REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED
Conference Agenda | November 20, 2023
8:30 AM
Waiting Rooms Open
8:45 AM
FDRIO Annual General Meeting
9:30 AM
Conference Opens | Welcome & Land Acknowledgement
9:40 AM
Keynote Address | Justice Gertrude Speigel : Her Settlement Secrets Revealed
Justice Gertrude Speigel, “Gertie” to her friends and colleagues, has been settling family law cases for more than forty years; first as a family law commissioner and then as a Superior Court Judge. Her techniques and results are legendary. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to learn the secrets of her success through a Q&A moderated by Lorne Wolfson
10:45 AM
Health Break
11:00 AM
Breakout One
Complex Financial Issues Part 1
This first session on complex financial issues will explore capital gains strips, trusts, life insurance and RRSPs as it pertains to family dispute resolution
Who’s Actually Calling the Shots?
In Family Dispute Resolution there are sometimes influencers, who are not at the table, that can make or break the process, leaving all participant scratching their heads as to who is really calling the shots behind the scenes. Whether it is a parent exerting financial control, a child applying emotional pressure, or a children’s lawyer whose report has entrenched the parties in their respective positions, these third parties must be managed if settlement is to be reached. This panel will examine methods for professionals to recognize and address these influences in the FDR process so that the parties may focus on a positive resolution.
11:50 AM
Breakout Two
Complex Financial Issues Part 2
In this second session on complex financial issues, presenters will review and discuss challenges and provide commentary on how issues should be dealt with in a calculation of income for Family Law purposes
The Storm before the Calm – High Conflict Personality Disorders in FDR
FDR professionals encounter people during one of the most emotionally charged and often traumatic periods of their lives. Most people look for ways to reduce conflict during this time. Others seem to look for reasons to escalate.
Understanding the factors that drive intense conflict is essential for successful FDR practice. Whether driven by factors such as personality disorders, trauma, financial distress, unresolved grief, or a need for control, FDR professionals need a toolkit of strategies for de-escalation and managing an effective process.
12:35 PM
Lunch Break
1:20 PM
Welcome Back
Our Family Wizard Presentation
1:40 PM
Breakout Three
Notional Disposition Costs
In this session panelists will examine various assets and provide their insight into how and why the contingent disposition costs should be calculated
Mental Health for Family Dispute Resolution Professionals
Since the COVID-19 pandemic a light has beeen shone on the importance of mental health and this has caused professionals to reflect on the risks affecting their own mental health. Professionals in Family Dispute Resolution are constantly bombarded with negativity from counsel, clients, Judges, and others in their professionals lives. This negativity can wreak havoc on professionals’ mental health and wellbeing in and outside the office. Join us for an open discussion on mental health issues facing family law professionals and strategies for change.
2:30 PM
Breakout Four
Financial Disclosure
Disclosure panelists will discuss their thoughts on disclosure, whether there can be too much disclosure, how to get the disclosure needed and why some items are requested for disclosure
The Pros and Cons of AI in Family Dispute Resolution
In a rapidly evolving legal landscape, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in family law cases is both a promising innovation and the subject of intense debate. The emerging technology promises the potential of streamlining case management, accelerating research, and enhanced decision-making processes. Learn how AI-powered tools can empower legal professionals to provide more efficient and effective services to their clients. At the same time, it raises ethical implications of AI algorithms, including concerns about bias, privacy and transparency that have become central in family law practice. How do we ensure safeguarding the interests of vulnerable parties?
3:15 PM
Health Break
3:30 PM
Keynote Address | Polyamory: More Spouses, More Issues to Resolve on Separation
The definition of family is ever evolving and how each type of family resolves disputes on separation must evolve as well. A polyamorous relationship is defined as the practice of, or desire for, romantic relationships with more than one partner at the same time, with the informed consent of all partners involved. Families living in polyamorous relationships face not only societal stigma but complex situations on separation. This is a must see panel discussion!
Panel experts will address this developing area of the law and advise on the various issues that arise when these types of families dissolve.
4:35 PM
Thank you & Closing Remarks
Thank you so much to all of our 2023 sponsors for making the FDRIO Annual Conference possible!
Silver
Bronze
Friends
Supporters
Interested in becoming a sponsor for our 2023 Conference? Email info@fdrio.ca to find out more!