Collaborative Process

In Collaborative Process, you and your spouse will each have your own collaboratively trained lawyer who will be with you every step of the way as you explore the ‘things that matter most.'  You will have all of the legal and financial information you need to make good decisions. 

​In addition, Collaborative Process allows for a team approach so that a financial professional and family professional become part of an integrated and cost-effective team so that you and your spouse can create customized child-focused and financially durable solutions that set your family up to thrive in the transition to two households.

Mediation

In mediation, you and your spouse will work with a mediator who will help you discuss and negotiate the issues arising from the separation.  

​You may start out working with the mediator without your lawyers present, and if necessary, your lawyers may be involved in the mediation sessions if things are a little more challenging. Either way, you and your spouse will each need to have your own lawyer to receive ‘independent legal advice’ before signing the Separation Agreement.  It is best to obtain independent legal advice early on in the mediation process.

Mediation also allows for the integrated involvement of financial professionals and family professionals.

Training & Workshops


I will be offering a 5 day Introductory Collaborative Training the week of September 18th in Toronto (along with Victoria Smith, Christine Kim, Laurie Stein and Alison Anderson). To register:

REGISTRATION FORM

Christine Kim and I are co-founders of The Mediation Training Centre and we offer our Fundamentals of Family Mediation course every April and our Advanced Family Mediation course every November. 

Our next Advanced Family Mediation course is in November 2023. 
​
To register for either course: Registration Form 
For more info go to The Mediation Training Centre.  

I also offer customized trainings and workshops for collaborative professionals and mediators, as well as keynote speaking and strategic planning retreats.

Deborah Graham - Focused on Settlement Every Step of the Way 

I build partnerships with my clients, combining your expertise on you, your spouse, your children and what matters most to you, with my expertise on family law,  negotiation and settlement advocacy.

I support and empower my clients to reach solutions that meet their short-term and long-term goals. I look for the strengths and work towards settlements that make the best use of the resources in the family.

I am known in the family dispute resolution community as a creative, big picture thinker able to ‘see the way through.’

Settlement focused from beginning to end, I work exclusively on negotiating settlements through Collaborative Practice or Mediation, where the focus can be on ‘what matters most.’

What Clients are Saying

"A little note to thank you for your skill, counsel, support and kind compassion. It was a very difficult experience and I remain certain and grateful that this model made it the best experience it could be. You are a very special person."
- A Collaborative Practice client
​
You were the voice of calm and reason at a time I needed it the most. I thoroughly  appreciated your help in assisting me in working through my separation. With your guidance I was able to accept the circumstances of a difficult situation.
- A Collaborative Practice client

"First of all, a very big thank you for bringing closure to such a complicated and unpredictable process. I thought your management of Friday’s session was nothing short of brilliant, starting with the articulation of issues, to the summaries of the NFP. These efforts allowed for a quick and agreeable resolution. I think we were all quite amazed at how easily the proceedings came to an end.

Although I am saddened and a little bit in shock, I am also grateful for the love and respect that remains between my former spouse and me. We have both done well, for each other and our family.
In closing, my observation is that you are gifted, compassionate and adept at your work Deborah. Your talent and touch are indeed special. I appreciate the kindness you demonstrated from beginning to end. Thank you again for your creative thinking and many excellent efforts."
- A Mediation client

Contact Information                                    Workshops & Trainings 

​Deborah's office is in mid-town Toronto just minutes away from the Davisville  subway station. 

124 Merton Street, Suite 300
Toronto, ON, M4S 2Z2
(416) 597-9796
​[email protected] 
I am committed to helping settlement minded professionals learn more, spread the word, build their practices and do better work. 

Nov 2022

Advanced Family Mediation Training 
To register: The Mediation Training Centre.

2022

Collaborative Practice Training 
No current trainings scheduled. 

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