Transforming Family Law Culture

Presenters:

Vincent Ramsay, Barrister & Solicitor
Sharlene Weitzman, Principal, Family Architect
Professor Nicholas Bala, Queen’s University

Abstract: This paper addresses the harmful impact of Ontario’s family justice system on families, most particularly children. It is equally applicable to all other Canadian jurisdictions as well as common law jurisdictions outside of Canada. The paper’s many proposed reforms focus on transforming family law’s adversarial culture to one which is non-adversarial and child-centred. Central to the paper is the concept that children have the right to a family justice system which prioritizes their needs – that is if family law’s principal objective of promoting the best interests of children is to be realized, not ostensibly, but in actual practice. The writer, a family law lawyer of 28 years, draws upon his practice experience representing parents and children, his long-term membership in the international, interdisciplinary Association of Family and Conciliatory Courts as well as social sciences research and extensive discourse with many family law professionals and legal scholars.

Deadline to register: December 13, 2023

Meeting link and any materials will be distributed the day prior to the event.