People often ask me why I believe in mediation. Why I mediate. I believe in mediation because, in many cases, it is a superior process to litigation and results in better outcomes for individuals and families. Self-Determination Couples going through a separation often feel powerless. Circumstances in their personal lives have gotten to the point …
Read MoreIn an earlier blog post, I made reference to a November 2016 decision of the Honourable Mr. Justice Pazaratz and his denunciation of the parties’ practice of videoing each other with the child. In re-reading the Reasons in the Whidden and Ellwood case, I discovered commentary by Justice Pazaratz on a wealth of other relevant …
Read MoreI was watching a rerun of “Modern Family” the other night. In the episode, Phil learns a neighbour’s wife has left him. Phil tells the viewer that he hopes it is due to an affair or drugs and alcohol, because those he can protect against. Unfortunately for Phil, the neighbour tells him that he has …
Read More“The dog is man’s best friend.” (Ogden Nash)“ “The better I get to know men, the more I find myself loving dogs.” (Charles de Gaulle) “Once you have had a wonderful dog, a life without one, is a life diminished.”(Dean Koontz) People love their dogs. Dogs are treasured members of the family. Some people even …
Read MoreLast week, I attended the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (Ontario Chapter) conference. It was inspiring and enjoyable to spend time with professionals all of whom work with families going through separation and divorce. There were lawyers and social workers and psychologists and judges. There were individual speakers on topics ranging from challenging clients …
Read MoreI have arrived. A new building. A new office. A new parking lot. A new document management system. Even a new iPhone. My new mantra is change is good. If I say it enough times, it becomes the truth, right? My last day at Basman Smith LLP was Friday, August 12, 2016. Then I took …
Read MoreSo, school is almost out. My son finishes today at noon. He is one of the many kids counting down the days until he leaves for overnight camp – a countdown that began in September. If you are separated or divorced, here are a few pointers on how to make it easier for your son …
Read MoreParenting co-ordination easing the pain of separation Parents trying to iron out the details of high-conflict separations should communicate like business partners, says family lawyer Jennifer Samara Shuber. “It’s like running the business of the family,” says Shuber, a partner with Basman Smith LLP. “Would you send screaming, swearing emails to your business partner? No. You’d send …
Read MoreGetting into Family Law and Helping Families I have obtained my mediation accreditation from the Ontario Association for Family Mediation. I am now a certified comprehensive family mediator. I can mediate any family law issues, including all property, support and parenting matters. In a nutshell, mediation is a voluntary process where both sides (and their counsel, if represented) work …
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