Divorce may be an unfortunate fact of your life, but you can make it easier. One way is to hire a family-law firm that offers different options to guide you through your divorce. Macleod Law & Mediation Chambers (MLMC) is a versatile firm that can offer the process giving you the most control and the best possible outcome, whether that's mediation, Collaborative Divorce, or litigation.

"What are your tips on finding the best divorce lawyer?" "My lawyer tells me I'm eligible for spousal support, but I feel so guilty about my affair that I'm not sure I want to take money from my husband. What should I do?" "My husband says we'll save lots of money using the collaborative approach because we will share a lawyer. Is that really how collaborative law works?"

Contact Divorce Lawyers & Mediators Macleod Law & Mediation Chambers 20-5330 Canotek Road Ottawa, Ontario K1J 9C3 (613) 745-3333 202-900 Morrison Drive Ottawa, ON, K2H 8K7 (613) 829-7000 www.alternativelaw.ca or www.divorceworks.ca NM@alternativelaw.ca

"It starts with our proven experience," says Ottawa family lawyer and mediator Nigel Macleod. "We have some combined 40 years of practice in family law." Macleod and his colleagues deliver reliable advocacy and settlement solutions that help restructure families through the divorce experience.

Many divorce settlement options under one roof

Macleod points out that MLMC offers a variety of settlement options for divorcing clients, including mediation and collaborative law. "Our style is one of negotiating first, litigating if necessary," he says. "Our operative style is settlement-oriented and resolution-based, with a strategy designed to reduce conflict and let both divorcing parties be masters of their own destiny."

Marie-Hélène Godbout, who also practices with the firm, recommends alternative dispute resolution as well. "You can't control the litigation process," she explains. "It's full of rules and timelines that are strictly regulated. But when you choose an alternative method, you decide how things proceed and have more control. It's more cost-effective, and better for the children, for spouses to exit on good terms."

Client-oriented with a team approach

MLMC works with a client-centered approach that focuses on your needs. "We're always open and available," says Macleod. "At the same time, we've found that structure works best." He adds that the firm handles each case with a team model. "We're the right size: big enough to do an efficient job, but not so big that the client gets lost within the office environment."

"We're about resolution, as opposed to reaction," adds Godbout. "Instead of reacting to the client's anger, we look at the big picture and find a solution that's in the best interests of everyone. Of equal importance are our clients' finances: they're going through strong changes in financial circumstances, and the divorce shouldn't add another burden. We offer payment options based on the client's means."

Service in English and French

A strong advantage of MLMC is its bilingualism. "Both Elisha Kelly, the firm's Matrimonial Real Estate Solicitor and Ms. Godbout are fluently bilingual." "My first language is French," Godbout says. "There is a concerntration of french speaking families in Ottawa, particularly near our East end, Canotek location. These clients are more fully empowered in their own language". And her dual fluency is often helpful within the same case: "Sometimes, there's one Anglophone parent and one Francophone parent. I can offer them mediation and litigation while drafting documents in both English and French."

Top reputation in the community

With his extensive trial experience with the Office of the Children's Lawyer and his pioneering work in mediation and collaborative law, Macleod is an established leader in the family-law community. His mission? "To make divorce more manageable for people, giving them control over the circumstances, so their families can move forward in a restructured form."

"We have changed the way people divorce," Macleod says. "By making it the clients' process, we can improve communication and enhance good decision making." That would completely replace the hope and happy line.

MLMC offers:
A FREE half-hour initial consultation, and A 25% discount on their "Uncontested Divorce Package" to DivorceMagazine.com visitors. Mention this profile when you call to make an appointment.

For more information, please contact Ottawa divorce lawyers and mediators at:

Nigel Macleod has written the following articles:

FAQs:

• "What are your tips on finding the best divorce lawyer?"
• "My lawyer tells me I'm eligible for spousal support, but I feel so guilty about my affair that I'm not sure I want to take money from my husband. What should I do?"
• "My husband says we'll save lots of money using the collaborative approach because we will share a lawyer. Is that really how collaborative law works?"
• "My ex-wife has custody of our children, and she wants to move across the country with them. What can I do about it?"
• "How do I know whether I need a financial planner or Certified Divorce Financial Analyst for my divorce?"
• "How is it determined which of our property is marital and which is separate?"
• "What if we try divorce mediation and it doesn't work out? Do we have to go to court, or are there other options?"