Alternatives to Court Protecting Your Family's Interests for Over 25 Years

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
  • Andrew  Feldstein Photo
  • Jeff  Hart Photo
  • Daphna  Schwartz Photo
  • Nick  Slinko Photo
  • Anna  Troitschanski Photo
  • Veronica  Yeung Photo
  • Shana  Gordon-Katz Photo
  • Rachel  Zweig Photo
  • Quinn  Held Photo
  • Lauren  Harvey Photo
  • Andrew  Feldstein Photo
    Andrew Feldstein

    Founder

    Andrew 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.

  • Jeff  Hart Photo
    Jeff Hart

    Lawyer

    Jeff obtained his Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Classical Studies from McMaster University before attending law school at Queen’s.
  • Daphna  Schwartz Photo
    Daphna Schwartz

    Lawyer

    Location: Markham Daphna Schwartz joined Feldstein Family Law Group, P.C. in 2007 as an associate lawyer. She was previously ...
  • Nick  Slinko Photo
    Nick Slinko

    Lawyer

    Location: Vaughan Nick Slinko attended York University from 2003 until 2007 where he majored in both Law & Society and ...
  • Anna  Troitschanski Photo
    Anna Troitschanski

    Lawyer

    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, and division of property.
  • Veronica  Yeung Photo
    Veronica Yeung

    Lawyer

    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.
  • Shana  Gordon-Katz Photo
    Shana Gordon-Katz

    Lawyer

    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.

  • Rachel  Zweig Photo
    Rachel Zweig

    Lawyer

    Rachel joined Feldstein Family Law Group P.C as a Summer Student in 2019 and returned as an Articling Student in 2020-2021. ...
  • Quinn  Held Photo
    Quinn Held

    Associate Lawyer

    Quinn spent two years as a Summer Student and then completed her Articling term at a boutique Family Law firm in Orangeville, ...
  • Lauren  Harvey Photo
    Lauren Harvey

    Associate Lawyer

    Lauren joined Feldstein Family Law Group as a Summer Student in 2020 and returned as an Articling Student in 2021-2022. ...
/

We're Committed to You

  • Convenient Meeting Locations

    Our team is able to meet with you and provide quality family law legal services in Markham, Oakville, Mississauga, Vaughan, and the surrounding areas.

  • Quick Response Times by Email & Phone

    This is one of the most difficult times in your life and our goal is to help make this transition as smooth as possible. To help put your mind at ease we ensure that our team is always available to guide you.

  • Free Consultations

    We understand you have questions and need guidance on your next step. We make getting these questions answered as easy as possible. We offer free consultations for our new clients.

  • 25 Years of Experience

    Experience Matters. Our founding attorney has over 25 years of experience in the legal field. As a firm you get over a century of dedicated legal experience advocating for your family's best interests. 

Take the First Step

Fill out the form below to begin your free consultation with one of our experienced lawyers or call us at 905-581-7222.
  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.