FDRIO’s First Annual Conference

On November 23, 2015 FDRIO held its First Annual Conference. Although I have been a litigant for over 20 years this was my first foray into the ADR field. As the field of ADR has been growing and evolving in family law over the past decade I assumed the field was fully formed and overflowing with trained professionals.

After listening to the brave, insightful and provocative speakers at the Conference I came to learn my assumptions were incorrect. The field continues to grow, evolve and improve with plenty of room for others who share in the vision of promoting and refining the various alternative dispute resolution options for families in Ontario.

Present at the Conference were individuals who have experienced the trials and tribulations of navigating the legal system upon the dissolution of their marriage. These brave women spoke about the financial, emotional, psychological and physical toll the legal system wreaked upon their lives. After listening to these women and learning that up to 70% of litigants in family law matters are unrepresented it became obvious that more can and must be done to change the system.

The Conference also brought together speakers who practice family law, mediation, mediation-arbitration, and collaborative law. The growth of these ADR fields is a direct response to the needs of Ontario families undergoing separation and divorce. The fact this is the first annual conference for FDRIO highlights the continued growth and ever-evolving needs of this field.

FDRIO is working to meet these needs by ensuring the family dispute resolution profession is enhanced and public awareness around the separation and divorce process shifts to be one that is cooperative, respectful and solution-oriented.

I am excited to be a part of this continually evolving, dynamic, field and look forward to working with others to aid in its evolution.

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*Diane Coulthard, (Hons) B.A., LL.B., graduated with an Honours B.A. in Political Studies from Queen’s University before obtaining an L.L.B. from the University of Windsor in 1991. While at the University of Windsor, Ms. Coulthard developed an interest in International and Business Law. Following graduation, Ms. Coulthard articled at Meighan Demers, a boutique Corporate Commercial law firm specializing in National and International business transactions. Ms. Coulthard was called to the bar in 1993 and began working with Levine Associates. Under Mr. Levine’s mentoring, Ms. Coulthard began to develop skills in the area of Immigration and Refugee law. Ms. Coulthard has been representing refugees before the IRB for more than 17 years and now mentors young lawyers at the firm. Ms. Coulthard is also involved with the preparation of Judicial Review materials and attends before the Federal Court Trial Division. Ms. Coulthard lives in Toronto with her husband and two sons.

*Biography taken from Levine Associates – www.levlaw.com

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