Darlene Rites

Family Law Lawyer & Mediator

A Sensible and Effective Approach to Family Law

Darlene Rites is a personable, responsive, and results-focused lawyer and mediator who cares deeply about helping clients move on with their lives.

With over a decade of experience practicing family law, Darlene is equipped to handle even the most complex disputes. She is renowned for her practical advice, uniquely personal approach and child-focused philosophy.

Darlene is adept at using alternative dispute resolution techniques to achieve quick and positive outcomes in family disputes. She fervently believes in guiding clients to an early resolution that minimizes conflict, stress, and financial impact.

When a resolution cannot be reached through negotiation, Darlene brings her years of experience as a successful litigator to the courtroom, where she fights fiercely on behalf of her clients. A passionate and skilled advocate, she has litigated disputes at the Ontario Court of Justice, the Superior Court of Justice, the Ontario Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court of Canada.

Darlene is fluent in Portuguese and Spanish, and welcomes Portuguese and Spanish speaking clients.

In her free time, she enjoys competing in triathlons, travelling, and spending time with her family.

Accredited Mediator

In addition to her extensive litigation expertise, Darlene Rites is an accredited family mediator who has built a reputation as a knowledgeable, respectful and empathetic professional. Her litigation experience allows her to share unique insights with mediation clients so they can make informed decisions as they work together towards settlement.

Darlene’s passion for helping families shines throughout her work as a mediator, where she helps former spouses find practical solutions to a wide variety of issues, including parenting time, decision-making responsibilities, property division, spousal support and child support.

Certifications & Associations

Accredited Mediator

Ontario Association for Family Mediation’s (OAFM) provides training, accreditation and oversight to members offering family mediation services.

Lawyer

The Law Society of Ontario is the governing body of Ontario’s lawyer and paralegals and is responsible for their education, licensing, supervision and conduct.

Accredited Mediator

The ASC provides family lawyer who can provide you with summary legal advice.

Panel Member

Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) provides legal help for financially eligible low-income Ontarans.

Domestic Violence Advice Counsel (Legal Aid Ontario)

The BSC offers legal, counselling and interpretation services to marginalized and radicalized populations of women who have survived violence.

Domestic Violence Advice Counsel (Legal Aid Ontario)

Abrigo began as a resource for women and children facing abuse in the Portuguese community.

Certifications & Associations

Accredited Mediator

Ontario Association for Family Mediation’s (OAFM) provides training, accreditation and oversight to members offering family mediation services.

Lawyer

The Law Society of Ontario is the governing body of Ontario’s lawyer and paralegals and is responsible for their education, licensing, supervision and conduct.

Accredited Mediator

The ASC provides family lawyer who can provide you with summary legal advice.

Panel Member

Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) provides legal help for financially eligible low-income Ontarans.

Domestic Violence Advice Counsel (Legal Aid Ontario)

The BSC offers legal, counselling and interpretation services to marginalized and radicalized populations of women who have survived violence.

Domestic Violence Advice Counsel (Legal Aid Ontario)

Abrigo began as a resource for women and children facing abuse in the Portuguese community.

"The most rewarding aspect of my work is helping parents create a healthier, happier environment for their children and witnessing the positive changes in their lives as a result."

– Darlene Rites, Founder