Can the Ottawa Virtual Family Law Project (VFLP) help you in COVID Times?
How do you get your family law matter dealt with in these COVID-19 circumstances, where the family court’s services have been either shut down or now confronted with a serious backlog? The Ottawa Virtual Family Law Project is an online directory of senior family law practitioners in Ottawa and area, formed in April, 2020. It […]
Estate Mediation – Getting Started and Getting to Yes
For those practicing estate litigation in Ottawa, Rule 75.1 of the Rules of Civil Procedure requires that the parties attend mediation at some stage of the litigation. Getting Started Estate litigation matters to which Rule 75.1 applies include contested Passing of Accounts, will challenges, support claims under the Succession Law Reform Act, guardianship applications or […]
Crisis or Opportunity?
“The Chinese use two brush strokes to write the word ‘crisis’. One brush stroke stands for danger; the other for opportunity. In a crisis be aware of the danger but recognize the opportunity.” John F. Kennedy Although it may have been subsequently pointed out that the meaning of the brush strokes used by the Chinese […]
Is Virtual Mediation a Real Alternative?
If you had asked me about virtual mediation as recently as a month ago my answer would have been categorical – I would have said that it would not be possible to conduct an effective mediation virtually. I was not a fan of technology and had managed to practice law for more than 35 years […]
Mediation During Litigation
Sometimes when family law matters are moving through the court process, one or both parties proposes mediation. Clients can feel confused about that kind of approach, and we are often asked questions about mediation during a litigation matter, including: Does it make strategic sense to mediate during litigation? Are there any consequences for refusing to […]
Mediation – Do I Really Need a Mediator AND a Lawyer?
The short answer to this question is: yes, you do still need a lawyer when participating in mediation. What is Mediation? Mediation is a common process used by separating couples. Mediation involves a neutral third party who helps you and your spouse or common law partner talk through the issues of separation. It is a […]
The Use of Mediation in Personal Injury Cases
Over the past decade mediation has become the most common means to resolve personal injury claims. In Ottawa, mediation is mandatory for all personal injury cases. Understanding the mediation process is essential for any lawyer seeking to successfully resolve personal injury claims. It is important for clients to understand the mediation process and role of […]
What is arbitration?
Arbitration is an alternative dispute resolution process available to separated couples. The parties choose an arbitrator, who then acts like a judge to make decisions for the parties. The parties agree in advance what types of decisions the arbitrator can make, and what the arbitration format will look like. In most cases, the arbitration process […]
Mediation: Is it for You?
Throughout life, many people will encounter a family situation that calls for professional help and expertise that they do not possess. For instance, a person may need assistance to resolve a family conflict, help negotiate a workable child-focused parenting arrangement, or conclude other arrangements arising from separation or divorce. There are several options available in these circumstances, […]
