Halia Anna Michalko

 
Family law is, undoubtedly, a complex area. "It encompasses many fields and interests," explains Ottawa lawyer Halia Anna Michalko, "including tax issues, real estate, and psychology." So it's vital that your divorce lawyer has a well-rounded education and background. With five university degrees and years of experience, Michalko will handle your divorce with dedication and knowledge, along with compassion and a deep respect for the ethical standards of her profession.

A lawyer who cares about her clients

Michalko understands how overwhelming divorce is for her clients, and she cares deeply for them. "Often, a client isn't on the same page as the other spouse," she says. "One party has come to terms with divorce, while the other has just been served with a document." She employs a hands-on style that involves careful listening and helping clients through the process, step by step, on a daily basis. She encourages all clients to "try to settle. Keep communication open between the parties, and leave the fine-tuning to the lawyer."

Her personal touch with clients results from years of working one-on-one with people on serious issues. "I've been working very directly with individuals and families for more than 20 years," says Michalko. "I was a high-school teacher during the 1980s and also worked as an assistant probationary parole officer. So it was a natural progression to family law."

A background of varying interests and talents

Michalko's versatile background also includes helping develop an international science teaching curriculum for the Metro Separate School Board in Toronto: she was one of 23 educators in Canada selected to attend an exchange program between Canadian and American educators with NASA. She also wrote a research paper on genetics while working with a Bermuda litigation firm. Her strong interest in education is an obvious asset when it comes to navigating clients through the legal system.

Another notable distinction: she's the only family lawyer in Ottawa who's fluent in both English and Ukrainian. "Ukrainian was my first language," she says. "My first name is a giveaway that I have an Eastern-European background, and that brings in many clients originally from the Ukraine, Poland, and other countries. I understand the dynamics of the culture, and that puts clients at ease."

Committed and dedicated to her job

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Her commitment extends to increasing her expertise via ongoing legal education. "Continuing education is vital. The face of family law is constantly changing and being redefined, so you have to be on top of it." Michalko keeps up to date with new legislation, case law, and trends through many continuing-education programs and she has been asked to teach a civil procedure litigation course, in the evening, at Algonquin College, in Ottawa, Ontario.

Creating peace and order in clients' lives

Divorce can turn your life upside-down, but through her knowledge and compassion, Michalko will help you create "a mutual agreement that satisfies both parties, with regards to the final outcome. When there is peace and order in the client's life, I know I've done a good job."

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

Halia Anna Michalko, M.A., M.Ed., LL.B.
200 Elgin Street, Suite 203
Ottawa, Ontario K2P 1L5
Phone: (613) 237-9090
Fax: (613) 237-8834
e-mail: hmichalko@bellnet.ca