Available Online - Across Ontario
When Your Spouse is Asking You to Consider Mediation...
Instead of Lawyers
Separation is neither simple nor easy. Unwise decisions at this time can make challenging situations even worse.
Avoid The Expensive Mistakes
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Gail Vaz-Oxlade
Gail is Canada’s no-nonsense, money expert. She is a is a best-selling financial author making the list of the 150 bestselling Canadian books of the past 10 years. For more than 20 years you have witnessed Gail's trademark straight-up money wisdom, both on Radio and Television, most notably as host of TVs "Til Debt Do Us Part."
5 Reasons To Consider Mediation Instead of Lawyers
Smart Divorce Solutions
#1 Mediation Keeps…
You Out Of Court!!!
Everything within you screams, “I’ll see you in court!” Friends and relatives are wanting you to ‘lawyer up!’ Don’t let emotions drive you into an expensive and emotional Court process. Do not let anyone fool you, court means tens of thousands of dollars and 1-4 years of emotional drama! Mediation is completed in a matter of weeks. There are options… lots and lots of options!
#1 Mediation Keeps…
You Out Of Court!!!
Everything within you screams, “I’ll see you in court!” Friends and relatives are wanting you to ‘lawyer up!’ Don’t let emotions drive you into an expensive and emotional Court process. Do not let anyone fool you, court means tens of thousands of dollars and 1-4 years of emotional drama! Mediation is completed in a matter of weeks. There are options… lots and lots of options!
#2 A Mediated Agreement is
Legal, Enforceable and Binding
A Mediated Agreement is a legal Separation Agreement. The Common Sense Divorce process, ensures that your negotiated Agreement has been created not only legally, but is legally binding and can be enforced by the courts if ever necessary. That’s because A Common Sense Divorce Separation Agreement follows clear criteria and solid legal protocols such as full transparency, thorough financial disclosure, is drafted by Family Law Lawyers, and includes a legal review before you sign.
#2 A Mediated Agreement is Legal, Enforceable and Binding
A Mediated Agreement is a legal Separation Agreement. The Common Sense Divorce process, ensures that your negotiated Agreement has been created not only legally, but is legally binding and can be enforced by the courts if ever necessary. That’s because A Common Sense Divorce Separation Agreement follows clear criteria and solid legal protocols such as full transparency, thorough financial disclosure, is drafted by Family Law Lawyers, and includes a legal review before you sign.
#3 Mediation is not JUST…
for Amicable Couples
Mediation Works. It’s not an “alternative” divorce option.” It’s the way financially wise families in Ontario now address their Separation.
Mediation works for people who are self-employed, retired, business-owners or stay at home parents. It works for amicable families, for families that are not amicable, and mediation even works for situations with “challenging personalities.”
That’s because The Common Sense Divorce offers a clear process. A proven process that has clear guidelines and rules. One that clarifies both you and your spouse’s financial details, parenting agendas and even incomes. The Common Sense Divorce process offers you financial wisdom, creative solutions, and even makes sure you have legal advice before you sign any Agreement.
#3 Mediation is not JUST…
for Amicable Couples
Mediation Works. It’s not an “alternative” divorce option.” It’s the way financially wise families in Ontario now address their Separation.
Mediation works for people who are self-employed, retired, business-owners or stay at home parents. It works for amicable families, for families that are not amicable, and mediation even works for situations with “challenging personalities.”
That’s because The Common Sense Divorce offers a clear process. A proven process that has clear guidelines and rules. One that clarifies both you and your spouse’s financial details, parenting agendas and even incomes. The Common Sense Divorce process offers you financial wisdom, creative solutions, and even makes sure you have legal advice before you sign any Agreement.
#4 Minimize the
…Need for Lawyers!
Lawyers can be an invaluable professional tool, but not necessarily the best solution for your situation. Remember, lawyers may not be the best negotiators, the easiest to work with and most certainly NOT the most cost-effective. The Common Sense Divorce offers divorce professionals such as Mediators, Divorce Financial Specialists, and Counselors, that are likely a better fit for your situation, who work together with our lawyers to save you money and make your separation easier. Do it right but stay within a budget!
#4 Minimize the
…Need for Lawyers!
Lawyers can be an invaluable professional tool, but not necessarily the best solution for your situation. Remember, lawyers may not be the best negotiators, the easiest to work with and most certainly NOT the most cost-effective. The Common Sense Divorce offers divorce professionals such as Mediators, Divorce Financial Specialists, and Counselors, that are likely a better fit for your situation, who work together with our lawyers to save you money and make your separation easier. Do it right but stay within a budget!
#5 Making a Plan…
So Things Don’t Go Crazy!!!
Number one rule… dont hurt the kids! Separating without a plan is a recipe for hurting your kids, hurting your pocketbook and hurting your future. Emotional Drama = money! Let’s be honest, divorce is tough, but a good plan, a good team and a good process makes separation a whole lot easier!
#5 Making a Plan…
So Things Don’t Go Crazy!!!
Number one rule… dont hurt the kids! Separating without a plan is a recipe for hurting your kids, hurting your pocketbook and hurting your future. Emotional Drama = money! Let’s be honest, divorce is tough, but a good plan, a good team and a good process makes separation a whole lot easier!
#6 Invest in A REAL
Separation Agreement
Yes you need a Separation Agreement… and you need a real one! Skimping on the actual agreement is probably the most expensive mistake people make when separating. Preparing, a real, legal, binding and enforceable Separation Agreement is the proverbial, “ounce of prevention that is worth a pound of cure.” This is likely to be the most important document you will ever sign. Do it right. Create it properly from the beginning!
#6 Invest in A REAL
Separation Agreement
Yes you need a Separation Agreement… and you need a real one! Skimping on the actual agreement is probably the most expensive mistake people make when separating. Preparing, a real, legal, binding and enforceable Separation Agreement is the proverbial, “ounce of prevention that is worth a pound of cure.” This is likely to be the most important document you will ever sign. Do it right. Create it properly from the beginning!
SMART! SMART!! SMART!!!
WHAT TO DO NEXT?
Get the same information that your spouse received.
Direction & Wisdom for $399
BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING. Before you leave the home. Before you spend thousands of dollars retaining a lawyer. Before you sign a home-made Agreement. Maybe even before you make your decision to separate. Find out your legal options. Find out what’s involved. Find out potential complications. Find out how much this is really going to cost. BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING MAKE A PLAN!
THE DISCOVERY SESSION - $399
SMART, STRATEGIC, PLANNING
- Understand the steps involved with Separation in Ontario
- Plan your legal and negotiation strategy
- Recognize the pitfalls and avoid the expensive mistakes
- Protect your financial credit
- Understand how child and spousal support works
- Plan to invite your spouse to the negotiation table
- Strategies to minimize conflict
- Start gathering your documents
- Get your head around Ontario Law
- Create a financial budget
- How to tell your spouse you want a divorce.
- Know how to save money
- and more!
The 2 Hours that will save you thousands.
HOW MUCH WILL A DIVORCE COST?
Let's not pretend... to do your separation properly is going to cost you some money. Probably more than your wedding dress and likely closer to the cost of a vacation. But get your head wrapped around this...if it's not done properly, it's going to cost you more and a lot more for many more years to come. Rule of thumb, the more lawyers are involved, the more the price of your divorce will go up. Throw in a judge and and a court room and you can guarantee that your divorce costs will be well over $10,000 minimum. Always be aware that the average price of litigated divorces in Ontario is $16,900... per person. Of course there is a place for litigation...but there are more cost effective options, namely mediation and collaboration. Just like anything else, you can budget what your divorce is going to cost. While there is no steadfast rule and no one has a crystal ball to see into your future. Use this simple guide to give you some perspective. The cost of your divorce is going to be a combination of the following factors:
- The level of acrimony and hostility between you and your spouse.
- How willing are you and your spouse to work together?
- The legal process you and your spouse choose to negotiate.
- The amount & complexity of financial and property issues.
- How much lawyer assistance you require.
Get To Know SOME Of Us Ahead of Time
Mary-Ann Popescu
Family Mediator
Warm, personable and empathetic.
With a background in Social Work, Mary-Ann is a mediation marvel and dispute resolution industry leader. She is recognized as one of the best family mediators in the province on Ontario.
Dina Simone
CDFA - Financial Planner
Smart, genuine and kind.
A certified divorce financial analyst (CDFA) and financial planner, Dina worked for years as a legal law assistant. Our clients tell us that her warmth, empathy and charm make her one of our most loved Team members.
Ken Murphy
Director of Client Care
Kind, patient and money savvy!
Ken has been with The Common Sense Divorce since its beginnings more than a decade ago. Ken and his Client Care team work with all our clients to set them up for success as they navigate their negotiations.
Darren Gingras
Executive Director
"Let me give you some big brother advice..."
A financial broker by trade, Darren was trained in dispute resolution and brings over 20 years of practical wisdom and heartloads of empathetic leadership to The Common Sense Divorce Team.
The Common Sense Divorce
Our Financially Smart Divorce Solutions
Common Sense Divorce PLUS
High-Asset Negotiation Plan
Common Sense Divorce PLUS
Full Service Mediation Plan
Common Sense Divorce Plus
High-Asset Negotiation Services WithSpecialized Professional Assistance
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Financial Disclosure & Review
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Client Care & Support Services
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4 Mediation Sessions
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Pre-Mediation Legal Advice
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Home Services Session
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CDFA Financial Session
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Financial/Tax Session
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Separation Memo Plan (MOU)
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Lawyer-Drafted Separation Agreement
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Independent Legal Review
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Signing Session
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Divorce Court Application
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Additional CDFA & Legal Time
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Add-ons
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Divorce Coaching
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Divorce Decree Application & Fees
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Simple Tax Returns
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Payment Plans Available
The Common Sense Divorce
Bundled Mediation Plan
The Common Sense Divorce
Bundled Mediation Plan
The Common Sense Divorce
Bundled Financial Mediation Plan-
Financial Disclosure & Review
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Client Care & Support Services
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4 Mediation Sessions
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Home Services Session
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CDFA Financial Session
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Separation Memo Plan (MOU)
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Lawyer-Drafted Separation Agreement
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Independent Legal Review
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Signing Session
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Divorce Court Application
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Simple Will/Estate Planning
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Add-ons
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Divorce Coaching
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Divorce Decree Application & Fees
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Simple Tax Return
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Payment Plans Available
Lawyer-Led Negotiations
Litigation Retainer
Lawyer Led Negotiations
Litigation Retainer
Lawyer Led Negotiations
LitigationRetainer
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Financial Disclosure & Review
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Home Services Session
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Client Care & Support Services
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Family Lawyer Retainer
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Add-ons
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Divorce Coaching
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Additional Legal Hours (Discounted)
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CDFA Financial & Tax Session
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Lawyer-Drafted Separation Agreement
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Divorce Court Application
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Divorce Decree Application & Fees
Recent Google Reviews
Karl, Mississauga
“Divorce can be a painful process considering the emotions involved. Common Sense Divorce can definitely simplify the journey of this life-changing event. The Team certainly held my hand through the entire process and helped ease my anxiety in numerous occasions; making me believe that there is light after darkness … which is where I am right now. Thank you Common Sense Divorce for staying by my side in the dark, and for seeing me through in finding the light! Is is after all just that in the end – Common Sense.
Gayle, Scarborough
If your spouse has asked you to consider Family Mediation
Understand your
legal and financial options
by creating a Plan
Understand how Common Sense can help you create a new financial future.
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