Procedural Risk Assessment: Tips For Effective Client Interviews
The first point of contact with a new client should be designed to get information the lawyer needs to identify, assess and manage any risk associated with the file. The following tips will help...
View ArticleNeurodivergence and Family Mediation Series. Part 1: ADHD – Getting Our Facts...
ADHD is a common condition affecting 5%-9% of children and 3%-5% of adults. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder and is highly heritable (75%, comparable to the heritability of height). While there...
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Bill C-223: A good work-in-progress
Bill C-223 has opened the door to long-overdue discussion about family violence (FV) in the family law community. Family law professionals work at the very core of the dynamics that can put the safety...
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It is time for family arbitrators to get “screening” right
from left to right: Hilary Linton, Borzou Tabrizi, Judit Nicoll. Since 2007, the Ontario government has regulated family arbitration practice. A key requirement is the arbitrator’s responsibility to...
View ArticleShould family lawyers have a duty to screen for family violence?
Bill C-223, An Act to amend the Divorce Act, has ignited discussion in the family law community. Whether that private member’s legislation becomes law or not, it is an opportunity to reflect on the...
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Screening for Power Imbalance & IPV in Collaborative Practice
by Cindy Chisvin & Hilary Linton Summary: The notion that if IPV exists then the clients are not candidates for the collaborative process has been dispelled. The ongoing challenge is creating...
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Lexis Nexis Publishes Comprehensive Ontario Guide to Screening for Power...
After more than a year of research, writing, drafting, edits and more edits, I am so pleased to announce that Lexis Nexis Practical Guidance has just published a complete, comprehensive guidance for...
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Navigating the Grief Cycle in Family Mediation
Caveat: I am no psychologist or psychiatrist. I often tell clients I am not my own surgeon, so I find help where help is needed from professionals. This holds even in the mediation space, where clients...
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Living with your ex: What you need to know
On July 30, 2025, I had the pleasure of being a guest on CBC’s Ontario Today. The topic was “Living with your ex: what are the challenges?” Host Amanda Pfeffer highlighted research showing the trend in...
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Understanding the FOAEAA: A Tool for Enforcing Support in Family Law
When families separate, ensuring that child and spousal support obligations are met is critical for the financial stability and well-being of those involved—especially children. One of the legal tools...
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Six Questions for Avagene: Insights from a Family Law Mediator and Coach
An in-depth conversation on what draws people to mediation, the challenges and rewards of the process, and the essential skills behind successful conflict resolution. What inspired you to become a...
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How to Build a Successful ADR Practice
On March 25, I joined a great group of ADR professionals to discuss the important topic of building an ADR business. Speaking with me at this well-attended Ontario Bar Association event were Katherine...
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What Makes Parenting Coordination Work Well?
Parenting coordination (PC) is a dispute resolution process for parents who have a parenting plan in place and need help communicating with each other, interpreting the details of their plan and...
View ArticleCan I bring my mother to the mediation? (or sibling, new partner, best...
In some cases, family mediators can have the sense that the forces really driving the conflict— or advocating for resolution— are not in the room. These “non”-parties can be loud, influential and...
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What Parenting Coordinators Need to know about Parental Alienation
Parental alienation is shown using a text One of the toughest issues facing parenting coordinators is where one parent accuses the other of child alienation. For PCs like me, who are lawyers and not...
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A Step-by-Step Guide to the Mediation Process:(from intake/screening to...
The Mediation Process: Intake Form and Agreement to Mediate Intake Form: Each client is required to complete and submit an Intake Form: This form requires information, including about each party;...
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Some Tips for New Mediators
Being the “new kid” has historically been challenging, whether it’s at a new school, a new job, or moving to a new town with your kids and having to navigate a whole set of new parents. The “new kid”...
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Mediation vs. Arbitration: What is the Difference?
What is the difference between Mediation vs. Arbitration? Mediation: Is a voluntary negotiation led by a mediator who does not make decisions. Mediators screen each party first to ensure the matter is...
View ArticleShuttle Mediation: Some Benefits and Pitfalls (Part 2: The Pitfalls)
As a mediator, helping parties navigate discussions toward settlement involves creating an adaptive process that supports that agenda. The use of shuttle mediation comes with benefits and some possible...
View ArticleShuttle Mediation: Some Benefits and Pitfalls (Part 1: The Benefits)
As a mediator, helping parties navigate discussions toward settlement involves creating an adaptive process that supports that agenda. The use of shuttle mediation comes with benefits and some possible...
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