Born and raised in Sudbury, I returned to my hometown after graduating from Osgoode Hall Law School and I have been practicing family law here since 1992. Through my years of experience, I have come to appreciate how expensive, stressful and emotionally draining the court process can be, and I have actively sought alternative means […]
Nicola is a family law lawyer practicing collaborative family law and all aspects of family law in Sudbury and North Eastern Ontario. Nicola was called to the bar in 1984 and did her collaborative law training in 2005. Working with other professionals in our collaborative law group in Sudbury the goal is to provide support
Having been born and raised in Sudbury, Ontario, Melissa is proud to be fluently bilingual. She obtained a specialized Bachelor of Arts in Law and Justice with honours from Laurentian University in 2011. She then moved to New Brunswick where she completed her Juris Doctor degree at l’Université de Moncton. While in law school, Melissa
Susan Nardi is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and a Chartered Financial Divorce Specialist (CFDS). She is the Chair of the Sudbury Collaborative Practice group. As a Chartered Financial Divorce Specialist, Susan has specialized training in matters related to separation and divorce. Susan provides neutral unbiased support to both individuals and couples. She can be
Linda Cartier is a Certified and Registered Financial Planner (CFP and R.F.P.), and a Chartered Financial Divorce Specialist (CFDS). She belongs to the Sudbury Collaborative Practice Group, the Financial Planning Standards Council of Canada, and the Institute of Advanced Financial Planners (IAFP). The IAFP also demands the very highest level of professional standards and ethics
Noted for his integrity, Mark Weiman has been thriving in the accounting world for over 30 years. Having received his Bachelor of Commerce from Laurentian University in 1992, his CA designation in 1994, and CBV designation in 2000, he was admitted to partnership in 2007. Professionally enthusiastic about helping clients, Mark has completed specialty work
It all starts with finding a professional near you and reaching out for a consultation. You’re taking the first steps towards reaching a smart settlement to your seperation.
No. You do not need a home inspection when you buy a house either. You do not need a lawyer when you separate. Those are two of the most important decisions you will make in your life. Like a home inspector, the lawyer will look at your situation and help you come up with solutions. You should get good advice and have your Separation Agreement written by a professional.
Yes. Collaborative Practice Sudbury is available for all people in families who need help.
No. Only lawyers, financial professionals and family professionals specially trained who sign Participation Agreements can help you.
These professionals have training recognized by the Ontario Association of Collaborative Professionals. Our members commit to continuing education and we meet regularly and attend seminars and conferences.
No. Lawyers need Collaborative training to understand that it is very different than law school training and the courtroom. Real Collaborative lawyers sign Participation Agreements to stay out of the courtroom. Any lawyer that does not sign a Participation Agreement is not a real Collaborative lawyer and you are not in a Collaborative separation.
Your family professional helps you and your spouse. Separating is tough. Collaborating makes it easier with a family professional. Your family professional will help you have positive conversations with your spouse that lead to an agreement. Your family professional helps you and your spouse deal with the emotional issues from your relationship when you are separating and collaborating. Depending on the needs of your family, the family professional may want to speak to your adult child.
By collaborating.
By understanding your emotional issues with the family professional.
By understanding the financial issues with the financial professional.
By understanding the legal issues with the lawyers.
By understanding your spouse and your spouse understanding you.
By collaborating.
Only a judge can give you a divorce. You can deal with money, property, children, and other concerns in a separation agreement prepared by the Collaborative lawyers. Then, after the separation agreement is signed, you can ask your collaborative lawyer to get a simple divorce.
You need two people to agree to get married. You only need one spouse to want a divorce or separation. If you or your spouse is having a hard time accepting the separation, then the family professional in the collaborative separation can help you. There is no team to help you if you choose to go to court.
If one person “wins” in a separation, then it will lead to problems in the future because the “loser” will never accept the “loss”. In Collaborative, we want both of you and your children to feel heard, understood and helped. No one should feel like he or she has “lost”.
Cohabitation Agreements and Marriage Contracts (what some people call “Pre-Nups”).
This is a new choice and the Collaborative method keeps expanding. Collaborative might be a good choice for your issue. Ask a Collaborative professional.
Collaborative Practice Sudbury seeks to help separating couples find a resolution without needing to go to court. Collaborative professionals are trained to keep conversations respectful and productive while working towards solutions that are the best for children and families.
