What We Offer
Collaborative Law
Collaborative law is a form of alternative dispute resolution that aims to resolve legal issues without going to court. Divorcing couples often choose a collaborative process because they wish to reduce conflict, establish a positive co-parenting relationship, and help the family move forward in a positive way. Taking the collaborative route is voluntary; both spouses must agree to take part.
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In a collaborative divorce, the spouses work together to resolve legal issues and create a mutually beneficial separation agreement, rather than going to court and having a judge make decisions for their family. Because both spouses approach the process with the mindset of reaching a separation agreement that works best for their family, the collaborative process often yields better outcomes, and does so more efficiently, than the conventional court process. To assist in negotiations, each spouse hires a specially trained collaborative law lawyer.
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Your lawyer is there to advise you, advocate for your needs, interests and rights, and recommend solutions that make sense for your family’s priorities. Your lawyer will also facilitate information sharing, open communication and disclosure, and respectful discussions between you and your spouse, as well as provide a safe space where you can both speak openly and honestly.
Even with a collaborative process, a divorce can be stressful and emotionally challenging. Your lawyer can provide clarity, support and reassurance during this difficult time, as well as help you understand and weigh your options.
Your collaborative law lawyer may recommend consulting with other professionals, such as a counsellor, social worker or financial specialist, if doing so would help you and your spouse make informed decisions or support your family’s well-being.
You and your spouse maintain control of the collaborative divorce process and make the final decisions. When your negotiations are complete, your lawyers will draft the separation agreement that you will both sign.
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Mediation is another type of alternative dispute resolution. You and your spouse would both meet with a mediator, who would help you discuss your issues and come to an agreement. Mediators cannot provide independent legal advice, so each of you still needs a lawyer.
What is mediation?
Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution. In the context of family law, the purpose of mediation is to help couples resolve issues arising from their separation – such as custody, parenting arrangements, child support, spousal support and division of property – and create a separation agreement without the added stress, time and expense of going to court.
Divorcing couples often choose mediation because it is less adversarial than litigation. Mediation also offers greater privacy, and it enables families to control the outcome and final decisions of the separation process. You can create a unique, personalized separation agreement rather than accept a cookie-cutter agreement from a court.
Mediators are neutral; they do not take sides. Having a mediator present can help you and your spouse hold respectful, productive discussions and resolve disputes.
Mediation is a voluntary and confidential process. Before the mediation process can begin, both spouses must agree to participate and sign an agreement to that effect. No one can be forced to take part.
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A mediator is trained to help you and your spouse talk to each other, ensure that both of your views are heard, and help you come to a resolution that is best for your particular situation. Mediators also provide a safe, neutral space to have difficult conversations.
Mediators do not make decisions, take sides or pressure anyone to agree. They also cannot provide independent legal advice – you will need a lawyer for that.
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No. Mediators can be lawyers, social workers and other professionals who have taken the required training to learn mediation skills and become accredited.
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No. It is highly recommended, but not required, that you and your spouse obtain separate family law lawyers to provide you with independent legal advice about the terms of the separation agreement. Your mediator cannot serve as a lawyer for either you or your spouse, as a mediator will not be able to give you legal advice.
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A collaborative divorce is another type of alternative dispute resolution. You and your spouse would each hire a collaborative law lawyer, and the lawyers would help you resolve your legal issues and negotiate a separation agreement.
Our services
Unbundled SERVICES
Do you want a lawyer to help with just one or some parts of your family law matter?
Unbundled services are individual legal services that you can obtain as needed. This is a very flexible approach that you can tailor to your needs and your budget.
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Some people want a lawyer to handle their entire case. Others prefer to do some or most of the tasks themselves, to reduce their expenses. With unbundled services, you can get professional legal advice and support for specific steps, events or documents. Unbundled services are also called “family law coaching,” which is a good description – your lawyer can coach you through different aspects of your case.
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Gotal Family Law offers a wide range of unbundled services, including legal advice, document drafting, coaching for negotiations, and more.
The first step is to book a consultation to discuss your legal issue. This is very important, as I need to understand the “big picture” before providing advice or working on particular tasks. Together, we’ll develop a plan that fits your needs, including what tasks I can assist you with and what tasks you will do on your own.
For instance, some clients choose to attend mediation alone, but they consult with me in advance to better understand their legal issue, discuss strategies or brainstorm possible resolutions. Others ask me to attend certain mediation sessions they’re not sure they can handle, such as discussions about spousal support or property division. Many clients need assistance with drafting or reviewing legal documents and agreements.
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Your personalized plan could include any of these services:
• Discuss settlement options and provide legal advice
• Provide strategic advice and resolution options
• Assist in developing a Parenting Plan or advise on the terms of parenting time (formerly called “access”)
• Assist in preparing a financial statement and supporting documents
• Coaching before negotiations or mediation
• Attend negotiations with you
• Attend mediation with you
• Assist in preparing documents for your case
• Prepare a Separation Agreement
• Provide independent legal advice on a Separation Agreement
• Calculate child support and/or spousal support
• Prepare a Cohabitation Agreement or Marriage Contract
• Provide independent legal advice on a Cohabitation Agreement or Marriage Contract -
If you need additional advice or support at any point in your family law matter, I’m available for continued consultations or coaching. You can also opt for full representation, if you find that you need more advocacy, or if self-managing your case becomes too time-consuming, stressful or complicated. To learn more about unbundled services, or to book a consultation with Gotal Family Law.
Streamline collaborative process
What is Streamline Collaborative Process?
Process is a one-cost solution where you have a team of experienced professionals who will help you reach a separation agreement. This is a process for people who want peace of mind knowing the cost for their divorce, from the beginning to the signing of the separation agreement.
