Amicable Divorce in Ontario: A Guide to Peaceful Separation

  • Amicable divorces are possible, not unrealistic. They are within your reach, not pie in the sky.

  • Give an amicable divorce a chance, and avoid court appearances.

  • With a contested divorce you risk your separation descending into anger, bitterness and finger-pointing.

  • Stay clear of the court system, and work together for an amicable separation for the best of possible outcomes.

  • Good divorces are carefully negotiated and amicably arrived at.

  • Don’t bury your head in the sand and think that everything will be all right.

With an amicable divorce, the negotiation process is the key.

How long can a divorce drag out?

Don’t bury your head in the sand and think that everything will be all right in the end if you choose to settle your divorce through the courts. There are some serious outcomes that could really happen to you if you don’t give an amicable divorce a chance.

Rethinking “Lawyering Up”

  • Control the Process: Working with a mediator and CDFA, you and your spouse maintain control over the process, making decisions collaboratively instead of dictating them by attorneys or the court.

  • Financial Clarity: A CDFA brings financial expertise to your case, helping you understand financial decisions’ short- and long-term implications.

  • Comprehensive Disclosure: These professionals guide you in gathering necessary disclosure documents, ensuring no financial stones are left unturned before consulting a lawyer.

  • Focused Negotiations: Mediators help parties stay focused on their real intentions and the main issues, preventing distractions from the path of resolution.

  • Cost-Effective: Mediation and financial analysis can often be more cost-effective than immediately “lawyering up” while offering comprehensive guidance.

  • Reduced Animosity: Opting for mediation first may reduce the antagonism between parties. The traditional “lawyering up” approach can create an adversarial atmosphere that fuels hostility.

  • Holistic Approach: Mediators and CDFAs consider monetary and non-monetary aspects, such as children’s welfare, providing a more holistic view of your situation.

  • Informed Legal Decisions: A solid understanding of your finances and intentions empowers you to make more informed decisions when seeking legal advice.

  • Protection of Rights: The modern family law system ensures your rights are protected – consulting a mediator or CDFA first doesn’t negate this protection.

  • Better for Children: Focusing on finances and children first helps create a more stable environment during this transition, which is often better for children.

Remember, the goal is to make your divorce or separation as smooth as possible for all involved. Therefore, starting with a mediator and CDFA might not be the traditional route. Still, it could be right for you, providing clarity, control, and a comprehensive view of your situation before you step into a lawyer’s office. As always, every situation is unique, so consider your options carefully and seek the best approach for your family.

How to have an Amicable divorce?

Amicable Divorce
How to have a amicable separation
  • You only need to hire one between you, not one each as you would with divorce lawyers

  • You negotiate your divorce in mediation, you don’t fight over it

  • You can resolve your differences way more cheaply in mediation than with litigation

  • Mediation is far quicker than taking your divorce through the cumbersome court system

  • You’re hiring a lawyer to represent you in court. Yet only 4% of divorces end in court. The vast majority are settled by negotiation. So get a good negotiator. Get a mediator.

  • The average divorce mediation is resolved in under 8 hours. And with mediators typically charging around the $200 per hour mark, you can get your divorce issues resolved for under $2000.

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About the Author:
Ken Maynard CDFA, Acc.FM

I assist intelligent and successful couples in crafting rapid, custom separation agreements that pave the way for a smooth transition towards a secure future. This efficient process is achieved in about four meetings, effectively sidestepping the excessive conflicts, confusion, and costs commonly linked to legal proceedings. Clients have the flexibility to collaborate with me either via video conference or in-person through a DTSW associate at any of our six Greater Toronto mediation centers, located in Aurora, Barrie, North York, Vaughan, Mississauga, and Scarborough.

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