Hi All,
Others may disagree but, this posting and article qualifies as a "sticky" post:
Family lawby The Honourable Mr. Justice D. Roger Timms
Ontario Superior Court of Justice (Family Court Branch)
A view from the Bench
http://www.practicepro.ca/LAWPROMag/ViewfromBench.pdf
Firstly, the article starts up with this very wise statement:
Which are in summary:
1. File conference briefs and confirmations on time
2. File complete and up-to-date financial statements
3. File meaningful conference briefs and confirmations
4. Proofread all documents
5. Be on time and attend when a conference is scheduled
6. Anticipate questions from the judge
7. Make offers (to settle)
8. Be civil
9. Mediation and other FLIC services
Thank-you Honourable Mr. Justice D. Roger Timms for writing such an excellent article. Although one would think that it shouldn't be necessary it is.
Good Luck!
Tayken
Others may disagree but, this posting and article qualifies as a "sticky" post:
Family lawby The Honourable Mr. Justice D. Roger Timms
Ontario Superior Court of Justice (Family Court Branch)
A view from the Bench
http://www.practicepro.ca/LAWPROMag/ViewfromBench.pdf
Firstly, the article starts up with this very wise statement:
Family law files, by their very nature involve emotional, if not “difficult” people and situations.1 On occasion, we judges can be difficult as well. Too frequently we see matters where counsel have taken shortcuts, or even skipped some basic and fundamental steps.
In this article, I highlight some basic "dos and don'ts" that should help guide you through the maze of case management, while also reducing judicial ire.
In this article, I highlight some basic "dos and don'ts" that should help guide you through the maze of case management, while also reducing judicial ire.
1. File conference briefs and confirmations on time
... As of last July, the whole province has been subject to the Family Law Rules. I believe that one year is more than enough time for counsel to familiarize themselves with the requirements of those rules – even for Toronto counsel!
...the filing of up-to-date and corrected financial statements appears to be a problem. The provisions found in Rule 13(12) through 13(15) are quite clear and not that onerous.
It is relatively easy for counsel to file a 14C that tells the judge to “read all of the file.” It is relatively easy to simply tick off the boxes
in the forms required under Rule 17. It is also relatively useless. Case management lists are significant. Each file requires at least ten minutes reading by the judge to properly prepare. We do not
have the time to read the whole file.
in the forms required under Rule 17. It is also relatively useless. Case management lists are significant. Each file requires at least ten minutes reading by the judge to properly prepare. We do not
have the time to read the whole file.
In this era of spell check, we all need to carefully proof read our final work. Relying on “quick correct” or the abilities of those who type the document can lead to hilarious or just plain confusing results. Judges are old-fashioned enough that we expect counsel to properly employ the basic rules of grammar.
In fact, come early so that you don’t have to say to the judge “could we please hold this case down your honour, we have just begun settlement discussions.” Confirm the date with your client and make sure that she or he comes, unless already excused by the court. Remember that the first listed purpose of all conferences is to “explore the chances of settling the case.”4 That is very difficult without both clients in attendance.
The judge presiding at a conference is likely to pose questions.
Prepare yourself and your client. The more formulistic in nature the pleadings, the more pointed those questions are likely to be.
Prepare yourself and your client. The more formulistic in nature the pleadings, the more pointed those questions are likely to be.
Do submit a reasonable offer under Rule 18 of the Family Rules and do so at all stages. I see an extraordinary number of cases where no offer at all has been made. A failure to submit a considered, reasonable offer can have disastrous consequences as a result of Subrule 18(14).
Unfortunately, notwithstanding recent attempts to promote greater civility in litigation, some counsel seem determined to act otherwise. A theatrical, fractious, belligerent attitude or a gross exaggeration of facts, serves no one’s interests. A calm, prepared, stick-to-the-facts, an I-am-here-to-settle-this-case, approach serves everyone’s interests.
Remember that all Unified Family Court sites have both Family Law Information Centres and mediation services available. Mediation may be available immediately on site. Take advantage of that. Could your clients benefit from attending a parent information session? Send them to the FLIC.
Good Luck!
Tayken
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