PROCESS OPTIONS

There are several methods of resolving family law disputes, which range from those that provide the client with a high degree of control over both the process and the final outcome to those that provide the client little or no control over the process or the final outcome:

COLLABORATIVE FAMILY LAW

Collaborative Family Law is a formal method of resolving family law disputes outside of court. The process involves both spouses and their collaboratively trained lawyers attending periodic meetings to identify the issues at the core of the dispute, to generate options for resolution and to negotiate a settlement of the issues in a respectful, private and dignified manner. This method of resolving family law disputes is client-driven and depends upon the parties arriving at a mutually agreeable resolution. Deborah is trained to practice Collaborative Family Law. For more information regarding Collaborative Family Law, please visit www.oclf.ca .

FAMILY MEDIATION

A couple may also choose to resolve their dispute by way of family mediation. Family mediation involves the participation of an impartial third-party mediator, who listens to both sides of a dispute and then assists the parties in negotiating a mutually agreeable settlement. A mediator does not impose a decision on the parties. Parties should obtain independent legal advice both before and after mediation to be equipped to negotiate a fair settlement and to ensure that the result of mediation is fair and enforceable. For more information regarding family mediation, please visit www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/family/mediation.asp.

LITIGATION

Litigation is the traditional model for family dispute resolution, whereby parties file the required documents with a court to request that a judge resolve the dispute after hearing the positions of both sides. The judge's decision is given in the form of an Order, which is legally binding on the parties unless one of the parties successfully appeals the judge’s decision. Both Deborah and Raveena are experienced litigators. For general information regarding family law matters, please visit  www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/family/default.asp .