Colaborative Family Law


Sandy Jennings

Sandra M Jennings, LLB


Family Lawyer, Mediator,
Collaborative Lawyer,
Parenting Coordinator

Areas of Practice:

  • Divorce & Separation
  • Agreements - Separation, Cohabitation & Pre-nuptial
  • Parenting Plans - Custody, Guardianship, Shared Parenting, Visitation
  • Financial Settlements - Support & Property Matters
  • Views of the Child Reports
  • Wills & Estate Matters

Education:

  • Received Law Degree in 1987
  • University of Alberta - 1983 1987
  • Concordia College - 1982-1983

Memberships & Associations:

  • Law Society of BC - called in 1990
  • Canadian Bar Association - since 1995
  • CBA Family Law Sections - Vancouver & New Westminster
  • Collaborative Association - since 2002
  • BC Parenting Coordinators - since 2007
  • Christian Legal Fellowship
  • Peace Portal Alliance Church

Community Involvement:

  • Divorce Care - guest speaker
  • People's Law School - guest speaker
  • Stepping Stones (parenting youth program) - Advisory Board (2004-2007)
  • Peace Portal Counselling Centre - Advisory Board (1999-2001)

Separation is a difficult time - financial and emotional issues may seem overwhelming. You have probably thought that there must be a better way than going to court - and there is.

I amconvinced that most family law issues are best resolved through the Collaborative Process, where former spouses develop their own solutions in a cooperative way. The process focuses on problem solving, effective communication, and preserving relationships.

When working with clients, my goal is to compassionately support and guide them by listening to them, helping them identify their needs and interests, and by providing appropriate legal advice. I enjoy assisting my clients to create practical, cost effective solutions that work for them and their children, and which allows them to move forward in life in a positive, confident way.

I would welcome the opportunity to talk with you about how the Collaborative Process could help you...

More about me...


BIOGRAPHY:


I am originally from Edmonton Alberta, where I pursued undergraduate studies in psychology, and obtained my law degree in 1987. I have practiced law in British Columbia since 1990, and have maintained family law as my primary focus. After having practiced with another Surrey firm for over 12 years, I joined Siebenga & King Law Offices in September 2007.

In 2001, I re-focused my law practice to assisting individuals and couples resolve their disputes using mediation and collaborative solutions. I completed my Collaborative Family Law training in 2001 and was certified as a Family Law Mediator in 2002.

More recently, I have completed training in 2007 and 2008 to qualify as a Parenting Coordinator, and I have done coursework on high conflict families. Additionally, I have taken training in interviewing children and in preparing Views of the Child Reports for the courts.

I have been a member of the Collaborative Association since its inception in 2002: www.nocourt.net. In September 2007, I was selected to be a member of the newly established roster of BC Parenting Coordinators. Parenting coordination has been used extensively for years in other jurisdictions to assist high conflict parents: www.bcparentingcoordinators.com.

Through my professional experience, I have acquired an extensive knowledge of family dynamics and child developmental issues. As well, I have personal experience with the dynamics of raising children who have attachment issues and special needs, as I have two young daughters with special needs, one adopted at age four.

My husband and I have lived in Surrey for the past 18 years, and I have been active in my church community for as many years. When I am not in the office, I am busy with my family and enjoying my favorite activities of skating and horseback riding.