If you're going through a divorce right now, your life is probably a mess. Lawyer Judith Holzman can help you to clean it up -- without spending lots of time or money.

Going through a separation and divorce is as hard as losing a spouse to death and is up there with losing a child. You need expert guidance.

Making the chaos go away

I believe that family lawyers, for all the hoopla surrounding their profession, are really only glorified cleaning staff. The function of a family lawyer is to take a messy situation, stop the bleeding, and make the chaos go away. This requires experience, firmness, and diplomacy, and it also means providing a client with accessibility on evenings and weekends and being available for meetings, phone calls, and consultations seven days a week.

"Who should use a collaborative family law resolution?" "Our home has been in my wife's family for generations; do I have any claim on it as her spouse?" "Do I have to share my pension?" "Do I have an obligation to pay child support once my children are over the age of 18, or younger if they have dropped out of school?" "Is there a Common Law Act?"

CONTACT Judith Holzman 2126 Major Mackenzie Drive Maple, Ontario L6A 1P7 Phone: (905) 303-1070 or Toronto: (416) 977-3050 Fax: (905) 303-4364 judith@jhlawoffices.com

The best result possible

It means that I invite my clients to bring their extended family and friends with them, so they don't feel alone when meeting with me for the first time or even afterwards. Over the last twenty-nine years, I have provided my home number and a cell phone number which is available to my clients 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The goal is to provide a "quick-as-possible resolution" with the most reasonable cost and the best result possible.

Various options for divorce settlement

Unlike the promises of the big ads in the Yellow Pages and the promises of lawyer-factory firms, where the first consultation is with the most senior lawyer and thereafter a succession of more junior lawyers, I handle each case myself, assisted by very competent legal staff who have been with me for many years. Each client gets individual and immediate attention from us.

Being a family lawyer is an avocation, not just a profession, and my role is to protect and advocate on behalf of my clients. This requires a mixture of various methods, including mediation, negotiation, collaboration, attending on arbitrations, and (as a last resort) litigation. Sometimes, however, court is not just an option, it's the only option. If the case demands it, I will vigorously pursue litigation.

Respecting your intellect and feelings

I believe my clients are entitled to be told the harsh realities, and I don't believe in sugarcoating or softening the truth, because while I recognize that my clients need to be nurtured, I also respect their intellect as well as appreciate their feelings.

For more information, or to book an appointment, please contact:

Judith Holzman
2126 Major Mackenzie Drive
Maple, Ontario L6A 1P7
Phone: (905) 303-1070 or Toronto: (416) 977-3050
Fax: (905) 303-4364
e-mail: judith@jhlawoffices.com

Judith Holzman has written the following FAQs and articles:

FAQs:

• "Who should use a collaborative family law resolution?"
• "Our home has been in my wife's family for generations; do I have any claim on it as her spouse?"
• "Do I have to share my pension?"
• "Do I have an obligation to pay child support once my children are over the age of 18, or younger if they have dropped out of school?"
• "Is there a Common Law Act?"
• "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?"
• "What can I do if my divorce lawyer wants to quit my case? The court date is approaching, and I don't know where else to turn."
• "My spouse has had several affairs; it's one of the reasons we split up. Can I use this against him in the divorce proceedings?"
• "What should I expect in terms of communication from my lawyer as my case progresses?"
• "Can I change the locks on my home to keep my partner out?"
• "If one spouse is gay, will the courts award custody to the heterosexual spouse?"
• "What if I don't agree with my lawyer's tactics and strategies?"
• "Can I fire my lawyer? Under what conditions?"
• "If my ex declares bankruptcy, am I liable for his debts?"
• "I can't afford a lawyer, but my spouse can afford to hire the best firm in town. How can I get my fair share?"
• "My spouse wants a divorce. I don't. Can a lawyer help me fight it?"

Professional Forum:

• Please Help Us to Help Them: A Request to Family Doctors