About our firm
A family law firm built around one idea: make this easier.
Wren & Ashby was founded for people who never expected to need a family lawyer — and who deserve calm, honest guidance when they do.
Our story
Why we do this work the way we do
Early in his career, Elliot Wren kept seeing the same thing: good people, frightened and exhausted, pushed into expensive court battles that didn’t make their families any better off.
So in 2008 Elliot started a different kind of practice — one that listens first, explains everything in plain language and treats court as a last resort, not a business model. Marcus Ashby, an accredited family mediator, joined a few years later and brought a deep commitment to resolving things respectfully.
Today we’re still a deliberately small team in Newmarket, serving families across York Region and the GTA. We know every file by name. And we still measure success the same way: by how well our clients — and their children — are doing a year after we’ve finished.
Our philosophy
What we believe
These aren’t slogans on a wall. They’re the decisions we make every day on every file.
Children come first
Every recommendation we make starts with what’s genuinely best for the kids — not what wins an argument.
Clarity is kindness
We explain the law, your options and the likely costs in plain words, so you can make decisions with clear eyes.
Resolution over conflict
We negotiate and mediate first. We go to court when it’s truly needed — and we’re ready when it is.
Honest, even when it’s hard
We’ll tell you what we think, including when a dispute isn’t worth what it would cost you.
Our team
Experienced lawyers who pick up the phone
What it’s like to work with us
You’ll never wonder what’s happening with your file
A clear plan and cost estimate at the start — in writing
Your lawyer’s direct line and email, and replies within one business day
Plain-language updates after every important step
Meetings in person, by phone or by video — evenings by appointment
A quiet, private office that doesn’t feel like a courtroom
In the community
Giving back across York Region
Free information evenings, volunteer legal support and local partnerships — because good information shouldn’t depend on whether you can afford a lawyer.