Call to the Bar:
April 8th, 1976, Province of Ontario

Since my call to the bar in 1976, I have worked primarily in the area of family law. My family law practice spans a full range of services from negotiation, mediation, mediation/arbitration, Collaborative Family Law to, where necessary, traditional advocacy in court.

In addition to my practice of Family Law, I have a general law practice that includes Real Estate, Wills, Powers of Attorney and Estate services.

I am particularly enthusiastic about the process of Collaborative Family Law. Collaborative Family Law is a dignified, co-operative approach to resolving the issues arising from a separation without going to court. Both separated spouses retain separate lawyers who are specially trained to help them settle their issues in a controlled, safe and respectful setting. Both lawyers and clients sign a participation agreement that outlines their respective responsibilities. Most significant from the lawyers’ perspective is that, if the process does not lead to a resolution, they cannot represent their clients in any future court proceedings. This restriction on the lawyers allows them to direct their energy effectively on achieving resolution. Everyone is focused on creating a fair and long-lasting agreement. The process consists of a series of “four-way meetings” in which the participants work together to define the issues and understand each other’s perspective, all in an effort to achieve resolution in a civilized and respectful way. The lawyers’ role is to assist, while at the same time, to ensure that their client understands his or her entitlements and obligations.

As a qualified mediator, I offer comprehensive mediation services that include child related and support/property issues. Mediation is a process in which the neutral third party mediator works with the clients to assist in facilitating a resolution. I can be retained directly by the clients or through their lawyers.

Some clients would like the opportunity to attempt resolution through mediation; however, should they not be successful, they want someone to make a decision for them. For these clients I provide mediation/arbitration services. Mediation/arbitration is a combination of both processes in which clients attempt first to mediate the issues. Any that remain unresolved are then determined through arbitration; a process in which evidence is heard from both parties and an award is made. This award becomes as enforceable as a Court Order. The value of mediation/arbitration lies in several factors: the cost is significantly less than court proceedings; it is completed in an efficient and timely manner; and it is private so that, unlike court, there is no public record.

There are times when all attempts at a negotiated settlement have been unsuccessful and it is necessary to proceed with a traditional advocacy approach in which a court application is made. In these circumstances, I advocate the interests of clients with the same vigour and with the same energy that I give to the other aspects of my practice.

It is not uncommon for my clients to want “one-stop shopping” with respect to their legal needs. My general law practice offers them the ability to have their wills prepared, their Powers of Attorney arranged, and the purchase and sale of their homes all settled in one office. In addition, I provide legal services to Estate Trustees in the winding up of an Estate, whether or not Probate is required.

In my 30 years as a practising lawyer, I have come to understand the length and breadth of the legal process and how it impacts on individuals experiencing the emotional trauma of separation. I have represented hundreds of children in child welfare and custody/access proceedings on behalf of the Children's Lawyer's Office. Not only do I have a strong professional legal background, I also have extensive community involvement as a committed, hard-working and long-term volunteer.

Through my professional and community experience, I have gained valuable wisdom that enables me to offer meaningful and sensitive feedback and opinions. My clients tell me that they feel their issues have been heard and understood.

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