Marital breakdown is an event most people would rather avoid. But when divorce does occur, Vancouver-based lawyer Carla Courtenay believes that the crisis presents an opportunity for tremendous personal growth. "The legal process should always be complementary to that growth, and help facilitate it," she says. "The role of the family law lawyer is to devise a constructive process to secure the client’s financial future, while contributing to their personal growth as individuals and enhancing their future as parents." Ms. Courtenay practices at her Vancouver office with this in mind. She strongly believes that clients should feel that the legal process is responding to their individual situation, and never that they are caught in a process over which they have no control..

With warmth, creativity, and determination, Ms. Courtenay dedicates herself to offering her clients personal, practical, cost-effective solutions that exemplify the highest ethical and skill standards of the legal profession. She has experienced divorce personally, and recognizes the stages you will experience: rage, grief, ambivalence, acceptance, and liberation. "I also know what parenting challenges separated parents face, and I actively advise my clients about how to make their children a priority," she says. As Ms. Courtenay works with her clients, calmly guiding them, her opposing counsel also know she will maintain an open, collaborative style, no matter how antagonistic and conflicted the process may become. "There is always a win-win that can be found," she insists. "Sometimes it will require representation in Court, and in that event, I use the same qualities with legal research and argument in the best traditions of court-room advocacy."

During the initial consultation, Ms. Courtenay encourages clients to talk as much as possible about themselves and their situation. "I try to deal with children very centrally in that first interview, because how clients answer these questions tells me a lot about how they will function within this process, and what it will take to bring the marriage to an end," she says. She discusses the different legal means of reaching a resolution, placing the preference on a process that is amicable for both parties. "We talk about Collaborative Law and mediation," she explains. "We also discuss to what extent the spouses can directly discuss matters themselves. I can provide information and guidance to a client who wants to participate in kitchen table talks with their spouse."

If you’re experiencing divorce, Ms. Courtenay wants you to know that the way your marriage will be resolved should be unique to you. "Know also that you can work in your own way to craft a resolution that will suit your particular situation," she says. A former client, who wrote Ms. Courtenay after her divorce was finalized, sums up Ms. Courtenay’s approach: "Thank you for helping me navigate and survive the process of reclaiming my life. Your wisdom, grace, and words of encouragement and guidance have taught me lessons I will not soon forget."

In her daily work, Ms. Courtenay derives tremendous satisfaction from addressing personal and family issues with complex aspects of the law and finding practical solutions for people, using the law. "This work takes a great deal of energy and creativity while using highly intellectual principles and resources," she says. "I believe my approach is unique. I don’t try to fit the client into the process. I try to devise the best possible way to get this client out of the problem and on with their life."

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