The collaborative law process has the potential to assist you and your partner to maintain an ongoing working respectful relationship with each other and to allow you to cooperatively parent your children. In my experience, solutions which are created by the separating couple are more durable and work to the best interests of all the members of the family.

Asking someone else to make decisions which impact the manner in which your family will operate in the future does not generally assist you and your partner to adjust to the separation, to improve the condition of each parent or assist the children to adjust to the new situation and is often counter productive. Decisions, such as to what extent and when each parent will spend time with the children and how you will manage your finances should be made by the separating couple, not a third party such as a judge.

I approach working with my clients from a practical viewpoint, acting as an advocate who is there to assist you to obtain a practical and viable solution. Family law can be a costly process both financially and emotionally. The collaborative law process engages the parties to be involved in drafting their own resolution to their separation that meets the needs of their family.

Collaborative law identifies and addresses the interests and concerns of all parties and can assist them to develop and improve on communication as they move forward.

I have practised law since 1989, specializing in family law after extensive experience and achievement in the health field in various parts of Canada. My speciality in the health field was in the area of pediatrics, focussing on child development and parenting and so I bring a unique viewpoint to the impact of separation on children. In addition to a law degree, I have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master’s Degree in Health Science ( Health Care Practice).

My office is located in the West end of Ottawa, within easy access from Queensway and free parking. I would be delighted to have you contact me at my office to discuss how Collaborative Law may help you to work out your own agreement without going to court.