“Mandatory Information Program” Comes Too Late

Attorney General Chris Bentley, pictured above, announced that effective July 18, 2011, all new applicants to Family Court in Ontario must attend the Mandatory Information Program. This is a 2-hour program held at courthouses across the province explaining the Family Court process and alternatives. The intention of the program is to let people know that there are less painful ways to resolve their family law issues than going through Family Court. The motive is excellent.

The problem with the program is that it is made available only after a court action has been commenced. By that time, the parties are often entrenched in their positions and ready for a long drawn-out fight. The mud throwing has begun.

It’s like advocating against drunk driving to car accident victims lying in hospital beds. It would be better if parties knew about alternatives to Court before they start their Court case….before it’s too late.

If we could somehow reach out to the public to let them know that they would be better off starting with Collaborative Practice instead of Court, society would be better off. Collaborative Practice is an excellent way to resolve family law issues quickly and cost-effectively, while minimizing the pain, especially for the children. It keeps people focused on problem-solving rather than verbally beating up each other. It keeps people out of Family Court. It works.

I don’t mean to rain on the Attorney General’s parade. I believe his heart is in the right place. Families going through a divorce need to know that Court should be seen as their last resort. It’s just about timing. The public needs to know before they commence a Court action.