
Family Law Now
Family Law Now delivers useful commentary and insights into timeless and trending family law issues.
Latest episodes

Mar 11, 2025 • 60min
The Art & Magic of Option Generation
The Art & Magic of Option Generation with Carrie Heinzl, Jonathan Paynter and Michelle Mulchan. This session offers a deep dive into the creative process of generating effective solutions in collaborative legal practices. Participants will review the core objectives and key elements of collaborative practice before exploring what option generation entails and why it’s crucial in resolving disputes. The program will focus on the factors influencing successful option generation and introduce practical techniques such as brainstorming, mind mapping, and SWOT analysis. Attendees will also gain insight into collaborative lawyers, financial, and family neutrals' roles in guiding this process. The session will address common challenges faced during option generation and practical solutions to overcome them.

Mar 10, 2025 • 1h 1min
Impasse: It Happens... A Lawyers Guide on How to Fix It
In this engaging session, participants will explore navigating and resolving deadlock situations in legal disputes. The program begins by defining impasse, examining common misconceptions, and exploring different conflict styles that can influence negotiations. Attendees will learn how to prepare for potential impasses, including strategies for identifying and addressing distorted perspectives. The discussion will then turn to effective communication strategies to break through barriers. The role of neutral parties and lawyers in resolving deadlocks will also be highlighted, offering insights on when and how to involve them for maximum impact. Real-life case studies will illustrate key concepts, and participants can ask questions in a concluding Q&A session.

Mar 7, 2025 • 1h 28min
How To Become A Super Communicator
Presented by Brian Galbraith, Alex Beadie, and Christina Garisto. Successful family law lawyers are great communicators. You will learn new strategies to enhance your communication skills in this session. Based on Charles Duhigg’s book Super Communicators, which explores social science research on building meaningful connections, this session will delve into practical ways divorce professionals can apply these insights when meeting clients—especially during initial consultations. Mastering these techniques will help you establish trust, secure new clients, and better address their needs.

Mar 6, 2025 • 1h 3min
Case Law Update
Adam Prewer and Aaron Frank's case law update focuses on family law issues, emphasizing the need for swift judicial intervention in complex decision-making responsibility and parental alienation cases. Mental health considerations are increasingly significant, influencing decision-making responsibility and parenting decisions and underscoring the necessity for comprehensive evaluations to ensure children’s best interests. Courts are prioritizing parenting orders for adult children with disabilities, reflecting a growing recognition of their unique needs and rights. Allegations of family violence are taken seriously, significantly impacting decision-making responsibility determinations and reinforcing the judiciary’s commitment to protecting vulnerable family members. Early intervention in parental alienation cases is crucial to preventing long-term emotional harm to children, highlighting the need for proactive legal measures. Recent decisions also address grandparent access rights, recognizing their positive impact on a child’s emotional development. Recognizing that foreign divorces are becoming more common, decision-making responsibility and financial arrangements are affected in cross-border family disputes. Additionally, courts address financial considerations such as imputing income and occupation rent and ensuring fair decision-making responsibility and support arrangements outcomes.

Sep 10, 2024 • 1h 21min
Dealing with High-Conflict Divorce and Separation
Recorded: April 23rd, 2024
Hosted weekly by Associate Lawyer Stephanie Brooks and Articling Students Joseph B. Cugini and Shanza Sohail.
Divorce or separation can be emotionally challenging, but when it turns into a high-conflict situation, it can become overwhelming. This in-depth guide will explore the intricacies of dealing with high-conflict divorce and separation in Ontario. This comprehensive resource provides detailed insights and strategies for individuals navigating these complex and emotionally charged situations.
Speakers will discuss the following topics:
1. Identifying High-Conflict Divorce
2. Impact on Families
3. Communication Strategies
4. Legal Tools
5. Professional Support
6. Self-Care
7. Children’s Well-being
8. Documenting and Reporting
9. Alternative Dispute Resolution
10. Moving Forward
#divorce #lawyer
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Sep 2, 2024 • 1h 7min
Co-Parenting Tips for Back To School
1. Effective Communication Strategies: Tips for maintaining open and constructive communication between co-parents.
2. Coordinating Schedules: Strategies for managing and syncing school schedules, extracurricular activities, and parent-teacher meetings.
3. Decision-Making Protocols: Establishing clear guidelines for making decisions about education, health, and extracurricular activities.
4. Financial Responsibilities: Discussing how to share and manage school-related expenses such as supplies, uniforms, and field trips.
5. Legal Considerations: Understanding the legal rights and obligations of co-parents in Ontario regarding schooling.
6. Handling Emergencies: Planning for unexpected situations and emergencies, including health issues and school closures.
7. Conflict Resolution: Techniques for resolving disagreements and conflicts amicably and effectively.
8. Supporting Children's Emotional Well-being: Tips for ensuring children feel supported and secure during the school year.
9. Balancing Parenting Styles: Finding common ground and respecting different parenting approaches and styles.
10. Involving Extended Family: Guidelines for involving grandparents and other extended family members in the co-parenting process.

Aug 29, 2024 • 58min
Calculating And Understanding Child Support In Ontario
Recorded: Feb 27, 2024
Hosted weekly by Associate Lawyer, Stephanie Brooks, and Articling Students, Joseph B. Cugini and Shanza Sohail.
Child support is a critical aspect of family law in Ontario, ensuring that children receive the financial support they need following a separation or divorce. If you are considering, researching, or going through a separation or divorce in Ontario, understanding how child support is calculated and administered is essential. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the key aspects of child support, empowering you to make informed decisions during this challenging time.
Speakers will discuss the following topics:
1. Child Support Guidelines
2. Income Considerations
3. Special and Extraordinary Expenses
4. Duration of Support
5. Enforcement of Support
6. Modifying Support Payments
7. Support for Adult Children
8. Tax Implications
9. Dispute Resolution
10. Legal Assistance

Aug 27, 2024 • 1h 9min
Creating A Parenting Plan Tips And Considerations
Divorce or separation can be emotionally challenging, especially when children are involved. Creating a comprehensive parenting plan is vital to ensure your children’s well-being during this transition. In this in-depth guide, we will explore key considerations and provide detailed tips for crafting a parenting plan that prioritizes your children’s best interests while navigating the legal landscape in Ontario.

Aug 20, 2024 • 1h 19min
The Role Of Family Lawyers: What To Expect
Family lawyers are essential guides through the complexities of family-related legal matters like divorce and custody disputes. The conversation highlights the importance of selecting the right lawyer, with a focus on empathy and effective communication. Practical tips on managing legal fees and budgets emphasize proactive planning. The speakers also explore the emotional impact of legal issues and the responsibilities involved in the client-lawyer relationship. Throughout, they stress the need for early legal advice to protect rights and navigate difficult situations.

Aug 13, 2024 • 1h 16min
Mediation And Collaborative Family Law Explained
Recorded: April 2nd, 2024
Hosted weekly by Associate Lawyer Stephanie Brooks and Articling Students Joseph B. Cugini and Shanza Sohail.
Resolving family disputes, particularly during emotionally charged times like divorce or separation, demands thoughtful approaches that prioritize cooperation and understanding. Mediation and collaborative family law offer alternatives to traditional litigation that are known for their cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and emphasis on emotional well-being. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore mediation and collaborative family law in depth, providing a thorough understanding of how these processes work, their benefits, and practical guidance on choosing professionals and preparing for the journey.
Speakers will discuss the following topics:
1. Understanding Mediation
2. Benefits of Mediation
3. The Mediation Process
4. Role of Mediators
5. Collaborative Family Law
6. Role of Lawyers in Collaborative Law
7. Creating Binding Agreements
8. When Mediation Might Not Be Suitable
9. Finding a Mediator or Collaborative Lawyer
10. Preparing for Mediation/Collaborative Law
__________
LINKS:
https://linkin.bio/familyllb
REGISTER FOR UPCOMING LIVE VIRTUAL EVENTS
[russellalexander.com/webinars](http://russellalexander.com/webinars)
RUSSELL ALEXANDER COLLABORATIVE FAMILY LAWYERS
[russellalexander.com](http://russellalexander.com/)
FAMILYLLB - ONTARIO DIVORCE EDUCATION CENTRE
[familyllb.com](http://familyllb.com/)
FOLLOW US
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RussellAlexanderFamilyLawyers/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/familyLLB
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russellialexander
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/familyllb
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ca/teamRIA/
TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/VW1oXQ/
Role of Lawyers in Collaborative Law: How they differ from traditional representation.
Creating Binding Agreements: Turning mediation decisions into enforceable orders.
When Mediation Might Not Be Suitable: Recognizing limitations and alternatives.
Finding a Mediator or Collaborative Lawyer: Tips for choosing the right professional.
Preparing for Mediation/Collaborative Law: How to get the most out of the process.