My husband and I have considerable assets (property, businesses, art, etc.)…

I always consider mediation to be a good idea, if the spouses can determine the values of your assets. Mediation is less expensive, quicker, and less painful. It reduces animosity. However, it’s important to remember that you and your spouse have to be able to discuss things amicably and make decisions together.

Evelyn Kohn Rayson is the founder of Rayson & Associates, a Toronto-based family-law firm. She has practiced solely in the area of Family Law since 1991 and belongs to the Ontario Bar Association, the National Association of Women and the Law, the Family Law Association and the Collaborative Family Law Association of Toronto.