Heather Mathison

Types of Unbundled Services Offered

• Initial consultation

• Providing a legal opinion

• Drafting pleadings or other documents

• Reviewing/organizing/listing documents

• Drafting contracts / agreements

• Coaching

• Negotiating

• Providing legal advice before, during or after mediation

• Representing a client at mediation

• Providing independent legal advice on an agreement or MOU coming out of mediation

• Drafting agreement coming out of mediation

• Advising on courtroom procedures, behaviours

• Advising on rules of evidence

• Preparing exhibits

• Preparing submissions or briefs

• Making a one-time court appearance

Approach to Providing Unbundled Legal Services

In my practice I have helped clients with one aspect of their file (e.g. a court application, negotiating, or drafting an agreement already reached etc.) as well as coached them from behind the scenes (e.g. assisted a client to prepare for and conduct her own family law trial). I can provide flat fee for particular kinds of work (e.g. a desk order divorce or drafting an agreement). I am open to discussing a discounted hourly rate with clients depending on their circumstances and the issues in their matter.

Mediation

• Does not have family mediation training

• Acted as counsel in 11-15 mediations in the last 5 years

• Does not act as mediator

Approach to Supporting Clients in Mediation

If the client would like me to attend the mediation, then I would gather as much information as possible from the client and then have a meeting with the client to discuss the issues, law, strategy, and settlement options and ideas. We would discuss the range of outcomes, risk of court, and potential for creative solutions or even solutions that neither party had thought of just yet. The two of us would then attend the mediation together and work towards a resolution that is workable and sustainable for the client (and children if children are involved). Compromise can relieve a lot of the tension that arises in family law. While resolution is generally preferable, if the resolution proposed poses problems, prejudices the client, or is unworkable or unfair, then I have a serious conversation with the client before any decisions are made.

Cultural Diversity Experience

I represent both men and women, low and high income earners, and persons of all races, colours, and creeds. I have worked with the Ismaili Conciliation and Arbitration Board in the mediation setting. I am of the Greek Orthodox faith and my paralegal is of the Catholic faith. I believe it is important to incorporate cultural and religious values into decisions a person makes for themselves and their family.