Rebuilding communication after separation

Once parents have moved beyond the realms of court proceedings, it is important to consider how they can develop healthy channels of communication for the benefit of the child(ren) involved and to support healthy coparenting. Continuing child arrangements necessitate a reasonable level of communication between separated parties.

It is common to have concerns regarding contact arrangements, particularly where such arrangements did not exist previously. The restrictions on movement introduced as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic can causes some added strain. However, it is important that children are able to have a healthy relationship with both parents and that both parents are able to effectively manage plans between two households. A number of platforms, accessible on the internet and also as via mobile apps, have now been introduced which are intended to help facilitate coparenting and supporting better relationships.

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Three Words: Mediation, Arbitration, and Conciliation

Mediation. Arbitration. Conciliation. Three words that sound alike and come up frequently in the family law context but have different meanings and implications. I could write a blog post on each one, but here is the “down and dirty” on what you need to know about each one so you can talk intelligently with either your spouse or a lawyer and do not get tripped up along the way.

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Divorce During COVID – How We Have Adapted

Like almost everything else in life, the COVID-19 pandemic has greatly altered the practice of family law. With court closures and social distancing measures, the court system, attorneys, and clients have turned to technology to keep the legal process moving along. Family law matters such as divorce and paternity can be difficult and complex, so the idea of using a virtual meeting platform, like Zoom, for attorney-client consultations, mediations, and hearings was initially met with skepticism. As a client, you may wonder, as we once did, whether these meetings and proceedings can be effective if they are not handled in person. After all, divorce and paternity matters often involve highly sensitive issues such as parenting, time-sharing, child support, and alimony. A strong client-attorney bond built on human interaction and connection can provide you with much-needed support during such an emotional and challenging time.

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Will Mediation And Private Judges End The Uncivility Of In-Court Family Law Litigation Post COVID?

Parents across the globe have been in uncivil “wars” with each other ad infinitum once societal rules and more financially accessible divorces allowed for parents to separate or divorce and children to live in separate households.

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Family mediation in a pandemic - the challenges and opportunities for separating couples

The past year has caused each of us to reflect on what is most important in our lives. Family. Friends. Freedom. It has also made us look forward, to life post-pandemic; and this, along with the pressures of lockdown, home-schooling, and everything else 2020 had to chuck at us, has understandably resulted in lots of couples deciding to go their separate ways.

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Beginning at the End: How mediation can take couples along the pathway to a binding court order

Many couples welcome mediation as a chance to sort out matters directly with each other, rather than discuss matters at arms length via third parties, or go to court. However they also want matters to have a final and binding outcome, and they frequently assume that mediation will not be able to help them with that.

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Mediation - speak freely, listen, understand, then problem solve

As #familymediationweek draws to a close, David Emmerson discusses mediation in more depth and looks at some of its advantages for families. Mediation can be a transcendental experience, especially with one of Anthony Gold’s 5 family mediators.

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More couples seeking relationship help after COVID-19 lockdowns

More couples are seeking advice on separation after months of pressure and isolation brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.

National information and mediation group The Separation Guide has reported an 87 per cent increase in couples who are ready to settle their separation in December 2020, compared to the previous year's holiday period.

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WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF MEDIATION IN RESOLVING FAMILY DISPUTES?

Separation and divorce can be an emotional rollercoaster. Feelings of anger, hurt and worry are common – add the uncertainty created by Coronavirus and they are amplified. With emotions running high, resolving family disputes, and reaching an agreement about parenting arrangements, maintenance payments and other finances can feel impossible. When communication breaks down, using the Family Court to settle your dispute might seem like the only option. However, there is an alternative which helps you reach a resolution sooner and stay in control of your family’s future.

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Nova Scotia’s eCourt platform is first online judicial dispute resolution service in Canada

Nova Scotia’s eCourt recently launched online dispute resolution pilot program enables counsel for both parties and the judge to communicate in real time.

The pilot program, which went live in July, aims to allow those with simple family legal issues, such as divorce, child custody, spousal support or child support, to more simply, safely, easily and affordably access the courts to resolve these matters, stated the news release from the Nova Scotia government.

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