A collaboration between the Ryerson’s Legal Innovation Zone and FDRIO Members! On June 20, 2019, Ryerson’s Legal Innovation Zone (LIZ) launched the Family Law Portal. This free, on-line service helps Ontario families involved in separation or divorce better understand their rights, their responsibilities, the decisions they need to make, and the documents they need. “Families need a way of resolving separation and divorce issues that works for them”, said Chris Bentley, Managing Director of the LIZ, which managed and coordinated the project.   “When you are better informed, you can spend your time, emotional energy and limited resources on the…

Note to Readers: We have not investigated as to what screening steps were taken in this particular case and none of the commentary below is intended to be, nor should be construed as, criticism against the professionals who were involved in this matter. This month the justice system interacted with the disturbing death of Elana Fric yet again, as Mohammad Shamji was given a life sentence in prison for murdering her. This case cries out for our attention. First, we need to consider the nature of the homicide, rooted deeply in family violence. As Family Dispute Resolution Professionals (FDRPs), we…