Andrea Cooley

Andrea Cooley is proud to be a part of Siskinds’ strong team.  Since 2002 Andrea has practiced exclusively in the area of family law.  Her practice areas including property division, child support, spousal support issues, parental decision-making (custody), parenting schedules (access), Children’s Aid Society proceedings, negotiation of domestic contracts such as separation agreements, marriage contracts, cohabitation agreements and parenting agreements.  While it is Andrea’s goal to advocate on your behalf while resolving your matter amicably, that may be with negation, mediation, or other dispute resolution methods.  Andrea is also prepared to litigate and advocate on your behalf in Court to protect your interests.

Andrea was born in Montreal, Quebec and raised north of Toronto in the Unionville area.  But London and more recently Elgin County are home for Andrea.  Andrea received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Western University in 1995.  She earned her Bachelor of Law degree from Western University in 2001.

Andrea truly enjoys her work. She is sensitive to the needs of her clients, which in the case of Family Law are quite unique and sometimes pose special challenges.  It is a priority to provide cost effective, reasonable legal advice to her clients. This requires identifying strategies for moving forward towards a resolution that is fair, reasonable, and appropriate for her client’s circumstances.  Court can be very costly and stressful.  Practical problem solving is important to her clients.  Andrea will assist you in determining the best way to proceed, whether it be by way of negotiation of a separation agreement, alternative family dispute resolution processes such as mediation or Court. There are options available.

In 2017 Andrea was appointed by the Ministry of the Attorney General to be a Dispute Resolution Officer of the Superior Court of Justice, Family Court. As a Dispute Resolution Officer Andrea conducts Case Conferences in Motions to Change, to provide litigants with early evaluation of their case.  Andrea strives to provide reasonable guidance to litigants. Andrea finds her work very rewarding.

Thank you very much for representing me and protecting my side
Thank you very much for everything! I was lucky enough to have Andrea as my lawyer and witnessed her as the most able lawyer. Thank you very much for representing me and protecting my side! Thank you, Andrea, and your team, for your support! - R.K.

Andrea’s assistance was invaluable
I want to thank Andrea and her team for their assistance during this challenging time. Andrea’s assistance was invaluable. - R.K.

So thankful
I truly am so thankful to have Andrea as my legal counsel.  It is evident to me that not all Family Law Counsel is of the same calibre. - E.M.

I can move forward
I want to thank Andrea so much for all her care, concern, work, expertise and wisdom that she gave over the last few months. A separation is something I did not really want to go through, but with Andrea's help I am thankful that I was able to get it all figured out and finished up. I am very happy that it is done, and I can move forward. - L.D.

Thank you!
Thank you, Andrea. With this settled, I feel like 1000 lbs have been lifted from my shoulders. Thank you for everything. I am so grateful to Andrea for her help. - M.F.

I am so impressed
I am so impressed at what Andrea accomplished during a short period of time.  I am so relieved and truly appreciate what she has done for me.  Thank you. - JC

I could not have done it without Andrea
I cannot thank Andrea and her team enough. I was not lucky that my marriage did not go well but I was so lucky to have Andrea helping me. It was such along journey until my divorce was done. Life is beautiful now; I’m moving on!  I could not have done it without Andrea. -MJ

Thank you so much
Andrea was so patient with me and easy to work with. Thank you so much, Andrea. -TS

So Relieved
I was so relieved when my matter was done. I cannot thank Andrea enough for helping me though my separation.  Without Andrea I could not have done it. - M.R.

A Great Partner
I did not have an easy matter so I really appreciate all the hard work Andrea and her team put into resolving my matter.  Thank you! - E.S.

So Grateful
Andrea was wonderful to deal with. I appreciate her knowledge and advice. I am so grateful for her help. -B.M.

Thank you
Andrea and her staff have been excellent in the time I've had her represent me. Thank you. -A.M.

Andrea’s Role in My Separation
Andrea’s role was so important in my separation.  She uses her knowledge in Family Law and her patience to give those who are vulnerable hope. -M.R.

Would not have Happened Without Andrea
I would like to thank Andrea for everything she did for me. My matter was quickly settled, which would not have happened without Andrea’s assistance. -C.M.

Encouragement and Honesty
I do sincerely appreciate all that Andrea did on my behalf in the process of negotiating my Separation Agreement. I now understand more fully what an "Advocate" is. Andrea's encouragement and honesty was very helpful. -K.B.

Strong in Court
Andrea is strong in court and confident. If she doesn't think something is a good idea or will cost too much money, she will let you now that. -C.A.

Positive Experience
I had a very positive experience working with Andrea. She is very professional and cares about her work. You need to hire her for your case. -D.B.

Knowledge of Family Law
Andrea used her knowledge of family law to fight for my rights as a single parent. I have been blessed with a good position now to care for my children. -J.R.

Grateful for Andrea’s Assistance
A heartfelt “thanks” to Andrea for the work she and her staff put forth on my behalf. The peace of mind I now enjoy because my matter has settled is indescribable. - B.R.

Respect, Kindness and Compassion
I brought a few clients to Andrea with a domestic violence certificate from Legal Aid Ontario. I watched Andrea work with one client in particular that left a lasting impression. The respect, kindness and compassion that Andrea showed her was awesome. - L.S.

Enjoyed Working with Andrea
Thank you Andrea for representing me during our separation. I am thankful that you assisted in moving the mediation process along so we could reach a settlement. I enjoyed working with Andrea. - A.Q.

Protective, Patient and Compassionate
Andrea was terrific to work with. She understood my situation and protected me when needed. She was patient and compassionate. She works very hard for you and gets results. I would highly recommend having Andrea represent you. I am glad I did!  - C.J.

You are in Good Hands
I am truly grateful for all the help that Andrea provided. She made divorce journey much easier and was able to simplify and resolve complicated issues efficiently. Her expertise and attention to my case was seamless. Andrea is honest, truthful and really cares. I would highly recommend her. - A.N.

Placing my Trust with Andrea During Difficult Circumstances
l found Andrea and her staff to have been very much in touch with my own personal situation.
Andrea has always made herself available, her response always prompt and without hesitation.
Andrea is a straight shooter and always to the point. She shows compassion and sympathy where deserved and reality and the facts, always.
It is with gratitude and thanks to her that l write this brief note. - J.F.

Law Society of Ontario
Superior Court of Justice (Family Court Branch), Dispute Resolution Officer, 2017 to present
Legal Aid Ontario Area Committee, Member, 2010 to 2022
Middlesex Family Lawyers’ Association, Executive 2015 - 2020, Member since 2002
Middlesex Law Association, Member, 2002 to present
Elgin Law Association, Member
London and Middlesex High Conflict Forum, Past Board Member 2016 to 2020

In November 2017, Andrea attended Western Law's Access to Justice class as a panel member to discuss the issue of access to justice in family law.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Thomas-Elgin, Past Board Member
Legal Aid Ontario Area Committee Member
Volunteer, Forest City Community Church
London and Middlesex High Conflict Forum, Past Board Member
Volunteer, Mandatory Information Program at the Superior Court of Justice
Youth Opportunities Unlimited, Past Board Member

• An update on the family pet in a separation
• Divorce Act amendments: duties for parents and lawyers
• Adopting your stepchild
• New rules for mobility and relocation for parents
• What is a Case Conference before a Dispute Resolution Officer?
• Can adultery be used as a reason for divorce?
• Amendments to the Divorce Act (Bill C-78) a shift to “parenting time” and “parental decision-making”
• COVID-19 and the anticipated wave of motions to change
• The All Families Are Equal Act
• In the Family Law Context: Custody and Guardianship of a Minor’s Property
• Changes to the Child, Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA)
• Marriage: Divorce or Annulment in Family Law?
• The Importance of Good Lawyer Advice in Family Law
• How To Legally Change Your Child’s Name In Ontario