An Edmonton lawyer is introducing a new approach to divorce that aims to be more efficient, cost-effective, and cooperative. This pilot project, offered in Alberta, involves both parties meeting with a single lawyer to work out a divorce agreement that satisfies everyone involved. This method is a first for Canada and is believed to be the first of its kind in North America.
Melissa Bourgeois with One Family Law, the lawyer behind this initiative, recognized the success of the one-couple, one-lawyer, one-fee model in the UK and wanted to bring it to Canada. After presenting her proposal to the Law Society of Alberta in 2020, she was granted permission to run it as a pilot project.
Compared to traditional divorce proceedings, which can be lengthy and expensive, the one-lawyer model costs a total of $5,000 and takes approximately six weeks to complete. This streamlined approach benefits individuals who may have limited resources and time. The process involves both parties consenting to hire a lawyer jointly, gathering background information, drafting a settlement agreement, and filing the necessary paperwork.
Bourgeois emphasizes the importance of a more cooperative and less adversarial approach to divorce, particularly when children are involved. She believes that this model allows for impartial legal advice that serves the best interests of both parties. So far, Bourgeois has worked with 16 couples in Alberta.
Her goal is to establish the One Family Lawyer model as a formalized approach and eventually expand it across Canada. She finds that this method reframes the concept of relationships and challenges the perception that divorcing parties must be enemies. By removing the legal battles and focusing on healing and co-parenting, individuals can move forward in a more positive manner.
This innovative approach has received positive feedback from clients and has transformed Bourgeois’ practice into a more peaceful one. She believes that this is the solution that people have been waiting for and that not everyone desires a contentious divorce.