A Mediators Rant on Israel Palestine
Author: Don Schapira, Q.Med. Since the outset of the latest flare up in the occupied territories, I have been repeatedly asked for my opinion on which side of the fence I am on. Rather than share it, I typically choose to listen and understand what side is theirs. My curiosity is usually fulfilled with a […]
Best Interests of the Child: Changes to the Divorce Act
As with any living document, The Federal Divorce Act is undergoing additional changes this year. While these changes were delayed from July 2020 due to Covid, their time has finally arrived and as of March 1, they will be implemented. We at Fresh Start Mediation, wanted to take the opportunity to discuss some of the […]
Love, Actually… Communication is Key
Author: Don Schapira, Q.Med Spoiler Alerts for the movie Love Actually… ‘Tis the season to question what the greatest Hollywood contributions are to the holidays. From ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ to ‘Die Hard’, this fun debate rages annually. While some people may disagree as to whether it deserves a spot in the top 3, 5 […]
Financial Well-being During Covid-19
Author: Jesse Richards, CDFA Financial well-being is not just living on a budget, it’s about being prepared for the situations that can and will arise throughout our lives. In most instances, extraordinary expenses occur suddenly, such as loss of employment, home repairs, or vehicle repairs. Other situation can be foreseen and planed for, like retirement. […]
Your Relationship – Fix, Endure or Leave
Author: Lisa McCallum, Divorce Specialist, Vlogger, Speaker, Author I never even considered the option of divorce. The only option in my mind was to fix whatever wasn’t feeling right between the two of us. Just fix it. I even went as far as to say “I will take all of the blame for whatever the […]
The Changing Face of Mediation
Author: Don Schapira, Q.Med One of our greatest strengths is adapting to changing times. After 9/11, the way we traveled was altered forever. Long hours in security queues, shoe & belt removal, and watch lists to name a few of the measures we readily accepted. The reason we embraced such strict measures was for our […]
Creating Your Parenting Plan – A Guide
Author: Don Schapira, Q.Med. Creating a Parenting Plan One of the most difficult aspects of separation and divorce is coming to agreement on a parenting plan that makes sense. Below we will try to help you navigate some of the questions you need answered so you can build a Parenting Plan that meets your needs, […]
Separation and Divorce During COVID-19: Using Goals to get there
Author: Nancy Payne, Mediator With the new normal we are experiencing with COVID 19 many of us are not sure what our future looks like. Throw separation & divorce into the mix and the stress of our new normal and personal situation feels paralyzing. This is when we need to do the opposite of what […]
Co-Parenting During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Author: Liz Borger, Q.Med, MBA You and your co-parent have invested a lot of time creating a parenting plan for your child(ren). It lists everything you do in a week to care for your child(ren). Wake-up times, bedtime, bath time, dietary needs, school, homework schedules, play-dates, extra-curricular activities, doctor’s appointments, dentist appointments, childcare, screen time, […]
Online Dispute Resolution: Finding Calm in the Midst of a Storm
Author: Kairistie Walker, Q.Med Whether meeting face to face cannot happen due to geography, cost, streamlining an overloaded system, or a pandemic, whatever the reason, there is an optimal solution in Online Dispute Resolution (ODR). For years, organisations from around the World have been gradually tapping into technology’s proficiencies in support of Alternative Dispute Resolution […]