We believe that it is very important for couples who are facing the challenges of any family law matter, whether, divorce, paternity, contempt or modifications actions, are given the opportunity to work in a collative way with the assistance of an experienced mediator to resolve disputes, rather than just view litigation as the only path.

Often, it may be that the parties wish to avoid the financial and emotional expense of litigation. Other times, parties feel that it is important to them that they compromise their differences and while their agreement may well be imperfect, they believe that it is better to craft their own resolution rather than live with a court-imposed decision.

Often in anticipation of marriage, a couple may decide to enter into a prenuptial agreement, which addresses how potential marital assets will be divided in the event of a divorce or death. While this can be an extremely emotional subject for most, having a prenuptial agreement can be beneficial as it spares the couple from enduring litigious disputes, should the marriage end in divorce and/or upon the death of one of the spouses. Prenuptial agreements can be especially advantageous in situations where there is a disparity in income or assets, where one party owns a business or is expecting a hefty inheritance, where one party has significant debt, or where one or both parties have children from prior relationships or marriages.

When experiencing emotional abuse, physical abuse, or the threat of physical harm, one can seek a harassment protection order or an abuse prevention order (more commonly known as a restraining order). Both these orders are implemented to protect a party from abuse at the hands of another. However, the biggest difference between them is that a harassment order can be sought against anyone irrespective of the relationship that exists between the two parties, while an abuse prevention order can only be obtained where the parties have the following relationship:

1. Married
2. Related by blood or marriage
3. Cohabitating
4. Child in common
5. Engaged or in serious dating relationship; or
6. Formerly one of the above

While planning for one’s death is not something most would enjoy, it is an important aspect of getting older. A very common misconception about estate planning is that it is only needed for those with considerable wealth or minor children. In actuality, everyone should have an estate plan – regardless of their age, assets, or whether they have children. Having an estate plan and ensuring it is properly done can save considerable time and money when transferring an estate. In addition, it will ensure that the individual’s assets will be distributed in accordance with their wishes, reduce the likelihood of disagreements between heirs, streamline the probate process, protect the decedent’s privacy, make sure that minor children will be under the care of a guardian chosen by the parent(s), and that the right person will be charge of distributing the estate.