For the final installation of our ADR series, we’ll touch on an informal ADR process that is almost universally used in the legal profession.  That process is negotiation.  Negotiation comes in many forms and is used in many ways by lawyers and family law litigants alike.  It is not an approved ADR process to receive a Certificate of Participation for the purpose of progressing through the family Court process in Regina and Prince Albert.  Rather, it is the basic process of discussing one’s interests and differences with the intention of reaching agreement. 

Parties to family law matters can engage in negotiations at any point in their family law matters, regardless of whether they are going through the Court system or not.  In fact, other than in extreme circumstances, almost all family law matters will involve some form of negotiation at one or more points throughout their course.  Negotiations can be conducted orally, in writing, between lawyers, or between clients.  They can be in person or not, in a law office, at a coffee shop, or at the kitchen table.  There is no formal process and there are no set rules.

Thank you for tuning in to our ADR series.  If you have questions or would like to speak to a family lawyer about how ADR processes can help you, please reach out to our family law team at www.mckercher.ca/familylawsask.