5 Divorce Questions — Coast to Coast (Canadian Edition): Interview of Lawyer Nafisa Nazarali by Russell Alexander
Back by popular demand is our 5 questions series where we interview lawyers on various aspects of family law. This year we hope to take our series nation-wide asking family lawyers and practitioners in every Province and Territory their thoughts on this area of law that affects so many of us.
This week we interviewed Brooklin, Ontario lawyer Nafisa Nazarali. Nafisa is an associate lawyer at Russell Alexander Family Lawyers who practice in all areas of family law, including divorce, custody, access, child support, spousal support, separation agreements, marriage contracts, cohabitation agreements and property issues.
Russell Alexander: “How often do people ask you for advice or guidance about separation and divorce and in which jurisdictions do you practice in?”
Nafisa Nazarali: “As a family lawyer, people ask me for advice and guidance on a daily basis. There are numerous issues that can arise as a result of a breakdown in a relationship. I practice in the regional municipality of Durham, in the province of Ontario.”
Russell Alexander: “What are the biggest concerns people raise with you about separation and divorce?”
Nafisa Nazarali: “Without a doubt the biggest concern for people is ensuring that their children are protected during the separation. In many divorces, parents worry that they will not be able to see their children or that their relationship with their children will change because of the separation.
Finances are of course a concern for many people, but when it comes to money people are usually able to strike a deal. It is a lot harder to negotiate and make compromises when it comes to children.”
Russell Alexander: “What advice do you have for people looking for a family lawyer?”
Nafisa Nazarali: “It is very important to feel comfortable with the lawyer that you chose for your family law matter. Your relationship with your lawyer is built on trust. If you do not feel comfortable with your lawyer, you will not be able to discuss sensitive issues relating to the breakdown of your relationship.”
Russell Alexander: “What are the top 3 tips you have for people going through a divorce?”
Nafisa Nazarali:
1) Be reasonable in your expectations of what your lawyer can and cannot do for you
2) Be organized. Your lawyer will require many documents from you and the more organized you are, the easier it will be to fill out the necessary documents
3) Be honest. The last thing that your lawyer wants is to find out an important detail from the opposing party.
Russell Alexander: “What do you envision for the future of family law?”
Nafisa Nazarali: “I believe that alternative dispute resolution methods will become more common such as mediation and collaborative family law. The cost of legal representation in court continues to mount and it is becoming increasingly expensive for individuals to go to court. Most people are unaware of alternate dispute resolutions but as lawyers and their clients become more aware of these processes, they will become more popular in the future.”
