by Michael Butterfield on March 15th, 2014
Beyond Collaborative Family law Over the last decade a great deal of attention has been given to Collaborative Family Law as the ADR alternative to family litigation. The process starts with an agreement (Participation Agreement) not to go to court, and to negotiate an interest based settlement without the intervention…
by Michael Butterfield on November 22nd, 2013
Court Procedure made simple The “grounds for divorce” are the reasons you can use for seeking a divorce. Divorces are governed by the Divorce Act of Canada. You can get a divorce for one of the following reasons: You and your spouse have lived separately and apart for at least…
by Michael Butterfield on November 15th, 2013
Judicial Case Conference in BC – Procedure made simple What is a Judicial Case Conference? A Judicial Case Conference in BC (JCC) is required in all family law proceedings. It is a private and informal hour-long meeting with a Supreme Court Judge or Master, the parties, and their lawyers. Hiring a…
by Michael Butterfield on November 15th, 2013
What is Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)? There are probably as many ADR approaches as there are different types of conflict. Most of the time the process is fluid and the best process may develop with the file. The following is an overview of the ten main types of alternative dispute…
by Michael Butterfield on November 5th, 2013
Will Collaborative law work for me? My issues are child support, guardianship and property division. We get along OK, but have had some fights over money. We do not have a lot of spare cash and don’t want to waste what we have. A lot of people prefer collaborative law…
by Michael Butterfield on August 28th, 2013
Legally Separated? Q: What is marital status of a couple who was married, then legally separated but got back together again a few years later. They never divorced. A: You are considered married until you have a divorce. You can be separated, but if you reconcile, it is as if…