Four Lights Advocacy LLP

CORPORATE LAW

COMMERCIAL TRANSACTIONS

WILLS & ESTATES

CIVIL LITIGATION

FAMILY LAW

REAL ESTATE

FOUR LIGHTS ADVOCACY LLP is general practice law firm located in Vaughan, Ontario, Canada.

We are a service-oriented firm providing a broad range of solicitor services including civil and family litigation, estate planning, real estate law and transactional law. We pride ourselves on implementing creative solutions to safeguard our clients' interests.

To ask about our services
and fees, call us at:

905-605-5100

Email us at:

info@fourlights.ca

LEGAL NEWS & TIPS

Is Mediation Right for My Divorce?

Mediation can be an affordable and effective alternative to litigating your divorce issues. It is non-binding, meaning that the mediator cannot force a solution on the parties. Instead, the mediator will help the parties to assess their legal positions and the potential outcomes if the parties go to trial. Divorce is often an emotionally charged experience which can be a barrier to resolving the matter in a timely and affordable manner. But, a good mediator can help find common ground between the parties and focus their attention on finding a solution. When choosing a mediator, consider the following:

Cost and Availability: Its important to select a mediator who is available when needed and is within your price range;
Experience: You want to choose a mediator who specializes in family law matter and is familiar with the types of issues that are commonly encountered in divorce cases;
Reputation: Ask for recommendations from family, friends, and your lawyer. Ultimately, you want a mediator with a reputation for being fair and impartial.

Keep in mind that mediation will only work if both sides actually want to reach a resolution. If one side seeks to "destroy" the other, then mediation may not be the right alternative. To determine if mediation is appropriate in your circumstances, reach out to us by phone or email for a complimentary consultation.

Arbitration: Better, Cheaper, Faster?

In the realm of dispute resolution, arbitration emerges as a compelling alternative to traditional court proceedings. Offering a streamlined approach, it promises efficiency and cost-effectiveness. However, like any method, it has its merits and demerits.
Pros:

Efficiency: Arbitration typically offers a quicker resolution compared to court proceedings, allowing parties to swiftly address their disputes.
Cost-effectiveness: With less formalities and a more flexible process, arbitration often incurs lower expenses, making it a favorable option for budget-conscious individuals and businesses.
Privacy: Unlike court cases, arbitration proceedings remain confidential, shielding sensitive information from public scrutiny.

Cons:

Limited appeal rights: Arbitration decisions are usually final and binding, with limited opportunities for appeal. This lack of recourse can be a downside for parties dissatisfied with the outcome.
Potential bias: The selection of arbitrators may raise concerns about bias or lack of impartiality, affecting the fairness of the process.
Limited discovery: Compared to court proceedings, arbitration may entail limited discovery procedures, potentially hindering parties' ability to gather evidence.

While arbitration offers enticing benefits such as speed and cost-efficiency, it's essential for parties to carefully weigh these advantages against the potential drawbacks. To determine if arbitration is right for your dispute, reach out to us by phone or email for complimentary consultation.

Consider a "Henson Trust" to provide for a disabled beneficiary:

Important information to consider about "Henson Trusts":

The trustee has full discretion over trust property and payments to the beneficiary;
The beneficiary cannot force the trustee to make payments out of the trust and cannot unilaterally dissolve the trust;
Since the beneficiary has no entitlement to receive property from the trust, the trust is not generally treated as an asset of the beneficiary;
Therefore, this type of trust is an effective way to provide for a disabled person without jeopardizing their eligibility for social assistance benefits.

To determine if a "Henson Trust" is appropriate in your circumstances, reach out to us by phone or email for a complimentary consultation.