Litigation
At Green Bridge Family Law, we provide thoughtful, personalized family law services tailored to the needs of families in Barrie.
As a boutique firm, we combine deep expertise with attentive, one-on-one guidance to help you navigate divorce, separation, parenting, support, and property matters with clarity and confidence.
Litigation: Why It Can Hurt Far More Than You Think
Why It Can Hurt Far More Than You Think
Separation or divorce is distressing enough – we do not recommend taking the trial route unless absolutely necessary. Litigation, when parents go to court and fight over issues like custody, support, property, or parenting time, can magnify the ordeal in ways many underestimate. The legal system is there to help, but it’s expensive, slow, emotionally draining — and its impacts can reach far beyond the courtroom. The court was not designed for families.
Table of Contents
ToggleClarifying Your Rights and Obligations
One of the most valuable aspects of a pre-separation consultation is clarity. Every relationship involves practical and legal ties — property, children, debts, and shared responsibilities. A lawyer can explain how the law views these issues and what your potential rights and obligations might be. For example, you might learn whether spousal support could apply in your circumstances, or how property division might unfold.
Having this knowledge early often reduces fear of the unknown. It also prevents common mistakes, such as moving out of the home without considering how that decision might affect parenting or property claims later on.
Financial & Time Costs
Expenses add up quickly. Legal fees, expert reports, court filing fees — all these pile up. What starts as a handful of issues can balloon into multiple contested areas, each requiring time, documentation, and expert testimony.
Long delays. Court schedules are often crowded. It might take months just to have a first case conference, then more months for discovery, reports, and a decision. For some families, full resolution takes years. The average time to get to trial in Simcoe County is 4+ years.
Emotional & Relationship Toll
Stress, anxiety, and mental health. Parents in litigation often report high levels of depression and anxiety. The uncertainty about outcomes, financial stress, and ongoing conflict can lead to insomnia, physical health problems, and emotional exhaustion.
Damage to extended relationships. Litigation often “draws battle lines” — friends, relatives, and social networks can be pulled into the conflict. Trust erodes, loyalties get strained, and family gatherings become awkward or impossible.
Impacts on Children — What Research Shows
The biggest price is often paid by children. Several studies document that protracted, high-conflict litigation during or after divorce/separation is linked with worsened mental health outcomes for kids:
– A review in Parental Divorce or Separation and Children’s Mental Health found that parental divorce/separation is associated with significantly higher rates of adjustment problems in children and adolescents.
– Another study, The Intersection of Health and Legal Issues in a Family Break, reports that “a prolonged and angry legal fight” is one of the major indicators of severe distress for children.
These are not just short-term effects. Studies suggest that high-conflict litigation can lead to long-term issues: academic problems, social difficulties, lowered self-esteem, and ongoing emotional struggle.
How to Change Course if Conflict is Escalating
If your separation feels like it’s headed toward court, there are ways to pause and rethink before litigation takes over:
– Reflect on what the other person truly wants. Beyond anger or control, most people are looking for security, recognition, or reassurance. – –
– Understanding this can shift the tone of negotiations.
– Identify where you can give. Not every issue is worth a fight. Knowing where you have room to compromise can reduce unnecessary battles.
– Know your deal breakers — and why.
– Be clear about the boundaries you cannot cross and the reasons behind them. This helps you stand firm on essentials while staying flexible elsewhere.
– Arrange for emotional support for children (i.e., psychotherapists who specialize in working with children).
– Consider an offer to settle. If the other side is unreasonable, making a fair, written offer can protect you later when costs are decided, even if it doesn’t shield you and the family from the stress and relational damage of litigation.
These steps don’t guarantee peace, but they can reduce escalation and keep you focused on solutions instead of conflict.
Key Takeaway
Litigation often does more than resolve legal issues. It can leave scars — emotional, relational, and mental health ones — especially for children. Going to court should be a last resort, not the starting point.
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About Us
We are a passionate firm dedicated to delivering exceptional results. With a focus on innovation and excellence, we are committed to helping you achieve your goals in your family law matter.
We help at all stages in the process
We offer a comprehensive range of advanced features designed to streamline your processes and boost efficiency. From intuitive user interface to seamless integration, our software provides everything you need to optimize your workflow and achieve exceptional results.
Innovative Solutions for Modern Family Challenges
Family disputes can be resolved in different ways, and at Green Bridge Family Law we guide you through the approach that best fits your situation. Each path has its benefits, and we help you choose the one that protects your rights while minimizing stress and cost.
Collaboration
Allows you and the other party to work directly—often through lawyers—to reach a fair agreement without court involvement.
Mediation
Introduces a neutral mediator who helps both sides find common ground and craft a resolution together.
Litigation
Involves asking a judge to make binding decisions when other methods aren’t successful or appropriate.
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