Educational Resources

Upcoming Virtual Event: Divorce, Domestic Violence & Narcissism

Free Live Virtual Event Series
Written by Russell Alexander ria@russellalexander.com / (905) 655-6335

Family Law Now 🎙 LIVE presents a virtual event with a panel of Ontario divorce lawyers of Russell Alexander Collaborative Family Lawyers and special guest social work professionals.

Divorce, Domestic Violence & Narcissism

Wednesday, May 4th at 12 PM EDT

Register Now

Unfortunately, domestic violence is a very serious issue that often intersects with family law and it can present in many different forms. In this 1-hour live virtual event, family lawyers, Russell Alexander and Michelle Mulchan, along with social work professionals, Allyson Gardner and Karen Guthrie-Douse, will be offering their insights on navigating family law matters when there is abuse involved.

The panelists will be discussing the following topics:

  1. What is domestic violence (“DV”)
  2. What is Narcissism
  3. The dark side of Zoom Divorce – DV and risks to vulnerable spouses
  4. Screening for DV and asking the right questions
  5. Managing DV files – referrals, timing, communication
  6. Communication post-separation & power imbalances
  7. Parenting Plans
    a. Safe Exchanges of children
  8. Restraining Orders
  9. Counsellors and Therapists
    a. Getting a counsellor or therapist involved
    b. Open vs. Closed
    c. What happens when another party won’t consent
  10. Technology
    a. Cameras
    b. Recording Devices (whether to use or not, value in court)
    c. Third-party communication tools (Our Family Wizard, two homes, Talking Parents, Google Calendar)

* Registration is complimentary. To respect confidentiality, all attendees’ identities will remain anonymous to other audience members

Those who attend a live virtual event and provide feedback to our team will receive a free digital copy of one of Russell’s recent e-book releases.

Registration is complimentary. Reserve your place now as spaces are limited.

Register Now

For a full list of our upcoming webinars, visit us HERE.

Speakers

Russell Alexander headshot portrait family lawyer

Russell Alexander

Russell is the Founder and Senior Partner of Russell Alexander Collaborative Family Lawyers. With over 20 years of experience, Russell offers a wealth of knowledge and expertise in Collaborative Family Law. He uses his experience with a client-focused approach by creating unique solutions for each of his clients to enable them and their families to move forward with their lives in a compassionate and collaborative manner.

portrait of lawyer michelle mulchan

Michelle Mulchan

Michelle has been practicing Family Law for over 10 years. She is skilled in all areas of Family Law including divorce, custody access, property division, child and spousal support, and Family Responsibility Office enforcement matters. Her focus is on creating comprehensive, creative resolutions to family law matters. And Michelle excels at helping clients deal with complex financial issues that arise as a result of a separation.

Karen Guthrie Douse Headshot

Karen Guthrie-Douse, MSW/RSW

Karen has been a social worker for the past 32 years. Her experience includes 22 years of working at a children’s mental health centre in Toronto, specializing in adolescent mental health and developmental disability. In 2004, Karen joined the Office of the Children’s Lawyer as a clinical agent, where she completes Section 112 reports, and assists OCL panel lawyers. She has testified in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, Family Court Division. Karen has operated a private practice for 22 years in which she specializes in custody and access, separation and divorce, and parenting issues. She provides parent coaching and consultation to families and professionals. Karen recently added Collaborative Practice to her skill set, and looks forwards to assisting clients in resolving their separation and divorce issues in a respectful manner.

Allyson Gardner Headshot_reized

Allyson Gardner, MSW/RSW

Allyson is an experienced Child and Family Therapist, Collaborative Family Professional, Separation and Divorce Consultant, and a Custody and Access Assessor. Allyson, who is trained in Narrative, Solution-Oriented, and Mindfulness-Based Therapy Strategies, operates an established private practice and is a panel member with the Office of the Children’s Lawyer. Allyson mindfully assists her clients in identifying strategies to cope with the emotional challenges that arise during the separation process and provides tools to help them in communicating their interests more effectively. She assists parents in developing comprehensive, balanced, and realistic parenting plans. As a trained Collaborative Family Professional, Allyson neutrally facilitates parent/lawyer meetings and manages the range of emotions that may surface during discussions.

Here is what people saying are about Family Law Now LIVE

“It was very informative and well done.”

“Great webinar, I look forward to others in the series.”

“Loved the clarity and practical approach of your presentations.”

“Great topics from great speakers – thank you!”

“I enjoyed that they knew what they were talking about without any hesitation to answer questions. They seemed very knowledgeable.”

“Thanks to RA and his team for these contributions to the family law bar and the community generally.”

“Lots of practical information! I also just realized how valuable it is to have everything anonymous! Very professional and informative!”

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About the author

Russell Alexander

Russell Alexander is the Founder & Senior Partner of Russell Alexander Collaborative Family Lawyers.