Collaborative Family Law

We are proud to be able to offer our clients with Collaborative Family Law Services.Many of our lawyers are trained in collaborative practice and is are active members of Collaborative Practice Manitoba.  

Collaborative Family Law (CFL) is a fantastic option for separating couples. CFL allows a separating couple to each retain  their own lawyer but to work together in a collaborative manner to deal with all necessary elements of the separation. From the children, to support, to property division, the CFL process allows parties to separate amicable. 

A core element of the CFL process is the commitment to avoid litigation. At the beginning of the process, all members of the CFL team (including clients) enter into an agreement to do all things necessary to resolve the matter without litigation. All members are asked to be honest, fair, and to work together to reasonable solutions.

CFL offers a team based approach and often involves professionals such as parenting coaches and financial advisors. The end result will be a comprehensive separation agreement that covers all aspects of your separation.

• Privacy – in litigation, all documents filed are open to the public. In the CFL process, all information is kept confidential within the team. 

• Costs – in litigation, the costs are often unpredictable and out of your control. In the CFL process, you have better control over the time and money being spent. Costs are more manageable an often lower than litigation. 

• Control – as you have more control over the cost, you have more control over the process in general. There is no judge setting timelines and motions but instead, you will work with your lawyer to develop timelines that work for you. 

• Communication – the CFL process encourages open communication between lawyers and clients. Communication is typically not a series of letters as it is in litigation but open and flexible communication through emails, phone calls, and meetings. 

• Relationship – in litigation, there is a strong possibility that your relationship with your former spouse/partner will continue to be strained and worsen. In the CFL process, it is our goal to assist separating couples to find new and more effective ways to communicate. The goal is to reduce conflict and improve communication.