Judith Holzman - York Collaborative Practice

Judith Holzman

“I have been practicing Family Law for 40 years and became a Collaborative Lawyer as soon as it came to Ontario.

Collaborative Family Law allows for a customized approach which suits the needs of each individual family and allows for creative solutions that are not available from a court. Because often a team approach is used, either a family professional with social work background and/or a financial professional, such as a business/income valuator or someone used to working on budgeting and financial needs, is available to assist the lawyers in resolving the issues quickly.

The reality is that Collaborative Family Law is a new approach that takes the old process of family warfare, and changes it around to an exercise in family peace, which is of greatest benefit to the children and to the families that participate in the process.

The Collaborative approach is usually successful saving the parties thousands of dollars in legal and other fees and the stress and pain of a family at war with itself.”

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Collaborative Family Law? Who's involved, and how does it work?

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.

What types of family law issues can be resolved using Collaborative Family Law?

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.

What if I don't get along with my spouse? Will this process still work?

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.

How much does Collaborative Family Law cost?

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.

How is this process different from mediation?

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.

How is this process different from going to court?

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.

What does Collaborative Practice actually do to encourage conflict resolution?

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.

Is Collaborative Family Law better for my children?

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.

What if we reach an impasse, or can't reach a settlement with collaborative family law?

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.

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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