Professionals

Lorisa offers her clients the wisdom of consensual dispute resolution processes where each voice is heard, sensitive matters are discussed in a confidential non- threatening setting, and the information is shared cooperatively to develop a durable, custom agreements. Above all, negotiations are mindful of competing and aligned interests, and the desire for future strong family relationships.

Lorisa’s toolbox includes her extensive experience as a senior family lawyer, cross-cultural conflict resolution management, workplace investigator, policy analyst and advisor, project leader, trainer, speaker, and published writer. Lorisa is also a certified Family Enterprise Advisor® working with a multidisciplinary teams to resolve family matters from within.

I enjoy helping clients through their separation outside of the court system. I believe the collaborative family law process uniquely empowers couples to make decisions about the legal and practical implications arising from their separation.

Matthew has been actively practicing family law for several years, and became a member of Best4All in 2018. Matthew is a firm believer in collaborative law as a viable form of alternative dispute resolution that helps families who are struggling with the difficult issues arising upon a separation or divorce.

Matthew is an active member of the Law Society of Ontario, the Waterloo Region Law Association (including FLOWR – Family Lawyers of Waterloo Region), and Best4All. Matthew lives in Kitchener with his wife and their two children.

Jennifer is well aware of the financial and emotional burden that litigation can cause and devotes much of her practice to resolving matters outside of court, whether it be through negotiation, collaborative family law or mediation. She is experienced and knowledgeable in all areas of family law, including custody, access, child support, spousal support and property issues and has extensive experience in preparing separation agreements, cohabitation agreements and marriage contracts.

Ward was part of the initial group of lawyers to train in the Collaborative Family Law process in 2004. Ward is also proud to be on the Office of the Children’s Lawyer Panel and has been since 2002. The collaborative law process can be a far more effective way in dealing with family separation issues not only in financial terms but in emotional costs as well. Ward would certainly review with you all of your options that are available and would gladly answer any questions that you may have. When Ward is away from the office, he enjoys spending time with his family and rockin’ out on his guitar.

He also provides arbitration and mediation services and is a certified mediator. Frank has restricted his family law practice to the collaborative model because in his experience it results in very creative solutions in the most timely and cost effective manner.

After graduating from Wilfrid Laurier University and Osgood Hall Law School, Heather was called to the bar in 2002. Her background includes criminal law and child and family services matters. She has over 14 years of experience, both inside and outside of the courtroom, and has dealt with a wide variety of Family Law matters over the years.

Heather has had cases in Ontario Court of Justice, Superior Court of Justice and argued at the Court of Appeal for Ontario. She has appeared as counsel for inmates at their disciplinary hearings at the Grand Valley Federal Institution for Women. Areas of practice include: Separation; Divorce; Litigation; Child Custody & Access; Child & Spousal Support; Marriage Contracts; Matrimonial Law; Notary Public and Commissioner; Property Division; Adoption.

He has the training in Collaborative Family Law to assist you and can be reached at (519) 576-7200. Consultations welcome.

Tania articled and worked at two national law firms and worked as in-house counsel at the local children’s aid society before opening her own practice in October 2008. Tania is resolution focused and has experience with negotiation, mediation, and collaborative law. Tania is organized, passionate and committed to her clients. Tania sits on the Board of Directors for a child care center and participates in her neighbourhood association. She is a proud member of the Waterloo Law Association, the Ontario Bar Association and an active member of FLOWR – Family Lawyers of the Waterloo Region.

I act as counsel in mediations and arbitrations. I am a neutral evaluator as well as a trained and experienced mediator and arbitrator. Skills include: effective listening, coaching effective communication, problem solving skills, creative and analytical thinking.

Diane is committed to providing sound legal advice in a non-adversarial setting, coaching clients through difficult decisions, and empowering clients to participate in settling the terms of their separation.

Diane was raised in Halifax, obtaining degrees in Science (1985), Education(1986) and Law (1990) from Dalhousie University and was called to the Bar in Ontario in 1992. Diane enjoys running, tennis, CanLit, travelling and quiet time at home with her husband, and visits with their three adult children.

After litigating family law and divorce issues for 25 years Steve now devotes 100% of his family law practice to negotiated settlements and collaborative family law. His goal is to resolve family and divorce issues with dignity and support, with an emphasis on minimizing adult conflict and its adverse effects on any children involved.

I am an enthusiastic supporter of this user-friendly, innovation way of resolving separation and divorce. Contact my office for an appointment to see whether CFL is right for you!

She has resolved numerous family law files through the Collaborative Family Law process. Jacqueline is pleased to offer a free one-half hour initial consultation for new clients. Her professional law office is conveniently located near downtown Kitchener.

I have dealt with complex issues dealing with business and partnership interests, family trusts, real estate ventures and professional practices. I joined the Collaborative law practice group when it commenced as I believe in the benefits of a collaboratively negotiated resolution for my client. I have Level I and Level II training and would be pleased to meet with you to review your matter.

Sandra received training in Collaborative Law in 2004 and completed her Collaborative Law Level II Training in 2010. Sandra enthusiastically supports and implements alternative methods of dispute resolution outside the Court system, with emphasis on Collaborative negotiations and goal-oriented solutions.

She has valuable experience in all areas of family law, including specialized training in Collaborative Family Law, mediation and children’s law. Your choice of lawyer is important. We understand the financial and emotional stress of your separation. We’ll review your options so you can make informed choices for your family. Call or email us for more information.

She was called to the Bar in April 1979 and has primarily focused on Family Law in Kitchener-Waterloo. Margaret Anne is sensitive to the entire family dynamics as she represents children through the Office of the Children’s Lawyer. She is committed to the Collaborative process which fits her personal mission statement that being “The best possible result at the least possible expense”.

Leanne has been practicing in all areas of family law since 1998. Leanne believes that Collaborative Family Law is the best way for families to achieve mutual resolutions without the need for court. She enjoys serving on the panel for the Office of the Children’s Lawyer for over 14 years, and brings child focused experience to developing creative solutions to help spouses resolve their differences.

Debbie has always been interested in keeping families out of court. When she moved back to Southern Ontario in 2016, Debbie continued to practice family law and dedicated her practice to collaborative conflict resolution and mediation.

Having worked on numerous trials throughout her career, Debbie knew there had to be a better approach that didn’t take such a financial and emotional toll on clients and their children.

“The collaborative approach is the most effective way to resolve issues for separating spouses and their children. We work with financial and family professionals throughout the process to ensure that clients make informed decisions. Lawyers are an integral part of the team, but the clients are the ones in the driver’s seat.”

I successfully represented clients in every court level in the province. I witnessed the emotional and financial devastation caused to families that are in the court process. I knew there had to be a better way.

In 2019/2020, I was diagnosed and treated for breast cancer. It was a life-changing experience. It changed my outlook on how I should practice family law. I appreciate the fact that time is precious. Clients should not spend years of their life and tens of thousands of dollars on a legal war.

The collaborative approach is a hands-on, team approach where the professionals work with the clients to design a tailor-made solution for their case. It is a more cost-effective, timely way to get your issues resolved so you can move on with your life. You still have your own lawyer throughout the process, but you are directing the process as opposed to court, where you are a spectator.

If you want to discuss the collaborative approach, please contact me.

After her call to the Bar, Kirsty practiced family law litigation where she negotiated complex settlements both in and out of court. She saw firsthand the financial and emotional burden imposed on families through the traditional legal process and knew there was a better way to help clients through one of the most difficult time in their lives.

Kirsty is committed to the Collaborative Process to help clients customize a settlement that is unique to their needs and allows them control over the outcome and decisions made along the way. In addition to being more time and cost effective, Kirsty strongly believes that the Collaborative Process values and protects important relationships and assists clients to move forward with dignity and respect.

In addition to being a collaboratively trained lawyer, Kirsty is also an Accredited Family Mediator with the OAFM. Kirsty provides services in the Waterloo Region and surrounding areas and is pleased to offer a free 30-minute consultation to new clients.

He is a fellow of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals and an alumnus of the Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School with focus on mediation and conflict management. He has completed Dispute Resolution Levels 1 & 2 at the University of Waterloo & ADR Institute of Ontario. He is currently studying with the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies at Conrad Grebel University College. Aubrey has completed advanced family mediation training through OAFM that allows him to help couples get past impasse, where collaborative discussions often break down and prevent settlement.

Aubrey welcomes all modern families in his practice, including same-sex couples. He works with couples who participate in good faith, with honesty, respect, and cooperation. He helps couples design plans based on their interests and goals. He assists clients with parenting plans, separation/cohabitation agreements, and marriage contracts through a collaborative approach. Consultations welcomed.

Subsequently, she worked as in-house legal counsel for a municipality where she provided legal advice to family support workers, assisting social assistance clients going through separation and the family court process. Carrie is the founder of CF Collaborative Law. She is well aware of the financial and emotional toll that litigation can have on clients and their families. While practising litigation, she frequently found herself thinking “there must be a better way.” Carrie currently restricts her practice to assisting clients in resolving their family law matters outside of court through collaborative practice and mediation. She has completed the Certificate in Family Mediation Professional Program at York University and training from the Ontario Association of Collaborative Professionals. Carrie is committed to the Collaborative Practice model and views it as a very effective, productive and wholistic way of assisting clients in settling the terms of their separation and transitioning respectfully into their future.

David has been formally trained as both a family mediator and collaborative legal professional, is accredited as both and was one of the first in the province to receive recognition as an Advanced Collaborative Professional. His skill and experience allow him to handle all family law related matters.

Throughout his career, David has observed and analyzed our legal systems and has spoken widely about reform and change. He has acted as counsel for parents and children in the family justice system and was able to witness firsthand the impact that adversarial processes can have on families in transition. Through his training, he continues to learn new skills for conflict resolution which give the participants the ability to listen, communicate, solve their own differences, both now and in the future.

David believes in authenticity, honesty and being genuine and open with those he assists. He encourages his clients to develop a solution that is right for them and will help design a process that will help to meet an individual’s hopes and goals, while helping to recognize their worries and concerns. In his experience, this has a much greater chance of guiding families to a much brighter future.