What is Early Family Dispute Resolution?
As of March 1st, 2021, changes to the Divorce Act, now require those seeking a divorce to first participate in what is called Early Family Dispute Resolution. This means that before any court proceedings can occur, the parties involved must first attempt to resolve their marriage, relationship, and childcare disputes through mediation, collaborative law, or arbitration proceedings.
Mediation
Mediation is a process designed for separating and divorcing people to resolve their conflicts before going to court. Mediation is not intended to replace legal representation, but it can help to resolve disagreements between parents and guide you through some of the questions you may have about your separation or divorce.
In mediation, both parties try to resolve property and custody issues in a more diplomatic, less stressful way where Danial would serve as the expert mediator for both parties to ensure your children’s best interests are maintained throughout the process. The mediator helps the parents write a suitable parenting plan that may then become a custody and visitation order if it is signed by a judge. In some cases, this can be as short as a single meeting between parties to obtain certification before proceeding to the courts, in others there may be multiple mediation proceedings. If the dispute cannot be resolved, the case will then be taken to court where a judge will decide the outcome. As a legally certified mediator with over 20 years of experience, Daniel can help guide you through this process to help find favourable solutions for all parties involved.
Collaborative Law
Unlike mediation, in collaborative law proceedings, both parties hire a lawyer who is certified to practice collaborative family law. Once again, the intended goal is to settle the case without going to court. As a collaborative lawyer with decades of experience, Daniel would ensure that your best interests are maintained throughout the process and advocate for the best possible outcome for your unique circumstances.
Have a question relating to family law matters? Tell us about it and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Family Law Services
Daniel has a wealth of expertise in alternative dispute resolution and litigation services that include:
Cohabitation, marriage (prenuptial), and property agreements.
Separation
Divorce
Collaborative Law
Wealth and asset protection
High Net Worth Divorce and Separation
Prenuptial Agreements
Post-nuptial agreements
Mediation (acting as a mediator in an effort to reach an agreement)
Negotiation, mediation, arbitration and other innovative conflict resolution processes.
Division of assets
Child custody, guardianship, and parenting arrangements.
Child support
Spousal support.
Property division and debt resolution.
Fertility Law
Family Law Appeals
Private adoptions
Step-parent adoptions
Third party adoptions
Call us
dan@danieltapp.com
TEL (306) 721-7000
FAX (306) 721-1415