Family Law
Self-Represented Litigants: A Survival Guide by Carol Cochrane
Why do we all shudder on learning that our client’s adversary is self-represented on a litigation file? So often we fail to appreciate opposing counsel – until we hear those dreaded words from our client: “You know, the other side won’t be getting a lawyer.” It is only then that we realize and appreciate the… Read More »
Categories: Risk Management Strategies, Family Law, Civil Litigation21 Recommendations in Justice Bonkalo’s final report on improving access to justice for families in Ontario
The following is a Bulletin released March 6, 2017 from the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General Ontario is helping families by making it easier for them to navigate family courts and access the legal assistance they need. Last year, Ontario and the Law Society of Upper Canada asked the Honourable Annemarie E. Bonkalo to… Read More »
Categories: Family LawSale of the Matrimonial Home in Family Disputes
The following is an e-bulletin from the Law Society of Upper Canada sent on Sept 27, 2016. Lawyers are often approached by spouses involved in a family law dispute who are seeking joint representation with respect to the sale of a matrimonial home. Before accepting a retainer to act for such spouses, a lawyer must… Read More »
Categories: Family LawLimited scope representation: With the right safeguards, possibilities abound
A self-represented family law litigant anxiously prepares for a hearing, which can resolve months, if not years, of anxiety, and determine the litigant’s financial and family affairs in the near future. Retaining a lawyer from cradle to grave is out of budget for this litigant. What to do? Relief is around the corner – a… Read More »
Categories: Biggest Claims Risks, Risk Management Strategies, Family Law, Civil LitigationManage client expectations to be safe on limited scope retainers
Helping clients reduce the costs of resolving family disputes has become a practical issue for many family lawyers. As a result, many family lawyers are offering to do work on a limited scope retainer or “unbundled” basis. This means doing part, but not all, of the work on a legal matter. This could include one… Read More »
Categories: Communication Errors, Family LawProvince Seeking Feedback To Make Family Legal Services More Accessible
This is the text of a news release from the Ministry of the Attorney general, released February 9, 2016. Ontario and the Law Society of Upper Canada are seeking public feedback on a proposal to help families access qualified family legal service providers. Family law includes divorce and separation, child custody and access, and child… Read More »
Categories: Family LawNew practicePRO resource: The family law malpractice claims fact sheet
With such a large amount of claims prevention information available in LAWPRO Magazine articles and practicePRO resources, we had the idea to create simple fact sheets that CPD providers and others could use in developing their program material for specific areas of law. The latest in our series of “malpractice claims fact sheets” covers family… Read More »
Categories: Family LawLAWPRO Magazine archive: The Boomer challenge – Are lawyers ready?
2013 is the first year 500,000 Canadians turned 60. It seems like a good time to revisit this article from five years ago, when the first edge of the Boomers were entering their seventh decade. It examines the implications for lawyers of this large and aging clientele. Click here or on the image above to… Read More »
Categories: Communication Errors, Wills & Estates, Real Estate, Family Law