Cynthia Lauer Barrister & Solicitor

Emotionally, financially, legally: however you look at it, divorce is a complex matter. When you’re going through this difficult time in your life, you need a legal professional who is experienced -- and available when you need answers. That’s one of the benefits of working with Toronto barrister and solicitor Cynthia Lauer. "As a sole practitioner, clients deal with me and only me. I can deal with their issues immediately," she says. "There are no layers to go through, so there’s no danger of having your case fall through the cracks."

Lauer has been practicing law since 1996, when she was called to the Bar. She completed a "How to Run a Family Law Trial: Trial Practice" certificate program in 2004, and Collaborative Family Law, Levels 1 and 2 in 2005. Lauer’s Richmond Hill practice is dedicated exclusively to family law. Specializing in divorce, separation agreements, Collaborative Family Law, child custody and access, child and spousal support, and restraining orders, she takes pride in offering efficient, personal service in a relaxed yet professional style that places the focus on serving the client effectively. Early morning, evening, or even Sunday appointments can be arranged. Lauer also utilizes mobile office technology, which allows her to travel to clients who aren’t always able to come to her office.

Lauer understands the serious issues can arise during separation and divorce. "Family law involves far more than just crunching numbers," she explains. "I’ve dealt with some of the toughest mental health and child protection issues during my work with the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee and the Catholic Children’s Aid Society. I’ve gained a reputation for my clear-headed, solutions-based approach to tough issues." Lauer’s previous office was located beside the Family Courts in Scarborough, where she served clients who were experiencing emergency situations. While working with the Catholic Children’s Aid Society, she gained intense courtroom experience and a unique perspective into domestic violence, substance abuse, child protective services, custody and access, and mental health issues. She continues speak about family-law topics at the Massey Centre, Rose of Sharon (Toronto-area centres for young mothers), and Juliette’s Place (a Toronto women’s shelter). "It’s very satisfying for me to deal with these groups," she says. "Some of the younger moms have a lot of concerns and questions, but they’re often not sure about how things work and where to turn. It really helps them."

Witnessing the destructive nature of some family law cases fuelled Lauer’s desire to train as a Collaborative lawyer. Collaborative Law is an alternative dispute resolution model that helps individuals in less adversarial situations resolve their marital matters. The process removes the incentive for clients and lawyers to take cases to Court; if a case heads in that direction, the client must retain new legal counsel. "The law is good as a blunt instrument for really difficult problems," says Lauer. "But there are a lot of situations where the Court can’t deal with the nitty-gritty details. It can be unproductive and frustrating when there’s an emotional impasse." With Collaborative Law, clients can involve a professional to work with both sides; people let their guard down, and there’s a greater trust level, she says.

Lauer advises those just beginning the divorce process to always keep their own unique situation and goals in mind when developing a strategy for their divorce. "There are no one-size-fits-all solutions," she says. "Many clients are well served by Collaborative Family Law while others will take advantage of the full power of the court system. While she is not separated or divorced herself, as the mother of three small children, Lauer says she can relate to the practical issues many parents raise with her, as well as the incredibly strong emotions that parents experience when dealing with the well-being of their children. "I’m compassionate, I listen well, and I make sure my clients feel respected," she says. "I tailor my approach to each individual client, and I always encourage my clients to remain focused on the most important issues and goals. While I often encourage settlement out of court, and the use of mediation or Collaborative Family Law, I also take a very strong stance on important core issues. Some things simply aren’t negotiable – such as physical safety or the right of a caring parent to have a relationship with their child."

In her practice, Lauer says she focuses on providing responsive, affordable, value-oriented services for her clients’ difficult family issues, including support calculation and document preparation services for those who choose not to retain a lawyer. "I welcome the opportunity to provide clear guidance to people struggling with some of the hardest issues they will ever face," she says. She always tries to come up with creative solutions, and makes use of a wide range of community resources and other professionals, such as counselors, parenting coaches, parenting programs, mediation, and financial professionals. Legal aid is accepted in selected cases; Lauer also offers the first 30 minutes of a consultation at no cost to Divorce Magazine readers.

Restoring faith in the world for her clients is what drives Lauer in her work. "When people come in, they’re very distraught," she concludes. "It’s extremely satisfying to me to get them to the point where they can start relaxing, either by going to Court, or by sitting down with the other side and coming up with an agreement."

For more information or to book a consultation, please contact:

Cynthia Lauer
Barrister & Solicitor
1595 Sixteenth Avenue
Suite 301
Richmond Hill, ON L4B 3N9
Phone (905) 883-6441
Fax: (905) 709-7436
E-mail: cynthialauer@family-lawoffice.com
Web site: www.family-lawoffice.com

Cynthia Lauer has written several faqs and articles that can be read on DivorceMagazine.com, including:

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