Court Alternatives in Ontario, Canada
Our Ontario Family Lawyers Can Help You Explore Collaborative Options
Not every divorce or family law matter need be resolved in court. There are alternatives, and these may provide an effective way of resolving even complex or contested issues. Settlement meetings, mediation, and arbitration can help spouses, parents, ex-spouses, and other parties find resolutions to their family law matters without the intervention of the court. This can save a considerable amount of time and money and can significantly reduce stress as well. Alternatives to court also foster more amicable relationships between divorcing or separating couples.
Since 1994, Feldstein Family Law Group P.C. has provided personalized legal representation to clients across Ontario in all areas of family law. We are always ready to explore alternatives to court, as our primary objective is to protect our clients’ best interests. When you work with an Ontario family lawyer at our firm, we will take the time to talk to you about all of your options, including how avoiding court may affect your case.
Call (905) 581-7222 for a free consultation and analysis of your case. We serve Markham, Oakville, Mississauga, Vaughan, and the surrounding areas in Ontario.
Settlement Meetings
At any point in the legal process the parties and their lawyers may choose to sit down and discuss the issues. Such meetings usually take place at a lawyer’s office. In the meeting, the lawyers attempt to negotiate and settle the issues at hand. If all issues are resolved, the terms of the settlement will be incorporated into a Minutes of Settlement or Separation Agreement.
Mediation
With mediation, a neutral third party (often a senior family law practitioner who is a lawyer, retired Judge, psychologist, or social worker) will work to guide the parties to an agreement. Mediation can only be used if both parties agree to utilize this alternative to court. The mediator will be chosen and paid for jointly by the parties.
Arbitration
Arbitration is another alternative to litigation. As with mediation, both parties must consent to arbitration and they jointly retain the arbitrator. Arbitrations are conducted by senior family law counsel or retired family law Judges.
Med/Arb
The med/arb process is becoming increasingly popular in family law cases. Like mediation and arbitration, this process involves the agreement of both parties and is presided over by senior family law counsel. Med/arb begins with mediation, which takes place in the same manner as set out above.
Considering mediation, arbitration, or another alternative to court? Find out more by calling an Ontario family lawyer at (905) 581-7222.
Meet Our Dedicated Team of Lawyers
Over a Century of Collective Experience
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Andrew Feldstein FounderRead BioAndrew Feldstein graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School in 1992. Prior to focusing exclusively on family law, Andrew’s legal practice covered many different areas, including corporate commercial. One of Andrew’s fundamental objectives is to achieve those goals mutually and collaboratively, as set out by him and his client.
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Daphna Schwartz LawyerRead Bio
Daphna Schwartz joined Feldstein Family Law Group, P.C. in 2007 as an associate lawyer. She was previously practising family law in the Barrie area. Her practice includes all areas of divorce and family law, including custody and access, child support, spousal support, and property issues. Daphna is also qualified to practise Collaborative Family Law.
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Anna Troitschanski LawyerRead Bio
Anna Troitschanski joined the team at Feldstein Family Law Group, P.C. in 2012. Prior to that, she practised Family Law at a boutique Newmarket firm. Her experience covers all areas of divorce and family law, including custody and access, child support, spousal support, division of property, and alternative dispute resolution.
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Nick Slinko LawyerRead Bio
Nick Slinko attended York University from 2003-2007 where he majored in both Law & Society and Philosophy. Nick graduated in 2007 with an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree. He proceeded to earn a Juris Doctor in Law at the University of Western Ontario in 2011. Nick was Called to the Bar in June of 2012 after completing his Articling term.
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Veronica Yeung LawyerRead Bio
Veronica Yeung joined the Feldstein Family Law Group, P.C. as a summer student in 2014 and returned as an articling student in 2015. Following her call to the Ontario Bar in June 2016, Veronica was welcomed to the team as an associate lawyer. Veronica attended York University for her undergraduate studies and was on the Dean’s Honour Roll.
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Shana Gordon-Katz LawyerRead Bio
Shana joined Feldstein Family Law Group P.C. as an articling student in 2017. Following her call to the Ontario Bar in June 2018, Shana was welcomed back to the firm as an associate. While completing her articles, Shana assisted with legal matters covering all areas of family law. Shana attended the University of Western Ontario.
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Rachel Zweig LawyerRead Bio
Rachel joined Feldstein Family Law Group P.C as a Summer Student in 2019 and returned as an Articling Student in 2020-2021. Following her Call to the Ontario Bar in April 2021, Rachel was welcomed back to the firm as an Associate. Rachel completed her legal studies and obtained her Juris Doctor at the University of Ottawa.
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Lauren Harvey Associate LawyerRead Bio
Lauren joined Feldstein Family Law Group as a Summer Student in 2020 and returned as an Articling Student in 2021-2022. Following her Call to the Ontario Bar in April 2022, Lauren was welcomed back to the firm as an Associate. Laura completed her legal studies and obtained her Juris Doctor at the University of Western Ontario.
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Quinn Held Associate LawyerRead Bio
Quinn spent two years as a Summer Student and then completed her Articling term at a boutique Family Law firm in Orangeville, where she was exposed to various complex Family Law matters. Following her Call to the Bar of Ontario in June 2022, she became an Associate with the Feldstein Family Law Group.
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Kyla Johnson Associate LawyerRead Bio
Kyla joined Feldstein Family Law Group P.C as an Articling Student in 2023. Following her Call to the Ontario Bar in April 2024, Kyla joined the team as an Associate. Prior to completing her legal studies and obtaining her Juris Doctor at the University of Ottawa, Kyla graduated from Queens University with a Bachelor of Arts with Honors.
