When Karen Thompson-Harry started out in law, she knew she wanted to work with people -- especially underdogs. Today, her southwestern Ontario family-law practice helps clients get through the emotional challenges of divorce in a relaxing, stress-free setting -- mainly through arbitration, mediation, or collaborative law.

"I look for a solution that meets both spouses' needs," says Thompson-Harry, "and one that's balanced, not imposed or coerced."

Teaching effective communication

Thompson-Harry knows that every marital separation is difficult. Much difficulty stems from miscommunication, so she focuses on helping clients communicate more effectively to their spouses, a crucial skill for couples who continue to have contact with each other because they have children. "It helps them maintain a respectful relationship, rather than try to destroy each other," she explains.

"I hand out tip sheets to clients that describe effective communication skills. I also suggest that they treat their spouses as if they're asking for a loan from a banker. As in a divorce settlement, the other side is going to say 'yes' or 'no' to an agreement. How do you treat that bank manager? How do you want to be treated by them? Everyone's reaction depends on how they're treated."

Focus on mediation and collaborative law

The primary way Thompson-Harry helps spouses improve communication with each other is through alternative dispute resolution. Mediation (in which the parties negotiate their own agreement with the assistance of a neutral third party) and collaborative law (in which both sides' professionals agree to work together toward a settlement) reduce the adversarial quality of divorce by helping clients resolve their cases out of court. "They're more respectful," she says.

"The adversarial process is designed for extreme positions, bullying, and coercion. The legal model imposes values a legislator created and restricts the solutions available. But in mediation and collaborative law, parties bring their values to the table and custom-design the solution. These models ask: 'What's most important to the spouses?' Parties can trade back and forth the things they value in working out their agreement."

Thompson-Harry is proud that the vast majority of her practice is in alternative dispute resolution. "Clients can focus on the process rather than on a specific outcome," she explains. "It's different from the courtroom, where lawyers have to posture and take positions. Not many lawyers focus on mediation and collaborative law; some dabble in it, but you need a completely different mindset to do it well. It has to be second nature to you."

Equine law

Thompson-Harry also has a passion for horses and practices equine law. This involves drafting contracts, such as "offers to purchase", "bills of sale", or "leasing agreements", or litigation with respect to negligence (veterinary) or purchase and sale (gone wrong). She owns two dressage horses, one of which she competes on and the other she sponsors Tom Dvorak riding and competing on. Karen is a member of the "Officials Committee" of Dressage Canada.

A casual office environment

A unique aspect of Thompson-Harry's practice is the country setting of her Erin house, a relaxing and soothing place perfect for negotiation meetings. "Clients say the house has a peaceful aura," she says. "It's not a cold office tower. I'm not sitting behind a desk but across from you at a table in my boardroom. It's an inviting and supportive environment. It's more casual and relaxing."

A balanced agreement

Through a more respectful divorce process, Thompson-Harry will help you and your spouse reach an acceptable, balanced agreement that makes you both comfortable. "When the couple's happy about the settlement, their communication has improved, and they feel good about how they treated each other, I know the process has worked."

For more information or to book an appointment, please contact:

Karen Thompson-Harry, B.A. (Hons.), LL.B.
1 Wellington Road, Suite 124
Erin, Ontario N0B 1T0
Phone: (519) 833-0040
Toll Free: (866) 969-0040
Fax: (519) 833-0041
Website: www.kthlaw.ca
e-mail: Karen@kthlaw.ca

Karen Thompson-Harry practices in the regions of Peel and Halton,
Guelph and Orangeville in the Greater Toronto Area and
South Western Ontario.

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