accredited Intergenerational (Elder) Mediator (AccIM), and a Fellow of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP). He also holds a conflict management and mediation certificate from the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies at Conrad Grebel University College at the University of Waterloo and dispute resolution certification from the ADR Institute of Ontario. Aubrey has completed specialized training in Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and domestic violence screening. 

 

Aubrey uses his expertise across both consensual dispute resolution and family litigation to assist clients to understand the law and to consider which resolution process will help them achieve their goals.

 

Helping Families Move From Conflict to Resolution

 

Aubrey's objective is to assist his clients to make thoughtful decisions about how to resolve their disputes while considering the legal, financial, personal, and family consequences of those decisions.

 

His approach is grounded in the belief that conflict can change when we move from fighting to win toward curiosity, understanding and shared problem solving. The goal is not to avoid difficult conversations, but to approach them differently—with perspective, patience and a willingness to find a path toward resolution.

 

Aubrey works with his clients to move beyond an approach focused on winning the immediate dispute and instead consider what a workable resolution looks like for the future. Through counsel-assisted negotiation, family mediation, and collaborative divorce, he helps clients have difficult conversations, understand each other's concerns, identify what truly matters, and develop practical solutions.

 

A Family Lawyer Who Looks at the Bigger Picture

 

Aubrey takes the time to understand the circumstances surrounding each client's legal problem. Family disputes are rarely just about one issue. A parenting disagreement may be connected to financial concerns. A property dispute may affect long-term security. Decisions made during separation may shape family relationships for years to come.

 

His role is to assist his clients to make thoughtful decisions with both the immediate problem and the future in mind.

 

Where appropriate, Aubrey works alongside financial professionals, parenting and mental health professionals, child specialists, tax advisors, accountants, corporate counsel, and other trusted professionals. This collaborative and integrative approach provides clients with a more complete understanding of the issues they are facing and the available options to resolve disputes.

 

Child-Focused Family Law

 

For parents, separation is not simply a legal process. It is a major transition for the entire family.

 

Aubrey takes a child-focused approach to parenting disputes and encourages parents to consider what will provide their children with stability, clarity, and where appropriate, a healthy relationship with both parents.

 

He assists parents to address parenting responsibilities, decision-making, schedules, communication, and financial support, including the development of practical Parenting Plans that can provide greater certainty as families adjust to life after separation.

 

Aubrey's intention is not simply to resolve today's disagreement, but to help parents consider arrangements that may work as their children and circumstances change.

 

Experienced Advocacy When Litigation is Necessary

 

Not every family dispute can be resolved outside the courtroom. 

 

When court proceedings become necessary, Aubrey provides strategic advocacy while continuing to focus on practical solutions and the long-term interests of his clients. Aubrey balances strong advocacy with practical strategy, considering cost, timing, and the impact of litigation on each family.

 

Aubrey brings more than two decades of experience representing clients in complex family law litigation to the benefit of his clients, including disputes involving property and asset division, support, parenting and decision-making for children, and matters involving corporations, family businesses, trusts, estates, and significant assets.

 

He provides strategic, rigorous, and focused advocacy. His extensive expertise in negotiation and dispute resolution informs his litigation strategy that includes early evaluation of cases, careful preparation, and continued exploration of dispute resolution opportunities even after court proceedings have begun—when doing so is in the best interests of the client and their family.

 

Legal Advice That Understands People

 

Aubrey's practice is built around a guiding belief: good legal advice is about more than knowing the law—it is about understanding people.

 

Family disputes are rarely only legal matters. Separation and divorce can involve financial decisions, parenting concerns, relationships and significant life transitions.

 

Aubrey's two decades of extensive experience in negotiation, family mediation, collaborative practice, and family litigation provides his clients with the benefit of a broader perspective when deciding how to approach their legal challenges. He works with clients to understand their options, assess the risks and opportunities, and make informed decisions about the best approach for their situation and long-term goals.

 

Aubrey's intention is not simply to resolve a legal dispute. It is to help clients move forward with greater clarity, confidence, and a solution that works not only today, but for the future.

 

BOOK A CONSULTATION WITH AUBREY

 

Estate Planning & Probate Lawyer in Kitchener-Waterloo

Wills, Trusts and Estate Administration

 

Aubrey assists individuals and families with estate planning, including, wills, trusts, and powers of attorney.

 

Effective estate planning may involve family relationships, business interests, personal values, wealth transfer, and decisions about future care. Aubrey helps clients consider these issues and create estate plans that provide greater clarity for themselves and their families.

 

For business owners, he assists with succession planning, working with accountants, corporate counsel, and other professional advisors where appropriate to address ownership and leadership transitions.

 

Aubrey also assists estate trustees and executors with estate administration, including probate, court applications, and the legal responsibilities involved in administering an estate.

 

Leadership Beyond the Practice

 

Aubrey's commitment to family law extends beyond his work with clients. Aubrey is a Faculty Advisor for Osgoode Hall Law School's Family Law Practice Skills Certificate Program where he provides mentoring to students in family law in areas of advocacy, client management, and working with opposing counsel. He is Vice-President of the Ontario Association for Family Mediation. He also served for a decade on the Board of Directors at Family and Children's Services of the Waterloo Region, contributing to governance, strategic planning, executive leadership recruitment, and equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives.

 

Osgoode Hall Law School Professional Development recently featured Aubrey and his role as a Faculty Advisor with the Certificate in Family Law Practice Skills. Read more about it here.

 

Recognized for Excellence in Family Law, Mediation & Estate Planning

 

Aubrey has been annually recognized by ThreeBestRated® and has received multiple Platinum and Gold awards through Community Votes Kitchener-Waterloo for family law, estate law, and mediation. These recognitions reflect Aubrey's longstanding commitment to thoughtful legal guidance, strategic advocacy, and effective dispute resolution.

 

Three Best Rated

 

Community Votes Kitchener-Waterloo
  • 2026: Platinum - Kitchener-Waterloo Lawyers  | Estate Lawyers | Mediation Services
  • 2025: Platinum - Mediation Services & Estate Lawyers | Silver - Kitchener-Waterloo Lawyers
  • 2024: Platinum - Mediation Services | Gold - Estate Lawyers

 

 

Aubrey J. Sherman - Best Business of 2025 ThreeBestRated for Kitchener Divorce Lawyers and Kitchener Estate Planning LawyersAubrey J. Sherman - Best Business of 2026 ThreeBestRated for Kitchener Divorce Lawyers and Kitchener Estate Planning Lawyers Community Votes Kitchener Waterloo - Best Business of 2025 Platinum - Estate Lawyers; Platinum - Mediation Services; Silver - Kitchener-Waterloo LawyersCommunity Votes Kitchener Waterloo - Best Business of 2026 Platinum - Estate Lawyers; Platinum - Mediation Services; Platinum - Kitchener-Waterloo Lawyers - Platinum

 

 

Practise Areas

  • Family Law & Divorce Lawyer
  • Collaborative Divorce & Family Law
  • Collaborative Divorce Mediation
  • Family Mediation
  • Intergenerational (Elder) Mediation
  • Family Law & Divorce Dispute Resolution - Arbitration, Litigation & Out-of-Court Negotiations
  • Estate Planning - Wills & Trusts
  • Estate Administration - Probate

 

Education​

  • Navigating Onward/OAFM - Child-Inclusive Mediation, (Certificate, 2023)

  • Harvard Law School - Program on Negotiation, Negotiation Essentials (Certificate, 2023)

  • OAFM - Intergenerational (Elder) Mediation, 2022/2023

  • Harvard Law School - Program on Negotiation, Mediation and Conflict Management (Certificate, 2021)

  • Osgoode Hall Law School - Professional Development, York University - The Osgoode Certificate in Family Law Skills and Practice (Four-month intensive program) (Certificate, 2021)
  • University of Waterloo, Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies - Conrad Grebel University College, Conflict Management and Mediation (Certificates, 2020-2022)
  • OAFM - Advanced Family Mediation (Certificates, 2020/2021)
  • ADR Institute of Ontario – Dispute Resolution Levels 1 and 2 (Certificates, 2020)

  • University of Windsor, Faculty of Law, Bachelor of Laws (LL.B., 2004)

  • York University, Bachelor of Arts – Sociology (B.A., 2001)

 

Professional Accreditation

  • Accredited Family Mediator (AccFM) and Accredited Intergenerational (Elder) Mediator (AccIM) with Ontario Association for Family Mediation (OAFM)

  • Certified Collaborative Practice Legal Professional (OACP/IACP)

  • ODR Specialist - Certificate in Online Dispute Resolution (CODR), FDRIO

 

Professional Training

  • IACP Dedicated Zoom Seminar - Bargaining in the Shadow of the Heart: Integrating Emotional and Intellectual Intelligence in Collaborative Practice, Instructor: Stephen H. Sulmeyer, J.D., Ph.D., (Certificate, 2023)
  • Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC), Engaging Cultural Differences and Communities in IPV Cases, (Certificate, 2022)
  • IACP Global Virtual Institute - Collaborative Mediation, Instructor: Stephen H. Sulmeyer, J.D., Ph.D., (Certificate, 2022)
  • IACP Global Virtual Institute - Handling the Very Challenging Collaborative Case, Instructors: Pauline Tesler, B.A., M.A., J.D. and Nancy J. Ross, B.A., M.S.W., LCSW, BCD, who is a co-founder of the Collaborative Divorce model, (Certificate, 2022)
  • IACP Global Virtual Institute - Understanding and Managing Resistance in Collaborative Divorce, Instructor: Dr. Deborah Gilman, Ph.D. (Certificate, 2022)
  • The Conscious Contracts® Process in Family Law - Introduction, Instructors: J. Kim Wright, N. Kopping-Pavars, J. Gallant, 2022
  • Osgoode Hall Law School - Professional Development, York University - Evidence in Civil Litigation, 2022
  • Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC), Advanced Issues for Family Law and Dispute Resolution Professionals (Certificate, 2021)

  • Collaborative Family Law Training and Skills Development (Formerly Levels 1 and 2), (Certificate, 2021)
  • University of Waterloo, Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies – Conrad Grebel University College, Dispute Resolution Level 2 – Mediation (Certificate, 2020)
  • University of Waterloo, Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies – Conrad Grebel University College, Dispute Resolution Level 1 – Fundamentals (Certificate, 2020)
  • Family Mediation Training Canada - Advanced Family Mediation - Insight Approach (Picard), Advanced Family Mediation - Interest-Based Approach (Fisher/Ury), Fundamentals of Family Mediation, Family Relations, Power Imbalances and Domestic Violence - OAFM approved course content designed by Jennifer Suzor LL.B., AccFM, and Madam Justice L. Madsen of the Ontario Court of Appeal (Certificates, 2020/2021)
 

Awards & Achievements

  • Platinum Award - Kitchener-Waterloo Lawyers, Community Votes Kitchener-Waterloo, 2026
  • Platinum Award - Estate Lawyers, Community Votes Kitchener-Waterloo, 2025-Current
  • Platinum Award - Mediation Services, Community Votes Kitchener-Waterloo, 2024-Current
  • Silver Award - Kitchener-Waterloo Lawyers, Community Votes Kitchener-Waterloo, 2025
  • Gold Award - Estate Lawyers, Community Votes Kitchener-Waterloo, 2024
  • Top Three Divorce Lawyers, City of Kitchener, ThreeBestRated, 2018-Current
  • Top Three Estate Planning Lawyers, City of Kitchener, ThreeBestRated, 2016-Current
  • Dean McLaren Writing Prize – Windsor Review of Legal and Social Issues, University of Windsor, Faculty of Law, 2003
  • Member of the Dean's Honour Roll with Merit/Distinction, York University, Faculty of Arts, 1998-2001
  • Academic Scholarship, The London Telecom Group, 1998-2001
  • Entrance Scholarship, York University, Faculty of Arts, 1998

 

Professional Affiliations

  • Program on Negotiation, Harvard Law School, Executive Education, Alumnus (PON)

  • International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP)

  • Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC)
  • Collaborative Professionals of Canada (CPC)
  • Ontario Association of Collaborative Professionals (OACP)
  • Collaborative Divorce of Waterloo Region (Best4All)
  • Collaborative Practice Peel Hamilton Halton (CPPHH)
  • Family Dispute Resolution Institute of Ontario (FDRIO)

  • Ontario Association for Family Mediation (OAFM)
  • ADR Institute of Ontario (ADRIO)
  • Waterloo Region Law Association
  • Law Society of Ontario (LSO)
  • Canadian Bar Association (CBA)
  • Ontario Bar Association (OBA)

 

Community Involvement &

Speaking/Presenter Engagements

  • Moderator and Co-Presenter: "Setting up LGBTQIA+ Families for Success: Inclusive and Welcoming Mediations", Mediation Matters - Celebrates Pride Month, Ontario Association for Family Mediation, 2025
  • Faculty Advisor - Skills Workshops, The Osgoode Certificate in Family Law Skills and Practice, Osgoode Hall Law School  - Professional Development, York University, 2025-Current
  • Board of Directors - Director and Vice-President, Member Complaints Committee, Professional Standards Committee, Ontario Association for Family Mediation (OAFM), 2023-Current
  • Board of Directors - Director, Executive Committee, Chair of Equity Committee, Family and Children’s Services of the Waterloo Region, 2016-2026
  • Presenter: "Crossing the Cultural Divide: Practical Ways Lawyers and Mediators can Better Work Together for the Benefit of the Public", Ontario's Family Law Limited Scope Services Project, Ontario Association for Family Mediation, Law Pro, and the Winkler Institute for Dispute Resolution, 2022
  • Ad-hoc Committee Member, "Best Practices Guide - Independent Legal Advice in Family Mediation", Ontario's Family Law Limited Scope Services Project, Ontario Association for Family Mediation, Law Pro, and the Winkler Institute for Dispute Resolution, 2022
  • Presenter: "Regional Round-Up: Key Updates for Family Law Proceedings across Ontario", Ontario Bar Association - Family Law Section, Young Lawyers Division, 2022
  • Board of Directors - Director, Toronto People With AIDS Foundation, 2006-2008
  • Legal Clinic Volunteer, The 519 Community Centre, Toronto, 2005-2007

Year of Call

2005, Ontario

 

A little bit more about Aubrey

Outside the office, Aubrey enjoys an active and intentional life centered on wellness, creativity, and community. He enjoys group fitness, yoga and mindfulness, and values time spent entertaining family and friends. He is also a regular supporter of the Kitchener Farmers' Market, enjoys tending to his garden, exploring antique markets on weekend trips, and taking on home and interior design projects.