About Laurel Family Law

Resolution Methods

Architectural picture of a mesh-like white building façade with the blue sky atop the building.

Negotiation

Many family law matters are resolved through direct negotiation between clients and their lawyers. Negotiation allows separating spouses to exchange information, receive legal advice, and work toward a settlement without starting a court process.

Where appropriate, negotiation can be supported by financial disclosure, expert input, settlement meetings, and written proposals. If agreement is reached, the terms are usually formalized in a separation agreement or consent order.

Architectural photograph of white wave shaped building.

Mediation/Arbitration

Mediation is a private process in which a neutral mediator helps separating spouses work toward agreement. The mediator does not make decisions, but helps identify issues, improve communication, and support practical settlement discussions.

Arbitration is a private decision-making process. If spouses cannot resolve one or more issues, they may choose an arbitrator to make a binding decision. One important advantage of arbitration is that the spouses can select their own decision-maker, rather than being assigned a judge through the court system.

Some families choose mediation-arbitration, or med-arb, where the process begins with mediation and moves to arbitration only if unresolved issues remain.

More information:

Family Mediation & Arbitration 

When parties cannot reach an agreement through negotiation or mediation but wish to opt out of the court system, the next step is arbitration. Arbitration is essentially a private court process where parties select a neutral person to adjudicate the dispute(s). In some cases, clients decide to mediate/arbitrate, meaning that if the matter does not settle through mediation, the matter automatically heads toward arbitration. Parties can also decide to use the same mediator as arbitrator – the advantages and disadvantages of using the same third party will be thoroughly explored with your lawyer.

Point of view photography of building. Through the triangular shape from inside the building looking up we can see the blue sky.

Collaborative Family Law

Collaborative Family Law is a voluntary, out-of-court process where both spouses and their Collaboratively trained lawyers commit to resolving issues respectfully and without litigation.

The process is structured around joint meetings, full disclosure, transparent communication, and practical problem-solving. Neutral family or financial professionals may also be included where helpful.

Collaborative Practice can be especially helpful where spouses want to preserve co-parenting relationships, reduce conflict, protect privacy, and create durable agreements tailored to their family.

More information:

Collaborative Family Law 

You and your spouse are assisted by specially trained Collaborative Family Lawyers – often with support and guidance from jointly retained family and financial professionals. Discussions and negotiations take place in meetings where goals and interests are emphasized, along with information on the law; you and your spouse are actively involved. The process encourages creative and “out of the box” settlements, rather than a formulaic approach. The resolution is tailored to fit your particular family and is formalized in a separation agreement.

The Collaborative Process can be used in very challenging cases if the couple is committed to an out of court settlement and has a skilled team of professionals. For families with financially complex issues, it offers a real opportunity to avoid the “battle of the experts” that the adversarial process tends to encourage. Jointly-retained experts will attend meetings and provide information and insight into areas that might be contested in a courtroom so that comprehensive legal and financial settlements can be crafted in a timely and cost effective way.

Collaborative Practice requires both parties to have collaboratively trained lawyers. It offers more support for each spouse than mediation, which is best suited for spouses who are able to advocate for themselves. More information about the process, including videos and contact information for professionals trained in it, can be found at Collaborative Practice Toronto and www.oacp.co.
Rui J.M. Alves is a Past Chair of Collaborative Divorce Toronto and has completed numerous settlements via the Collaborative process.

Architecture photograph of industrial mirrored building. The building is black and white.

Court

In some cases, court is necessary or appropriate. Litigation may be required where urgent relief is needed, disclosure is not being provided, safety is a concern, or meaningful negotiation is not possible.

When court is required, our lawyers provide strong advocacy while continuing to look for opportunities to resolve matters efficiently and fairly.

We represent and advise clients on all areas of family law.

Resolution Methods

Our Lawyers