Collaborative Law

Resolve your issues without being forced to agree.

What is collaborative law?

Collaborative law (or collaborative family law) is an alternative dispute resolution process where partners work together to resolve legal issues out of court with the help of collaborative law professionals, such as a financial specialist or social worker.

Your collaborative professional(s) work together with you and your partner to help you agree on your issues while understanding and managing both your emotional needs and the emotional needs of your children. The main goal of the family professional is to provide you with a safe space to reduce conflict and increase positive resolution in the separation and divorce process.

We can help you resolve your issues in a healthier, more constructive way.

  • We offer IN-PERSON counselling sessions at one of our two locations: Burlington, Ontario or Oakville Ontario.

    We also offer VIRTUAL counselling sessions either by secure VIDEO or by PHONE.

  • BURLINGTON

    414 Pearl Street, Unit 11
    Village Square, Burlington, ON L7R 2N1

    OAKVILLE

    775 Pacific Road, Unit 34
    Oakville, ON L6L 6M4

  • SPECIALIZED SERVICES

    COLLABORATIVE LAW FEES

    $275+ CDN per hour*

    *WITH A $3000 CDN RETAINER

    Additional fees may include: travel, mileage and administrative costs/

    PLEASE NOTE: Many extended health benefit programs will cover the cost of counselling with a Registered Social Worker. Please check with your insurance provider.

    Additionally, services provided by a Registered Social Worker are tax deductible as a medical expense.

“Some people believe holding on and hanging in there are signs of strength. However, there are times when it takes much more strength to know when to let it go and then do it.”

ANN LANDERS

Most parents want to come to an agreement on parenting arrangements on their own so they can resolve their issues without having to go to court and having a judge decide for them.

Collaborative family law is voluntary. This means that you and your partner agree to reach a settlement without litigation.

Most of the time, partners who want to make this process work and are able to reach an agreement. However, if you feel that you won’t be able to negotiate safely or fairly* with your partner - even with specially trained lawyers and/or family law professionals involved - collaborative law may not be the best choice for you.

* This can include a history of abuse, mental illness, or hiding of financial information. In fact, a collaborative family law professional cannot go to court. Instead, it would be more appropriate in these instances to try mediation-arbitration, arbitration, or going to court.

Why choose collaborative law?

“ When the dust settles you will not want to remember this transition. You will want to focus on your new life and where you’re heading.”

LAURA M. D’ORSI

BENEFITS OF COLLABORATIVE LAW

  • It can be faster than going to court once you have agreed on all of the process details and signed a participation agreement

  • It can be cheaper than going to court

  • You get professional help to try and make an agreement

  • You have a lot of control over the timing, process, and results - if you go to court or choose arbitration, a judge or arbitrator decides your issues

  • You learn how to cooperate and this helps if you have children and you and your partner need to address and discuss things in the future

We’re here to help your family through this difficult transition.

We are one of a handful of professionals - in our region - who offer therapeutic support for families who need guidance navigating separation, divorce and co-parenting. The specialized services we offer are uniquely designed with healthy family relationships in mind.

Our specialized separation, divorce and co-parenting services are provided by Registered Social Worker and Accredited Family Mediator, Stefanie Peachey and specially trained members of our therapy team. Each member has their own specialties and experience and has been carefully selected to ensure that the right level of expertise and commitment is here for you.

Let’s talk about how we can help you.

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