Comprehensive Family Law Services
Navigating the complexities of divorce is daunting, especially considering the huge emotional and financial implications. At Fairway Divorce Solutions, we offer an alternative to the traditional divorce lawyer route, focusing on divorce mediation to ensure a smoother, more amicable resolution. In the process, we offer a more comprehensive legal service than a family law firm. We take care of you from the decision to separate to signing divorce papers. Our unique approach is designed to minimize stress, reduce costs, and protect the interests of all parties involved, especially your children.
Divorce Mediation: A Modern Approach to Separation
In today's world, the role of a family lawyer is often associated with contentious battles, prolonged court proceedings, and escalating costs. At Fairway Divorce Solutions we believe there is a better way. Our team of experienced divorce mediators provides comprehensive support to navigate the separation process with dignity and respect. By choosing mediation over litigation, you're opting for a path that fosters cooperation, encourages open communication, and aims for mutually beneficial outcomes.
Comprehensive Separation Agreements
A well-crafted separation agreement is very important in the divorce process. Our approach ensures that you remain in control and well-informed throughout the decision-making process, guaranteeing that the agreement serves your best interests, as well as those of your children and assets.
Expert Drafting
Our service includes drafting your agreement, and ensuring it covers all necessary arrangements regarding spousal support, child custody, property division, and more. The separation agreement document, often exceeds 20 pages, and is meticulously prepared to protect your rights and interests.
Family Law and Financial Expertise
Our team of Divorce Resolution Mediators specialize in creating legally binding agreements that withstand the test of time. With nearly two decades of experience across Canada, we leverage The Fairway Method™ and the Independently Negotiated Resolution™ (INR) process to achieve fair outcomes that result in long-term well-being.
Comprehensive Support
From gathering financial disclosures to facilitating legal advice, we guide you through every step. Our focus on your children's well-being and financial security ensures a smooth transition to new beginnings, free from the use of children as pawns and the burden of hefty legal fees.
Lasting Peace of Mind
Once all issues are resolved, our legal team documents them into a comprehensive and legally binding separation agreement. This document safeguards against future disputes, ensuring your agreement's durability.
Choosing Fairway Divorce Solutions for your separation agreement means opting for a path that minimizes stress, conflict, and unnecessary expenses, all while laying a solid foundation for your future.
Streamlined Divorce Filing Process
Navigating the path to officially filing for divorce can be complex and daunting. At Fairway Divorce Solutions, we simplify this crucial step, ensuring a smooth transition to your new life. Our team is dedicated to making the divorce filing process as straightforward and stress-free as possible.
We provide comprehensive support from start to finish, guiding you through every step of the divorce filing process. We aim to ensure that your decisions are informed, your outcomes are durable, and you can confidently move forward.
Understanding the intricacies of divorce filing, we streamline the process to save you time and money. Our expertise in handling the legal paperwork and navigating the legal requirements means you will avoid common pitfalls and delays.
Whether you're finalizing an uncontested divorce or navigating the complexities of a contested case, our team is equipped to handle your unique situation. We ensure that your divorce filing accurately reflects the terms of your separation agreement and complies with Canadian laws.
With Fairway Divorce Solutions, you gain peace of mind knowing that your divorce filing is in capable hands. Our approach minimizes the emotional and financial strain of divorce, allowing you to focus on starting anew.
Choosing Fairway for your divorce filing means entrusting your future to a team prioritizing your well-being and long-term happiness. Let us help you close this chapter of your life with dignity and embark on a hopeful journey ahead.
Benefits vs. Risks of Using a Divorce Lawyer
Why Consider Divorce Mediation Over a Traditional Divorce Lawyer?
Divorce mediation offers several advantages over the traditional divorce lawyer approach. It allows for more personalized solutions that truly reflect the needs and wishes of both parties. Mediation is typically faster, less expensive, and less adversarial than going through the courts. This not only preserves your financial resources but also helps maintain a more amicable relationship post-divorce, which is particularly beneficial when children are involved.
At Fairway Divorce Solutions, we specialize in creating separation agreements that stand the test of time. Our process is designed to ensure you remain informed and in control every step of the way, from drafting comprehensive separation agreements to navigating the divorce filing process. Our focus on mediation and the use of The Fairway Method™ and Independently Negotiated Resolution™ (INR) process ensures that your divorce is handled with the utmost care and professionalism, aiming for outcomes that prioritize your long-term well-being.
Is Hiring a Divorce Lawyer Outdated?
History and tradition have us hard-wired to think that hiring a family lawyer will protect us and provide better results. It’s natural to think “I need to protect myself” when you’re in the process of separating yourself from your partner but hiring a "the best lawyer" to fight for your rights often causes more harm than good.
The Canadian laws are quite fair by nature. In the past the outcome of a court case was largely based on the talent of your lawyer and the judge you had that day. However, those days are over and you don’t need an experienced divorce lawyer to get you a “good deal.” The goal posts that divorce lawyers will be arguing about on your behalf are quite narrow, and would you really want a stranger to speak on your behalf about child custody, property division and spousal support?
The old way of approaching matrimonial disputes is no longer appropriate or necessary. In Saskatchewan the divorce mediation process has even become mandated because the courts recognize that this produces better results for all parties involved.
Your focus needs to be on your children, protecting the wealth you have worked so hard to make, negotiating fair spousal and child support, and agreeing on a property division that is based on the applicable legislation and sets you up for future success and security. In cases where the financial picture is complex then that is even more reason to use grounded financial experts to help negotiate your outcomes.
The Risks Of Not Hiring a Divorce Lawyer
Here are some questions and reasons we hear from potential client who are considering whether they should hire a divorce lawyer or opt for our unique divorce mediation process:
- I think I might be giving up too much;
- I think I may end up paying too much;
- I lack the ability to put someone under “oath” during discoveries;
- I do not get to ask my ex questions under the pressure of a lawyer;
- I do not get my day in court for a Judge to tell my ex that I was right;
- I might never know if I could have done better in trial;
- I don’t want my spouse to get away with their bad behaviour;
- My friends will keep doubting my decision not to hire a divorce lawyer because that is what they did and they want me to do the same;
- I do not get to put everything he/she did filed and kept on record;
- I will not have one person whose entire focus is on me winning at whatever the cost;
If your concern is winning, whatever the cost or are seeking satisfaction because you feel you have been wronged in the relationship, no ADR method will satisfy you. However, you want to come to a timely resolution without spending years in court or destroying the wealth you have worked hard for, Fairway Divorce Solutions is a good option. You might be hesitant to try our method because the traditional litigation system has ruled family law for so long that no other option seems viable. We urge you to reach out and meet with our experts to see if we are a good fit.
Benefits of Fairway Divorce Solutions™
Reduce Cost
- We charge a flat fee and don’t get paid by the hour
- We do not get paid to drag out the legal process
- We preserve your assets
Reduce Stress
- We guide you through the process separately
- We ensure that emotions do not interfere with sound decision-making
- Preserving relationships while making difficult decisions between parties
Reduce Time
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We move you through the divorce process in 120 days of negotiation
Protect the Children
- Children are never intentionally or unintentionally used as pawns
- Children are empowered because their parents strive to be the best they can during this difficult time
- Co-parenting plans are designed to meet the unique needs of the family and achieve a win for all parties
More Comprehensive Support than a Family Law Firm can offer
Our services extend beyond just mediation. We provide expert drafting of separation agreements, legal and financial expertise to create legally binding agreements, and comprehensive support throughout the entire process. Our approach is designed to reduce the emotional and financial strain of divorce, allowing you to focus on moving forward with your life.
Choosing Fairway Divorce Solutions means opting for a path that minimizes stress, conflict, and unnecessary expenses, all while laying a solid foundation for your future. Whether you're in the initial stages of considering a divorce or ready to finalize the process, our team is here to guide you through every step, ensuring a fair and equitable resolution for all involved.
Every divorce case is different. Embark on your journey towards a new beginning with Fairway Divorce Solutions, where our commitment to your well-being and long-term happiness is our top priority. Let us help you navigate the complexities of divorce with dignity, respect, and a focus on the future.
You do not need a divorce lawyer to work with Fairway Divorce Solutions and reach a resolution on all issues related to your separation. Ideally, the only time you may need to engage a lawyer is to receive independent legal advice on your separation agreement.
Client testimonials
Success comes in many forms. For us, it is hearing back from our clients and reading how we have changed their lives for the better. These stories are the reason we do what we do.
Colette was an amazing resource in this very difficult process. She supported us in making some very challenging decisions. She was knowledgeable and compassionate. I would highly recommend using this service.
- Fairway Client, April 2019
Fairway Divorce Solutions meets your needs
Locations
Helping Canadians with divorce mediation since 2006, with more than 25 Divorce Resolution Mediators in more than 11 locations.
Frequently asked questions
Fairway is committed to changing the way divorce happens and avoiding the destruction to assets and relationships that occur in the traditional system. Here are just a few costly pitfalls you can avoid by choosing Fairway’s divorce mediation process:
- Paying a large retainer
- Filing court documents
- Serving your spouse
- Receiving a statement of defence
- Correspondence between lawyers
- Interim applications
- Serving affidavits
- Countering affidavits
- Examination for discoveries
- Divorce undertakings
- Chambers applications
- Trials
- Judgement
- Filing divorce documents
- Possible appeal
One of the biggest misconceptions – up there with having to be amicable for mediation to work – is that the mediator is the one who makes all of the decisions or pushes decisions in a specific direction, in a family mediation. The entire concept of mediation is that the parties mediate an outcome without the pressure of the lawyers or of each other. The goal is to get a close to a win-win as possible which completely contradicts the goal of lawyer – whereas the goal of a divorce attorney will always be to win and make the other party lose
The mediator is there to make sure that each side better understands not only the needs of one another, but of themselves. They are there to facilitate the conversation and come to the best solution possible. It is ultimately up to the couple to agree to the outcomes that will work best for moving forward.
There is also a myth that most of the decisions and issues have to be solved before mediation can begin. This is simply not the case and in fact would make mediation pointless. The entire point of family mediation is to solve problems and reach agreements on everything from parenting arrangement to asset division.
Working with Fairway Divorce Solutions means helping in the negotiations, generating solutions, and finding positive outcomes. Mediation is about working through the conflicts and bringing both parties to a resolution that may not have been possible through traditional litigation.
Perhaps the biggest myth surrounding family mediation is that it is only for “simple” divorces. Divorces that have a lot of assets or even complicated business matters, should be handled by litigators, right? Wrong.
There are specialists within the mediation field who are trained to work with complicated financial assets. For most people, the financial aspects of divorce are at the top of the list of concerns and often result in the most conflict.
Just because the situation may entail more than a few financial assets, it does not mean that family mediation isn’t right for you. Talk to our team experts to find out what they can do for your financial situation.
It is safe to say that most married couples do not have the same personality. One person may be more dominant, outspoken, analytical, temperamental, controlling etc. In the event of separation or divorce, there is often a concern that one party may out “power” the other therefore resulting in an unfair outcome.
There is an assumption that without an aggressive litigation lawyer, those who don’t necessarily have “strong” voices won’t be heard during the negotiations.
But the truth of the situation is that mediators ensure that both positions are heard and considered in designing the outcome. One spouse will not be allowed to dominate the conversation and mitigate the other.
The reason why family mediation works in this instance is because both parties must meet with the mediator. From there, both must be accountable to the process.
The process of mediation is favored and preferred throughout the court system. At the end of the mediation process, when all decisions have been made, a legal Separation Agreement is drafted and signed in front of a lawyer. This lawyer will provide Independent Legal Advice so that the person signing completely understands the terms and is comfortable that their rights have been protected. Once signed by both parties in front of two different lawyers, the contract is binding and enforceable.
Not in the least. A mediator is not a therapist and the goal is not to talk through problems. The goal is to find solutions and to generate discussions between two differing parties. In some cases, these parties will meet the mediator separately to encourage independent decision making. Sure, it can be helpful to talk about the reasons or emotions behind these decisions.
At the end of the day, the effort is made to tackle the problems and to find the solutions to those problems. All of which lead to a signed Separation Agreement that is enforceable in the courts.
Think about it this way. Going through traditional means of litigation can take years. It all depends on the level of contention and how much money each part has available to fight. There is also the availability of the courts as delays can take months or even years before going to trial.
But mediation is about finding a solution sooner. The process, even in a more contentious situation, can take months instead. It is without a doubt a much shorter process to go through mediation than traditional litigation.
It is important to note that lawyers can still be involved in the process even when mediation is favored. An attorney would be there to provide independent legal advice.
The intention of independent legal advice isn’t to involve lawyers in the negotiation process. It is to ensure that each party understands the terms of the separation agreement, and are signing it freely and without pressure from the other party.
Having independent legal advice can also make sure that you understand your responsibilities, obligations, and rights. Mediation also gives each side the choice as to how involved lawyers will be during the process.
The reason that people go through mediation is because there are disputes that need resolving. So, having good communication with your ex is definitely not a prerequisite for the mediation process. In fact, most couples getting a divorce, do not have good communication.
There are also a variety of mediation types to fit your specific needs. Understanding the different forms of mediation can be valuable before starting. The entire process is meant to assist bringing both sides together so that they can come to an agreement.