Exercise Can Heal You!!

Woman running on beach

submitted by Grace Morin / Morin Law Corporation “Exercise”, I tell my clients, “will really help you with your recovery”. As I say these words, I am keenly watching their attention and reaction. Mostly I feel like the teacher in Charlie Brown; “waaa, waaa, waaa, waaa” I am sure they hear me saying (immediately after they hear the word exercise). … Read More

Who needs conflict?!

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

Trade-offs

People shaking hands

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

The Proverbial Orange

Orange Fruit On Tree

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

Are You A Control Freak or a Control Enthusiast?

Stressed Man in Pink Dress Shirt on Phone

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

Good Divorces: Myth or Reality?

Family Walking on Path

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

A Sculpture is Worth a Thousand Words

"Inner Child", by Alexander Milov

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

Ancient Wisdom Recycled: “Beware The Man Of One Book”

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

What are the differences between mediation and the collaborative process?

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

Is the Process of Collaborative Law for Everyone?

Man and woman sitting together on couch

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