The Differences between Family Law and Other Civil Settlements

Jennifer Samara Shuber B.A., LL.B., M.S.W., C.S.

An oft-quoted statistic claims that 95% of family law cases settle. If that is true, it is lawyers and clients who are resolving matters between themselves and not resorting to judicial determinations. What implications does this have for the practice and, more specifically, the settlement of family law cases? In this paper, I will address what I believe are the top three differences between family law settlements and other civil settlements, in order to make counsel aware of the typical pitfalls that exist when trying to settle a family law case.

The Differences between Family Law and Other Civil Settlements for Ontario Bar Association Program: The Essentials of Settlement December 10, 2008
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