Articles
4 Negotiation Tactics Robert Kraft Used to End the NFL Lockout
As this real life negotiation example demonstrates, a win-win solution is always available to creative negotiators and mediators with an integrative negotiations mindset. The example may be from the past – which proves the core characteristics of good negotiation and...
Do You Need a Children’s Lawyer or Would a Child Consultant Be Better for Your Family Needs?
This is where Parents should fear to tread. Is there a better way to hear your child’s voice? One of the topics I receive the most requests to write about is the topic of child counsel (also known as counsel for the children). Some parents see it as a panacea to the...
Anchoring Sinking
The anchoring effect describes the tendency for the human mind to rely heavily on the first piece of information introduced into the negotiation conversation. A ship drops anchor so that it does not drift too far away from the point it ‘dropped anchor’. In...
To disclose or not to disclose, that is the question
To deal with child support, spousal support, or matrimonial property, there needs to be accurate information about each person’s incomes, assets, and liabilities. Failing to provide financial disclosure increases the costs for everyone involved in the dispute. The list of required and necessary documents in Court form FL 17 is just the beginning. And, it is the place to start.
Parent like Michelangelo
Some people had a positive childhood – positive experiences and positive parenting role models. For them parenting is about emulating, and improving upon, those positive parenting mentors.
For others, who had more negative childhood experiences, the task is to take those lessons and use them to become the parent their parenting mentors could have been.
Either way, the task is to remove whatever does not belong in the description of positive parenting and uncover the parent that lies within.
The 3 step Parenting Plan
parenting plan for dummies
Two faces of Spousal support
Spousal support can be a Bridge over Troubled water or an umbilical cord that suffocates the future
Pick a Seat, not a Side
Parents who can see their children’s view points as more important than their own personal needs set an example for their children about what it means to Be a parent rather than be a parent.
I am the Boss of me. Ego and the choice of litigation.
Interest Based Negotiation also epitomized what I thought (and still believe) a Lawyer should behave both as a civil professional and an agent of clients’ interests. you must take responsibility for your actions, words, behaviors and thoughts and not allowing someone else to take that responsibility over from you. Life I full of choices. And this is one of them.
Putrid, Petulant People relationships
how to stop high conflict people from sapping your energy and Will to live
Family is the Foundation of Humanity
Marriage was traditionally the relationship that defined the creation of a basic unit of a healthy society - Family. Marriage symbolized the commitment of two people to each other and the promise to create new life both as a unit of two becoming one and children. The...
The Split Personality of the Courts
courts are responsible to decide what is in a child’s Best Interests and exercise that responsibility by leaving important parenting decisions up to the child.
Financial Disclosure is required for closure in Alberta divorces and separations
There is no point in negotiating agreements without comprehensive and accurate financial disclosure. Chateauvert v. Chateauvert, 2018 CarswellAlta 4. is a good example of what can go wrong when financial disclosure is lacking.
Making a better childhood experience through Parenting
John Cameron, CEO of Keller Construction and Changing Lives Foundation ( have you seen the Singing Christmas Tree? If you have, you have experienced one contribution he has facilitated) was featured in the December 2017 "Business in Edmonton" magazine. In the...
shared parenting now means exchanging cheques
Common sense would tell us that if two people owe each other money the most effective way to settle things is for one to pay the other the difference between the two amounts. Well, 'common' logic does not extend to Canada Revenue Agency or the Federal Tax Court. A...
Shifting roles not rolling in court
Until the late 20th century women were assumed to be the ones best able to perform the role of companion/nurturer - the glue that bound family and social relationships together. The authors like Daniel Golman published research that showed shifting reality - that men...
Why should you choose Collaborative Law ?
I am asked in consultations to explain why I think Collaborative Law should be the first stop in any dispute. I am then asked to share those ideas with others who come to my website looking for information, help and assistance. This post is intended share some of...
What is the Meaning of your Divorce?
For every event, experience or ‘fact’ you encounter in your life you apply a meaning. Meaning is the story or narrative that gives context and understanding to your experience – for you. The same event, experience or ‘fact’ can have different meaning to different...
Mature Parenting is a child’s right and your responsibility as a parent.
"Maturity doesn't always accompany age" John Maxwell. Young children are immature. They are immature because everything in their life is about them. Everyone in their life is relevant only because of what they can do for the child. Immaturity is thinking only about...
Everything is going to be alright. Or is everything going to be alright?
There is a difference between people. That difference is what is a big difference. That difference is attitude. Whether it is positive or negative is what makes the big difference. (adapted from the words of W Clement stone). We cannot control all that happens around...
Need Help?
SEE US FOR A COMPLEMENTARY 20-MINUTE CONSULTATION TO ANSWER YOUR INITIAL QUESTIONS.