About SBS Lawyers

Since 1986, Snell Balka Scovino has been providing legal services in Whitby and Durham Region. We specialize in providing expert advice in all aspects of family law and criminal mental health issues. The ideal outcome in any family dispute is an agreement. Snell Balka Scovino has years of experience in negotiating separation agreements, and working with clients to reach a collaborative resolution of issues arising upon separation.

In reality, not all cases can be settled out of court. Our lawyers are experienced litigators who will advocate for you in court. Our lawyers have successfully argued cases in all levels of court in Ontario.

Our founding partner, Robert Snell, is an experienced mediator/arbitrator, who can offer an efficient alternative to resolving family law disputes.

Snell Balka Scovino will provide experienced representation in all family law matters.

Firm History

Rob Snell co-founded the Whitby law firm in 1986. Anthony Balka joined in 1993 and Sandra Scovino joined in 1998 to form what is now known as Snell Balka Scovino (SBS Lawyers).

Kyle Wasko joined the firm in 2012 and Sebastian Duff in 2015.

Anthony Balka is enjoying his retirement from practice, after over 28 years with SBS Lawyers. His former clients are now being assisted by another experienced lawyer at SBS Lawyers – Jocelyne Boissonneault, who joined the firm in 2021.

SBS continues to provide high quality family law and mediation services in Whitby, Durham Region, and the surrounding areas.

We’ve weathered fires and floods at the same location in Whitby since 1986 and we remain here ready to help you through your difficult transitions.

Firm History

Rob Snell co-founded the Whitby law firm in 1986. Anthony Balka joined in 1993 and Sandra Scovino joined in 1998 to form what is now known as Snell Balka Scovino (SBS Lawyers).

Kyle Wasko joined the firm in 2012 and Sebastian Duff in 2015.

Anthony Balka is enjoying his retirement from practice, after over 28 years with SBS Lawyers. His former clients are now being assisted by another experienced lawyer at SBS Lawyers – Jocelyne Boissonneault, who joined the firm in 2021.

SBS continues to provide high quality family law and mediation services in Whitby, Durham Region, and the surrounding areas.

We’ve weathered fires and floods at the same location in Whitby since 1986 and we remain here ready to help you through your difficult transitions.

Meet Our Team

Our team of experienced lawyers and staff work together to guide clients through the family law system. Providing expert legal advice in the Durham Region for over 30 years, our team helps clients make informed decisions. Together, we work hard to achieve the best possible results for every client.

What our clients are saying

“I have used this firm for the past 6 years to act on my behalf for my family law matters. They have dealt with my matters very professionally. I would highly recommend this firm to anyone in need of legal advice or representation.”

— E.G.

Sandra Scovino

What can I say about this phenomenal lawyer, who exceeded our expectations throughout this very exhausting and frustrating process? We would wholeheartedly recommend her for any Family Law matter. We have worked with Sandra for a few years at no fault of hers. Sandra worked very efficiently and achieved results without ever compromising our or our grandson’s best interest. Sandra reminds you what’s really important when your emotions may be getting the best of you. We came to Sandra looking for help with our very complex matter before the court concerning grandparents’ rights!

From our initial meeting on, we knew she was the lawyer for us and so grateful to have her on our side. Grandparent rights involving custody is difficult and extremely stressful, so having Sandra with us each step of the way was a god sent.

We could not have asked for a more knowledgeable, professional, compassionate lawyer. From start to finish Sandra made us feel confident and comfortable in the process. As a result of Sandra’s hard work, she has helped us keep our grandson best interest front and center. Sandra and her team are extremely responsive and puts their client’s best interests first. We are grateful to have had her through this process. We would highly recommend Sandra Scovino to anyone!

— T.H.

I have had the pleasure of working with Sandra Scovino and staff at Snell Balka Scovino since 2015 for family law services. Sandra went above and beyond to help me with my separation and continues to do so. Every encounter was very professional. My case was handled with care, expertise and in a very timely manner. I recommend anyone looking for a family law lawyer to this firm.

— A. K.

I would like to personally thank Linda Manner for holding my hand through this whole ordeal. Linda made my experience bearable.

Sebastian Duff got the papers executed and filed. Linda was there every step of the way, I cannot thank her enough.

Linda listened, guided, and supported me in a way that no one else could. It was a pleasure to work with Linda throughout my emotional family matter. It has been four years since I received my Final Order, and still today I am treated with kid gloves.

I went from thinking I was going to be homeless, to owning my home outright, free and clear. That is security!

— B.S.

“I have been dealing with Sebastian for almost 6 years and he has been nothing but a true professional throughout my entire matter.

His assistant Linda has been amazing and was always willing to help where she was able. I would highly recommend Snell Balka Scovino!”

— R.P.

“Sandra Scovino is extremely knowledgeable, smart and personable. She is honest and I value her candidness. Great qualities that are hard to come by in lawyers today. All staff were very welcoming, understanding and sympathetic to our very complex situation. I would highly recommend a lawyer from this firm.”

— F.A.

“My experience the past few years with SBS Lawyers has been positive.

I felt heard and always treated respectfully.

My lawyer Sebastian Duff, as well as [support staff], Linda and Amanda, have all been informative, kind, patient, and caring which was very much appreciated during a difficult time.

Thank you again for always going above and beyond. It is refreshing during this fast paced world to receive your time, not feel rushed and receive professionalism from down to earth nice people.”

— J.H.

“Sandra has been my family lawyer for 10+ years. From Day 1 she has been honest and straight to the point. Letting me know what I needed to hear not what I wanted to hear. I respect and appreciate all she has done for me. She has counselled me through the tough times in court and on an emotional level. A lawyer with a heart. At the end of the day Sandra does what is most important - provides her expertise in what is best for the child. Thank you!”

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