Co-habitation and Marriage Contracts
Most of what we think we know about Family Law is from American TV and movies. Needless to say most of what we think we know is incorrect.
A good agreement should protect both parties and help them to understand their rights and obligations moving forward. The agreement must be entered into without duress and with a full understanding of what it covers. While it can protect assets acquired before the relationship it is not intended to leave either party vulnerable if the relationship ends.
Traditional or Collaborative Divorce
When people want to know the difference between Traditional and Collaborative divorce and I tell them in traditional divorce there is win/lose mentality that is seen in the court setting and in a Collaborative divorce the family as a unit is the client and the settlement is meant to do the least amount of damage and be fair to both parties.
Each lawyer, when taking on a Collaborative case signs an agreement that they will not take the case to court, so that threat is eliminated. There are other conditions and benefits to Collaborative Divorce and they can be found at www.collaborativepractice.com the international site or at the Hamilton/Halton Collaborative Family Practice site www.collabfamlaw.com of which I am a member.
I do work in both types of divorce. In the traditional setting I can work with one or both clients and when working collaboratively I work with both clients. In either case the client/s receive a copy of the report to take to their lawyer and I am available to my client’s lawyers to answer any questions. The clients and their lawyer then negotiate the settlement with more confidence because they understand what they are agreeing to.
Estate Planning
Having a good Estate Plan is more than having a current Will. It involves having all your wishes carried out in an easily understood and efficient manner. It means no surprises for your Powers of Attorneys (both of them) or your Executor and Beneficiaries. If you don’t fully understand your will and your obligations, you may unwittingly set up your estate for a long costly legal court battle.
Second marriages and special needs must be addressed and everyone should have realistic idea of what is to be expected in your estate. This is were the use of Trusts can be very beneficial.
Public Speaking
Val is available to speak at meetings and conferences on any of the above topics and she also has several seminars that she has run.
Women Living Single – Choice Chance or Circumstance
This covers some of the new realities women face when they suddenly find themselves single for the first time after the loss of a spouse do to death, divorce or having the spouse go into long term care.
Re-invent Yourself Re-invent Your Business
Sometimes all it takes is a few small changes to get big results.
Giving the Children a Voice in the Divorce
For the younger children it is a way of helping them understand their changing reality.
For adult children it is a way of helping them to understand their parents changing reality.