Family Law Chambers and Practice Pointers (Livestream)

Family Law Chambers Practice – Ken Proudman and Janaia Fedor

Chambers can be an important forum for advancing family law matters and reaching resolutions. However, ineffective practice or getting bogged down in interim applications can slow things down and conflate the real issues. This presentation will hone effective chambers skills and explore how to utilize chambers advocacy to resolve matters and avoid further court involvement. The materials for this presentation comprise a comprehensive reference manual on dozens of family law chambers applications.

How Allegations of Family Violence can be Addressed in Chambers on an Interim Basis – Shari L. Lewis

Consider how allegations of family violence can be addressed on an interim basis in Chambers, both when you’re acting for the party alleging the family violence, and if you’re on for the party being accused of perpetrating family violence.

MEP and Child Support Recalculation Program – Rachel K. Bailie

The maintenance Enforcement Program (MEP) is an administrative program which enforces maintenance payable under a Family Law Act or Divorce Act order. Topics will include MEP legislation, limits of administrative authority, especially related to enforcement tools and section 7 expenses, and how to read common MEP documents like Statements of Account.

Oppression Claims under the Business Corporations Act in Family Property Matters – Bud Melnyk KC

Oppression remedies under the Business Corporations Act can be a mechanism for resolving aspects of family law matters. This presentation will explore the intersection of the BCA and family law and examine factors that lawyers should consider when advancing or resisting an oppression claim.

Representing Children – Amanda Baretta

There are several aspects that are important to consider when representing children in family law matters. This presentation will focus on the following key points: what to consider when applying for child’s counsel, the role of child’s counsel, how child’s counsel is appointed or retained (legal aid vs. private), expectations and limitations of child’s counsel (what do we do and what can’t/won’t we do), and child’s counsel in litigation vs. mediation vs. arbitration.

Intersection of Mental Health and Family Law – Jamie L. Smith

Mental health is a difficult aspect of family law that can lead to enhanced conflict. This presentation will talk about common signs to recognize trauma and depression in clients, how timing can impact litigation, dealing with mental health issues in first appointments and consultations, making referrals, broaching the issue of mental health and mental health supports with clients, capacity considerations, and discuss Practice Note 7 options that can be utilized to support these clients and the Courts in difficult family files.