Case Studies
The following examples are based on real cases we've handled. The names and personal details have been modified to protect client confidentiality. These stories reflect the kinds of challenges we help families navigate – and how we approach resolution with strategy, expertise, and care.
01
Collaborative Divorce for a Family of Five
H, a father of three, had been married to W for nearly 20 years. His primary goal was to resolve the separation peacefully—his greatest fear was a court battle that could irreparably damage the family and their long-term relationships. We helped the parties enter into a collaborative divorce process, where both lawyers signed an agreement to withdraw from the case if it ever proceeded to court. This structure created a strong incentive for all involved to stay focused on respectful, interest-based negotiation. Together, we reached a customized settlement that reflected the family's real needs. The parenting plan was designed to evolve as the children grew, spousal support was tailored to encourage both parties to be financially self-sufficient, and the property division was fair and mutually acceptable. Most importantly, the matter was resolved within four months, without litigation, without animosity, and with significant savings in legal fees. H was deeply relieved to preserve a sense of stability for his children—and to protect the family from a court process that could have left lasting scars.
02
Separation Agreements – Empowering Informed Consent
W, a mother of two, had been married to H for more than 15 years. When the relationship ended, H proposed a private settlement—offering her spousal support and a lump sum payment, and urging her to avoid lawyers to save on legal fees. W came to us feeling uncertain and pressured, with no clear understanding of her rights or the fairness of the offer. We advocated for W’s right to full financial disclosure. H was a business owner with significant cash income, which made uncovering the full financial picture more complex. Through careful negotiation and persistence, we obtained the necessary documents to assess H’s income and assets. With that information in hand, W was empowered to make informed decisions. We negotiated an agreement that provided her with both an appropriate equalization payment and ongoing spousal support—ensuring her long-term financial stability.
03
Early Court Intervention - Securing a Child-Focused Agreement
H separated from his wife, W, with whom he shared a 4-year-old child. After the separation, W began to exert greater control over the parenting schedule, limiting H’s time with the child to just 1.5 days per week. H, who had a flexible work schedule and was eager to remain actively involved, felt sidelined. We initially pursued a negotiated solution, proposing a parenting plan that would allow H to provide more direct care. However, W resisted, and discussions reached an impasse. Recognizing that court intervention was likely necessary, we promptly commenced a court application. At the case conference, the judge considered both parties’ availability, caregiving capacity, and employment situations. The judge commented that it would be in the child’s best interests for H’s parenting time to be increased. This judicial guidance helped soften W’s position and opened the door to resolution. We seized the opportunity and negotiated a comprehensive parenting agreement that adapted as the child grew. It addressed not only regular parenting time, but also schooling, holidays, travel arrangements, and child support—allowing both parents to move forward with clarity and structure.
04
Pivoting to Mediation in Complex Property Issue – Saving Thousands of Legal Fees
W was 60 years old and approaching retirement when she came to us after separating from her husband. Although the marriage was long-term, almost all of the couple’s assets were registered in H’s name. Normally, this wouldn’t significantly affect division, as Ontario’s equalization system aims for a fair split of marital property. However, H argued that the parties had actually separated more than seven years earlier—a date that, if accepted, would have entirely blocked W’s equalization claim. The financial difference between the two separation dates was in the millions of dollars. We promptly filed a court application, asserting W’s separation date and advancing a constructive trust claim over key assets. H resisted disclosing financial information, but we applied consistent court pressure and obtained comprehensive information needed to support W’s claims. Recognizing the potential costs and delays of litigation, both parties agreed to mediation. With the help of a respected family law mediator, we negotiated a settlement that fairly reflected both parties’ rights—avoiding what would have been a prolonged and costly court battle involving multiple motions, experts, and possibly trial.
05
Unlocking a Stalemate with Strategic Court Motions
Our client, M, had separated from her former spouse but remained co-owner of the matrimonial home, which she had moved out of due to ongoing conflict. Despite her no longer living there, the other party refused to sell, refinance, or engage meaningfully in settlement discussions. Meanwhile, M continued to bear the financial strain of joint ownership. After months of stalled negotiations, we brought a motion to compel the sale of the matrimonial home. The court granted the order for sale. Once the motion was granted, the dynamic shifted. With the home now listed and leverage rebalanced, the parties returned to the negotiating table. We successfully reached a full and final settlement covering all remaining issues—property, support, and parenting—without further court involvement.