Find Lawyers in Toronto, Ontario for Family Law Mediation
Practice Area Overview
Collaborative law is a newer alternate dispute resolution process available in many Canadian provinces and is particularly useful in family law matters. In this process, each person has their own lawyer who represents only their client. The lawyers have specialized training in collaborative law, interest-based negotiation and/or mediation. The clients and their lawyers agree by written contract to stay out of the court system to resolve their disputes. The couple and their lawyers attend meetings together to discuss their interests, define issues, generate options and determine solutions. Voluntary disclosure, particularly about financial issues that is satisfactory to the clients and their lawyers, is important to its success. Collaborative lawyers are obliged to explain the law to their clients and ensure that they understand their rights and obligations. The meetings, the minutes of the meetings, and the disclosure received cannot be disclosed if the matter proceeds to litigation. When a couple successfully negotiates a resolution, the lawyers prepare and the couple signs a formal written agreement. If the couple agrees, uncontested court matters such as divorce can be dealt with by their collaborative lawyers. If the couple cannot reach an agreement on some or all issues, the lawyers and their firms must withdraw and cannot act for their client in court regarding any matters dealt with in the collaborative process.
Both mediation and the collaborative process require that those involved agree to the process. In both mediation and the collaborative process, the couple has greater control of the cost, the timing, and the result. Mediation and the collaborative process can be less adversarial and can minimize the negative emotional consequences of litigation. The processes are private and confidential and usually take less time on average to reach a conclusion than the court process. Both mediation and collaborative law try to assist the couple to communicate in a more constructive and productive manner. The goal with both processes is to reach a resolution with each person’s participation. This is considered more desirable than a court-imposed resolution and may have greater chance of long-term compliance.
Karon Bales is a founding partner of Bales Beall LLP whose experience speaks for itself. Her practice is centred on family law, wills and estate issues. Her experience in trial and appellate advocacy in family law and estate matters is extensive, particularly with those involving partnerships, business corporations and commercial issues. Karon also provides sound guidance with estate administration and planning, domestic and off-shore trusts, and succession planning for owners of family busin...
With strong negotiation skills and extraordinary legal acumen, Kenneth is well-known for his ability to find creative, cooperative and beneficial resolutions to complex family law disputes. Whether through mediation, arbitration or litigation, he is sharp-witted, responsive, and empathetic in his approach to achieving his clients’ goals, meeting their needs and exceeding their expectations. Kenneth founded Epstein Cole with Philip Epstein in 1978. As a senior partner, his practice focus...
Herschel Fogelman is the founder and principal of Fogelman Law in Toronto. He has been named a Best Family Lawyer in Canada every year since the Best Lawyer rankings began. Herschel is also an experienced and highly sought after mediator and arbitrator, able to deftly navigate and settle complex and sensitive family law matters. Herschel is ranked as Consistently Recommended in the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory. The directory, similar to Best Lawyers, is based on annual peer review surveys...
Experienced in all aspects of family law, Aaron’s clients trust him to recognize the unique complexities of their case and to provide practical solutions that work best for them not only now – but into the future. With extensive legal knowledge and a strategic mindset, he is equally effective at reaching creative, amicable resolutions through negotiation or mediation as he is advocating for his clients in court. As a partner at Epstein Cole, Aaron’s practice encompasses all ...
Principal Lawyer and Mediator with Kelly D. Jordan Family Law Firm in Toronto, Ontario. Practises in the areas of family and fertility law, wills and estates. Certified as a Specialist in Family Law by the LSUC. Particular expertise in family law issues pertaining to the gay and lesbian community and assisted human reproduction. Fellow of the American Academy of Assisted Reproductive Technology Attorneys. Co-counsel on Baker v. Francis (1999) and Miglin v. Miglin (2002) before the Supreme Cou...
George is a partner with Thomson Rogers and his practice is devoted to litigation with an emphasis on matrimonial litigation and matters involving commercial disputes. George has co-authored a number of articles for use in continuing legal education seminars and is a regular contributor speaker at continuing legal education seminars having spoken at seminars conducted by the Law Society of Ontario, the National Judicial Institute, Osgoode Professional Development and the Advocates’ Soci...
Concentrating on family litigation, negotiation, and mediation services, Paul McInnis serves the Toronto community as a Partner at McInnis & Nicoll. Mr. McInnis has been practicing law since he was called to the Bar of Ontario in 1979. Outside of his duties as partner at his firm, Paul McInnis is an avid supporter of continuing legal education (CLE). He has been a presenter at a number of different CLE events, predominantly speaking on his concentration of family law. Paul McInnis has spo...
Daniel is a partner in our Family Law Group. Certified by the Law Society of Upper Canada as a Family Law Specialist, he is also fully qualified as a family law mediator and arbitrator. As a mediator and arbitrator, Daniel has assisted clients and family law lawyers to resolve matters in a sensible, efficient and private manner. In family law matters of property, spousal and child support, Daniel has been involved in the determination of income, the valuation of multinational, privately held ...
Judith M. Nicoll is a partner in the firm of McInnis & Nicoll. She was called to the Bar of Ontario in 1984 and practises exclusively in the area of family law. Judith also conducts mediations and arbitrations in family law matters. She has chaired and participated in programs for Osgoode Professional Development, the Law Society of Ontario, the Advocates’ Society, the Canadian Bar Association-Ontario, the American Bar Association and the International Bar Association, including wri...
As a renowned litigator, Avra has extensive trial and appellate experience at the highest levels of the Ontario Courts including the Superior Court of Justice and the Court of Appeal. Avra lectures frequently on family law topics for the Law Society of Upper Canada and the Ontario Bar Association, and is the author of numerous family law articles. As a mediator and arbitrator, Avra provides spouses and their counsel with firm, fair outcomes for all parties involved. Avra has intimate understa...
As a fierce advocate for her clients, Roslyn navigates complex legal matters with ease, not only in the courtroom, but also during negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and collaborative family law. She is an attentive listener who can effectively bridge the gap between what a client initially wants and what they will eventually need to preserve their family’s wealth and goodwill. With the aim of keeping resolution at the forefront, she masterfully analyzes all facets of a situation to d...
Jennifer practices in all areas of family law including complex divisions of property, income disputes, child and spousal support, and high conflict custody and access matters, through both the litigation and alternative dispute resolution processes. Prior to focusing exclusively on family law, Jennifer practiced commercial litigation at a prominent full-service law firm. A trusted advisor and ardent advocate, Jennifer’s integrity and solution-oriented approach allows her to effectively...
Oren Weinberg of Boulby Weinberg LLP is a seasoned family law lawyer with over 18 years of experience. He has a deep understanding of all family law matters, including negotiating agreements, representing clients in court, and facilitating amicable resolutions. Oren specializes in child and spousal support, property division, custody, and parenting time issues. Oren is a qualified mediator and arbitrator with extensive training in dispute resolution. He has received certification from the Fam...
A senior member of the Family Law bar and a senior partner in our Family Law Group, Lorne’s practice includes all aspects of family law, including divorce, custody and access, property, support, and domestic contracts. He conducts litigation before every level of court in Ontario, as well as providing mediation and arbitration services. He also acts as counsel to lawyers and accountants addressing family law concerns that arise in business, wills and estates, and personal financial plan...
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