submitted by Grace Morin / Morin Law Corporation Conflict is inevitable in life and many people go out of their way to avoid it. Typically, this is not helpful. Issues do not get resolved and people suffer in silence. Therefore, getting good at conflict as opposed to avoiding it should be the goal. As people we have differing views, opinions … Read More

provided by Lisa Dewar / Milne Selkirk Problem-solving is different from going to war. Resolving conflict cooperatively allows each party to feel they have made a “good trade”. Legal wars are fought in the adversarial litigation process, where parties become polarized and dedicated to their own positions, believing that a judge will agree with them and punish (or at least … Read More

provided by Lisa Dewar / Milne Selkirk In trying to understand the parties’ circumstances and assist in resolving the outstanding legal issues, collaborative lawyers look at the parties’ hopes, concerns and fears. We ask about each issue: “why is that important to you?” For example, both parties may want to stay in the family home. However, is the house itself … Read More

provided by Art Kewin / Divorce Road Map People who cannot control themselves try to control those around them. Deep psychological needs underlie their attempts to control others. I no longer practice psychology, however it remains important to understand that control freaks always self-destruct legally and financially when negotiating their divorce. Then, for the potential control “enthusiasts” among us, I’ll … Read More

provided by Manpreet Mand / Hepburn Mand & Glass Here is an interesting article about a couple that had a “good divorce” through the courts: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/the-stir/good-divorces-do-exist—-im-living-proof_b_9636584.html. Collaborative law is another process that can help people obtain that “good divorce” they want. It provides an opportunity to work together towards a resolution that is created in everyone’s best interests. April 14 … Read More

https://www.instagram.com/p/BER5oDOj_Ek/ provided by Manpreet Mand / Hepburn Mand & Glass This sculpture may speak to you in many different ways. During a separation or divorce, you may feel overcome by your hurt and anger and during this time of stress, you may even lose track of your true self. This can be a time when you feel most stubborn. Collaborative … Read More

provided by D. Art Kewin / Divorce Road Map This ancient wisdom is attributed to many learned people from Seneca (1st C) to St. Thomas Aquinas (13th C) and more recent thinkers. It is particularly valuable today for anyone seeking divorce expertise. There are 5 key civil dispute resolution process options: kitchen table negotiations, litigation, mediation, arbitration and collaborative law. … Read More

provided by Maritza A. Verdun-Jones /South Point Law Centre As a family lawyer, collaborative lawyer and mediator, I often get asked what is the difference between these two processes? At first blush, it may appear that there are little differences between these two processes. After all, both are alternative dispute resolution mechanisms which are voluntary and designed to keep participants … Read More

Written by Maritza Verdun-Jones /South Point Law Centre Notwithstanding that the collaborative law process is an excellent option for alternative dispute resolution, the participants examining this process as an option must determine whether this particular process is right for them. As an experienced family law lawyer, I would highly recommend the collaborative law process to many people with diverse circumstances … Read More

“Get real!” The authenticity of the parties in their communication with each other helps the collaborative process. When the parties are able to express their own rainbow of emotions/feelings and opinions/thoughts in a safe environment, each is better able to understand the issues and participate in reaching resolution. Just as in the realm of advocacy, where the authenticity of the … Read More