EPISODE #1
Collaborative Law
Guest: Heather Malaryk
Episode Details
Join us in our very first episode while we explore Collaborative Law.
Heather Malaryk is a "Collaborative Professional" who has a deep skill set in this area of family law.
Did you know there are many ways to pursue separation and divorce? You may have heard of Mediation, Arbitration, Mediation-Arbitration, Litigation, Limited Scope, DIY...but likely Collaborative Law is new to you.
Today we are taking a deep dive into all things "Collaborative Law".
This is an Alternative Dispute Resolution process that could be a perfect fit for you and your family.
Episode Notes
“Hard on the Problem, Easy on the People”
1. You have a choice in how to you want to approach divorce
2. Reduce Stress that comes from Family Law
3. Not just collaborating ad hoc, it’s a real thing.
4. Parties agree not to go to court
5. Can tie in other professionals: Financial Neutrals, Mental Health Specialists
6. Collab is an intentional way to share information
7. Information collected is reviewed together
8. Exit collab if not working
9. Limitations: May not be for couples who have everything already figured out and may not work great if
family violence is present.
10. Your lawyer wants you in the right process
11. Have time to work through emotions an have discussions together to be heard
Guest Bio
Heather Malaryk holds a B.A., Psychology with Distinction (2000) and an L.L.B. (2006). She started her career at Weir Bowen LLP, a general practice law firm that specializes in medical malpractice, personal injury, and insurance litigation. In 2009, Heather shifted her practice to the Family Law Office of Legal Aid Alberta, where she assisted clients in all areas of family law including divorce, property division, spousal support, child support, parenting/custody/access issues, Emergency Protection Orders, and child protection. In 2017, Heather and 4 of her friends and colleagues started Latitude Family Law LLP, where she was a partner until starting Merak Law in 2021, where she continues to practice exclusively family law.
She has appeared at all levels of Alberta courts and has conducted trials, hearings, special chambers, JDRs, and has participated in countless out-of-court negotiations. Her focus is on out-of-court dispute resolution. She looks forward to helping you!
Resources
EPISODE # 1