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Farah Sidi

  • Collaborative Lawyer
  • Galbraith Family Law
  • 124 Dunlop Street West, Barrie, ON, L4N 1B1

Approach to Family Law

Farah is aware that it is always beneficial to resolve cases outside of Court where possible and is motivated to negotiate settlements in an amicable and cost-effective manner for her clients.

Her approach to family law is strategic, while also being reasonable and empathetic to the needs of the clients she supports. Farah has a strong interest in collaborative practice and utilizing these tools to reach an effective resolution.

Being aware of the emotional impacts of family law cases, Farah is motivated to assist her clients in making positive new beginnings while maintaining effective family relationships.

Education and Experience

Farah has been practicing family law exclusively since she was called to the Ontario Bar in 2012. Before going to law school, Farah graduated from Queen’s University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics. She completed her law degree at the University of Toronto. While in law school, Farah was a research assistant, volunteered with Pro Bono Students Canada and prepared case summaries for the University of Toronto’s Law Faculty of Law Review publication.

Before joining Galbraith Family Law, Farah worked at a prominent boutique family law firm in Toronto.

A Member of Our Community

In her spare time, Farah enjoys spending time with her young son exploring parks and scenic trails around the city.

You can reach Farah at Farah@GalbraithFamilyLaw.com or by calling 705-302-1136 ext 241. 

What our clients have to say about the collaborative family process.

5/5

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5/5

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Frequently Asked Questions

Collaborative Family Law (CFL) is a better alternative to help families resolve the issues arising out of a separation. Click here to learn more about what CFL is, the benefits, the negotiation process, the professionals involved, and how you can start. 

Most family issues can benefit from the CFL process including issues concerning child custody and visitation; spousal and child support; property and the family home and changes to existing arrangements.

Difficult communication is a very reasonable part of the process post-separation. Despite your differences, the common goal remains the same, resolving the issue in a cost-efficient way that avoids a lengthy court battle. The collaborative process helps keep things moving and reach an amicable result.

Collaborative family law has both parties sign a participation agreement that agrees to generate options and a mutually acceptable settlement.

Collaboratively trained professionals are present during negotiations to help defuse conflict and guide discussion. The goal of this form of conflict resolution is to help keep things productive and non-confrontational.

Each of the parties will be responsible for paying the fees of his or her own collaborative professionals; sometimes parties agree to share the total fees incurred. The expenses of a negotiation will vary depending on the complexity of the issues and the commitment of clients to work towards a resolution. 

A mediator is a neutral person who assists the parties to work out a settlement. The mediator does not act for either party and does not provide legal advice. In a typical family law mediation, the clients attend mediation without their lawyers. 

Lawyers for each of the parties then provide independent legal advice regarding any proposed agreements. In a CFL negotiation, each of the parties has a full team present. Each team would provide legal advice, emotional support, and financial planning. The team will work to guide the parties to the best settlement possible.

In a CFL negotiation, the parties and their team commit to resolving the dispute in a cross-disciplinary fashion that no other process offers.  In a traditional family law negotiation, the court may be used as a bargaining tool.

In a CFL negotiation, the parties explore options for resolution that fits their individual family’s needs. In a traditional negotiation, typically, only legal options are considered.

In a CFL negotiation, the team works with the client to develop a settlement that that best meets the goals of both parties. In a traditional negotiation, each lawyer advocates solutions that best meet their client’s goals.

In a CFL negotiation, the clients have a voice and take responsibility for resolving the issues in an interest-based approach. In a traditional negotiation, it is the lawyers who maintain control of the process.

The guiding principle of the entire collaborative practice is a sense of respect. The tone of the entire process is made to foster cooperation, respect, and mutual understanding. Collaborative professionals are trained specifically how to create a non-confrontational environment, and focus on areas of agreement. Members involved in the process have a family and child-first mentality, they want what’s best for your family and your future.

If children are involved in your dispute, collaborative family law offers a holistic approach that focuses on the best interest of the children. Our professionals are trained to help create an atmosphere of open communication that encourages trust and respect. If one of your main goals is co-operative parenting, then collaborative practice will help you achieve that.

From our experience, major roadblocks become easier to navigate as you begin to work with a collaborative professional. Our experienced team have handled a variety of complex cases, and know what the cost and outcome will likely look like in court, and will be able to use that as a reference to motivate both parties to achieve an outcome through collaboration. 

If there is an impasse, our team meets and works together to resolve the conflict, keeping negotiations productive.  

Children collaborative family law

Ready to start with the collaborative family law?

Achieve a settlement in a dignified, respectful, creative and cost effective way. York Collaborative Practice provides an opportunity for you to maintain the integrity of your family as you transition through separation and divorce. 

It all starts with reaching out. Browse our list of professionals and find the right person to support you or your family, and reach out to begin moving forward. 

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