Gail Vaz-Oxlade's Guide To:
Frequently Asked Questions
Financially Smart Divorce
For more than 25 years you have witnessed Gail Vaz-Oxlade's trademark straight-up money wisdom, both on Radio and Television, most notably as host of TVs Till Debt Do Us Part, Princess and Money Moron. Gail is a best-selling Canadian financial author.
Gail Vaz-Oxlade's Guide To
Frequently Asked Questions
Financially Smart Divorce
Ontario Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Common Sense Divorce?
The Common Sense Divorce is an amicable separation process that values your future and gives equal priority to your financial, legal and emotional well-being.
Our Team of Professionals will help you and your spouse create a Separation Agreement that is negotiated fairly, prepared properly, financially-wise and is both enforceable and binding.
Why is The Common Sense Divorce better?
The Common Sense Divorce is about creating a plan that allows you and your family to make decisions, protect your assets, and move on with your life.
Our Negotiated Settlement Solution will help you avoid the expensive mistakes and emotional landmines that can escalate your file and throw your life into a costly, bitter and nasty divorce. Why does The Common Sense Divorce work?
- Because families are kept out of court
- Because expensive mistakes, costly emotional reactions and bad financial decisions are avoided
- Because chaos is confusing but common sense… makes sense
- Because we care about you, your spouse and your family
- Because an amicable process is less intimidating, enables negotiation and is more lasting
Frequently Asked Questions: Divorce in Ontario
Why should I avoid Family Law Court?
Though there will always be a time and place for court, be hesitant to put your faith in the fairness and equanimity of the family court system.
The Ontario court system is expensive, frightfully over-burdened and often abused. Ultimately, relying on the courts is to hand the decision-making process over to a third-party that may not decide in a way that you assume.
Who is The Common Sense Divorce for?
The Common Sense Divorce is for couples beginning their separation. Our process is for couples who wish to keep their separation process amicable and are committed to keeping their separation out of court.
Is The Common Sense Divorce the CHEAPEST way to get a divorce?
The Common Sense Divorce is not a “discount divorce service.” Our clients save money and time by completing the separation process the proper way… right from the beginning.
Our “One Stop Shop” Team of collaborative professionals will lead you through the separation process quickly and efficiently, helping you transition into your new life while keeping as much of your hard-earned money out of the court system and in your own pockets.
How to Avoid A Messy Divorce
- Seriously consider mediation before lawyer litigation
- If at all possible, stay out of the Family Courts
- Gather and organize your financial documents
- Do your homework, understand how divorce works in Ontario
How to Avoid A Messy Divorce
- Seriously consider mediation before lawyer litigation
- If at all possible, stay out of the Family Courts
- Gather and organize your financial documents
- Do your homework, understand how divorce works in Ontario
Frequently Asked Divorce Questions
What is Mediation?
Mediation is a confidential, non-adversarial process through which divorcing spouses can together negotiate their own settlement with the aid of an impartial third-party: the mediator.
The Mediation environment often facilitates creativity, flexibility and fair negotiations that are often unreachable through traditional legal negotiations.
What is Collaborative Divorce?
A Collaborative Divorce is one in which a very specialized team of negotiating lawyers and financial specialists facilitate you and your spouse to work together at a negotiation table and to keep your divorce out of court.
What is an Uncontested Divorce?
“Uncontested” means that there are no more scenarios to be resolved in writing. If you have minor children, if you have assets to be divided, if you have joint debts, you are NOT an uncontested Divorce.
The Common Sense Divorce offers a simple divorce services for those that meet this criteria.
Do both spouses have to use The Common Sense Divorce?
While Family Mediation does require voluntary participation from both spouses, it is not necessary for both parties to use The Common Sense Divorce.
We see the tremendous merit to a mediated file but mediation is not for everybody. In cases where mediation is not an option for a couple, we do offer lawyer-led negotiation options in scenarios where only one spouse is retained.
Divorce FAQ
The Common Sense Divorce offers financially smart divorce solutions across Ontario
Frequently Asked Questions: the Common Sense Divorce
Do we have to approach The Common Sense Divorce together?
No, it is actually more typical for one spouse to contact us first. Whether you contact us on your own or as a couple, our clients are initially met with individually.
Even if you have not yet discussed the separation process with your spouse, call The Common Sense Divorce and we will discuss inviting your spouse to the negotiation table.
How can this process be neutral if you are working with both spouses?
The Common Sense Divorce is a team-driven process. Our professionals work with both spouses in order to facilitate the best interests of the family as a whole (ie. financial specialists).
At other times in the process you will require professionals that must maintain neutrality (ie. mediators) and eventually you will require professionals that must maintain your interests only (ie. lawyers).
All such scenarios are accounted for and our process is established to ensure that there are no conflicts of interests and that each client’s best interests are maintained.
My partner and I are not amicable with each other, can we still use The Common Sense Divorce?
Divorce does not bring out the best in people. We know this. Most couples facing divorce are not 100% amicable with each other. The Common Sense Divorce was designed to be just that… “Common Sense.”
We have a number of negotiation options available to facilitate various levels of animosity. Rest assured that our professionals are trained to deal with conflict as it arises and prepared to facilitate an amicable resolution.
Does The Common Sense Divorce use lawyers?
A frequently asked question! The Common Sense Divorce ensures that each client’s process and separation agreement is executed correctly and prepared properly.
Therefore The Common Sense Divorce Team of mediators, therapists, and financial specialists partner with family lawyers that are committed to The Common Sense Divorce process.