TORONTO, July 29 /CNW/ -
NEWS
Debra L. Stephens has been appointed as Ontario's new Children's Lawyer,
effective August 1, 2008.
Called to the Bar in 1982, her practice has focused on estate, trust and
guardianship issues, specializing in estate administration and planning. She
has also served as an agent for the Children's Lawyer.
Stephens is a member of the Toronto Lawyers Association and the Ontario
Bar Association, Family Law and Trusts and Estates Sections. She has been an
adjunct professor with the University of Toronto Law School and Humber
College, and has published works on estate and trust issues.
Stephens replaces Clare Burns, who has served with distinction as the
Children's Lawyer since January 2003.
QUOTE
"Debra Stephens has had an impressive legal career in a broad range of
family law issues," said Attorney General Chris Bentley. "Her expertise will
serve her well in her new role leading an organization devoted to protecting
the rights of children in Ontario."QUICK FACTS
- The Children's Lawyer acts on behalf of children under the age of 18
in proceedings before the courts and tribunals in Ontario.
- Lawyers within the office represent children in various aspects of
the law including child custody and access disputes, child protection
proceedings, estate matters and civil litigation.
LEARN MORE
Learn more about Ontario's Children's Lawyer
(http://www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/family/ocl/)
Read about the McGuinty government's many children's programs and services
(http://tinyurl.com/6jjgbj).
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For further information: Sheamus Murphy, Ministry of the Attorney
General, Minister's Office, (416) 326-1785; Brendan Crawley, Ministry of the
Attorney General, Communications Branch, (416) 326-2210
