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Featured Media Coverage – 2023

Now.

An Ontario law firm is offering pro bono legal services on Friday

Quote of Note:Our goal with these complimentary consultations is to share answers to some of the most important questions they face so that they can make more informed decisions

Read Article

March 18, 2023

Law Times

ChatGPT may improve access to justice, but won’t replace lawyers: Law Commission of Ontario webinar

Quote of Note:He noted that the free AI tools such as ChatGPT can at least provide a starting point for those seeking legal advice.

Read Article

March 15, 2023

Vaughn Citizen

We’re on the cusp of a new beginning here’: How Artificial Intelligence may make its way into legal practices

Quote of Note:I think it’s also going to improve access to justice when lawyers start using it, because we can use these programs, this artificial intelligence, to generate documents and court pleadings.

Read Article

February 24, 2023

980 CKNW

How Artificial Intelligence Could Improve Access to Justice in Family Law

Quote of Note: “What it’s going to do is make lawyers a lot more efficient.”

Listen Here

February 8, 2023

Law Times

How Artificial Intelligence Could Improve Access to Justice in Family Law

Quote of Note: “We’re seeing three themes develop: improving the divorce process for clients, changes to how lawyers deliver legal services, and possible changes at law schools and other educational institutions.”

Read Article

February 1, 2023

Toronto Star

Divorce is Never Easy, You Don’t Have to do it Alone

Quote of Note: “A big question on everyone’s mind is, will I have to go to court, or can I settle this outside of court?” says Alexander, “the answer to that question is dependent on each individual’s unique situation. My job is to design a path that ensures the best outcome for you and your family.

Read Article

December 16th, 2022

Law Times

Family lawyers react to the new family lawyer legal service provider license

Quote of Note: “I think the paralegal approach is a slippery slope for a number of reasons and my biggest current concern is access to justice.”

Read Article

December 16th, 2022

900 CHML

Russell discusses real estate and divorce with Rick Zamperin of Good Morning Hamilton

Quote of Note: “The impact is significant and it depends on a number of factors. Some of them include whether you’re married or common law, whether you have kids…”

Listen Here
(26 minutes in)

November 29th, 2022

CTV News Northern Ontario

Divorces are getting more complicated

Quote of Note: “The difficulty with the market shifting, is it’s hard to understand what your home is worth these days…”

Watch Here

November 28th, 2022

CTV News Northern Ontario

Youth against COVID vaccine breaks legal ground

Quote of Note: ” The COVID-19 pandemic has added many issues that separating families have to contend with.”

Watch Here

CTV News Northern Ontario

Interview Regarding Presumptive Hearings Virtual Town Hall

Quote of Note: “Judges want lawyers and their clients to go back to in-person and we’re concerned that’s going to limit people’s ability to access the justice system”

Watch Here

August 3, 2022

640 Toronto

Why lawyers, families are calling on the courts to keep ‘Zoom divorces’ in place

Quote of Note: “Coming out of the pandemic, one of the silver linings we’ve gained is efficiency in the court system.”

Listen Here

July 22, 2022

Toronto Star

Let’s not call it quits on ‘Zoom divorces’ in Ontario

Quote of Note: “The pandemic helped push Ontario’s courts into the 21st century. Now is not the time to turn back.”

Read Article

July 22, 2022

CBC

Ontario common-law spouses should have the same rights as married couples, family lawyers say

Quote of Note: “Ontario property-division laws that apply to married couples when they divorce should apply equally to common-law spouses.”

Read Article

July 16, 2022

Law Times

Family lawyers alarmed by mixed court policies regarding remote and in-person divorce hearings

Quote of Note: “…clients incur significant expenses to attend an in-person hearing, including paying legal fees, traveling, taking off work, childcare, and gas.”

Read Article

July 11, 2022

The Lawyer’s Daily

Refuting case for in-person court, point-by-point, part two | Russell Alexander

Quote of Note: “The other common refrain about the need to return to in-person hearings is that not everyone has access to technology. The theory is that virtual hearings might shut out those who are economically disadvantaged and who may need the family justice system more than most.”

Read Article

May 31st, 2022

The Lawyer’s Daily

Refuting case for in-person court, point by point, part one

Quote of Note: “We can fully see and appreciate the many efficiencies and opportunities that the pandemic has wrought. The system actually runs better and costs for divorcing families have been reduced.”

Read Article

May 24th, 2022

CTV News

Group of Ontario lawyers petitions courts to keep proceedings virtual

Quote of Note: “More than 1,000 lawyers have signed a petition to make all court appearances “presumptively virtual unless parties and their counsel agree otherwise”

Read Article

May 22nd, 2022

The Star

Group of Ontario family lawyers petitions to keep court virtual, while some Guelph lawyers say in-person has value

Quote of Note: “A group of family lawyers in Ontario say they’ve gathered more than 1,000 signatures on a petition to keep virtual hearings the standard in Ontario courts…”

Read Article

May 16th, 2022

Legal Matters

Family lawyers deliver a wake-up call to the province

Quote of Note: “Remote hearings provide numerous benefits for clients and their lawyers”

Read Article

May 12th, 2022

The Law Times

Ontario family lawyers hold virtual press conference urging the courts to continue remote hearings

Quote of Note: “…the lawyers maintained that reverting to in-person from virtual proceedings will mean less access to justice and higher legal costs for many clients and suggested that the profession should focus on fixing the glitches with technology.”

Read Article

May 11th, 2022

Toronto Sun

Family Lawyers Fight Against Return to In-person Court Proceedings

Quote of Note: “We’re of the view that all family court hearings should be remote presumptively”

Read Article

May 11th, 2022

CBC Radio – All in a Day with Alan Neal

Ontario family lawyers are petitioning against the return to in person court

Quote of Note: “Ontario family lawyers are saying that returning back to in-person court will only create more barriers and enforce less access to justice.”

Listen here

May 10th, 2022

Global News

Family Lawyers Asking for Remote Hearings to Continue

Quote of Note: “Moving back to a system where in-person is the norm rather than the exception, is a regressive move given the benefits that are afforded by virtual hearings.”

Watch here

May 10th, 2022

Slaw

Are the Courts Slip-Sliding Away?

Quote of Note: “If in-person hearings return to the old norm, many Family lawyers will simply no longer practice family law. “

Read Article

May 9th, 2022

Moolala: Money Made Simple with Bruce Sellery

Virtual Divorce

Quote of Note: “The biggest benefit is access to justice”

Listen here

May 5th, 2022

CTV News Northern Ontario

Keep divorce cases virtual, lawyer argues

Quote of Note: “We have a chance to improve our system, make it more efficient.” 

Listen here

May 5th, 2022

Lawyer’s Daily

The misguided return to in-person family court hearings: part two

Quote of Note: “…the cumulative advantages of virtual hearings far outweigh the corresponding benefits of presumptive in-person hearings.” 

Read Article

March 29, 2022

640 Toronto – The Kelly Cutrara Show

Ontario family lawyers ordered to return to courtrooms beginning in April

Quote of Note: “The pandemic improved the efficiency of the court system.” 

March 28, 2022

Canadian Lawyer

Roundup of law firm hires, promotions, departures: Mar. 28, 2022 update

Quote of Note: “We are proud to welcome Cindy, Golan, and Daniela to our team of family lawyers.” 

March 21, 2022

Ontario Family Law Reporter

Does Re-Partnering Change Spousal Support Entitlement? Maybe Not!

Quote of Note: “When a marriage ends, it is not uncommon for one or both former spouses to move on and find love elsewhere.”

January, 2022

Money & Family Law

Can an order for costs be reduced due to covid-19’s impact on income?

Quote of note: “The Ontario court of appeal rejected an application to reduce the costs order requiring the husband to pay a portion of the wife’s legal expenses.”

March 14, 2022

Global News Radio 900 CHML

Advice to Couples Getting “Zoom Divorces”

Quote of note: “There’s certainly pros and cons, but I think overall once you do a Zoom hearing, you don’t want to look back.”

Listen here

February 11, 2022

CP24 News

Vaccination a Possible Factor in Custody Cases

Quote of note: “If the parents can resolve the matter outside of the court system, that’s great but if it goes to court, the judge will heir on the side of caution and science and make sure the best interests of the child are protected.

Watch the Interview

February 11, 2022

CTV News

Unvaccinated Parents At Custody Risk

Quote of note:We want the kids to have a good relationship with both parents, but the medical experts are saying children who are in the care of an unvaccinated parent are at greater risk.”

Watch the Interview

February 2, 2022

Ontario Bar Association’s Institute Series

Real Estate Transfers Between Spouses

Quote of note: “Approaching divorce and the matrimonial home with Russell Alexander and Anthony D’Angelo.”

Learn more

January 14, 2022

Global News

Lawyer ‘flooded’ with calls from Canadian couples on ‘Divorce Day’

Quote of note: “Alexander says the first Monday of January is known in the industry as “Divorce Day” — typically the day when the phones start ringing after the holiday season.”

Listen here

Read article

January 11, 2022

980 CFPL – The Morning Show with Devon Peacock

Divorce rates on the rise in Canada as COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions amplify relationship issues

Quote of note: “What would ordinarily be a ‘bump in the road’, has been amplified by the pandemic.

Listen here

Featured Media Coverage – 2021

November 16, 2021

The Globe and Mail

Russell Alexander Law Firm Named One of Canada’s Best Family Law Firms by The Globe and Mail

Quote of note: “It’s a tremendous honour to be named to this list because our peers and even competitors are the ones who chose us.”

Read article

October 18, 2021

Anishinabek News

Ontario lawyer offers tips on vaccines and child custody matters

Quote of note: “There’s still lots of creative ways to settle matters peacefully and respectfully, while ensuring your family stays safe, outside the court system.”

Read article

October 14, 2021

CHCH TV

Vaccine and Child Custody

Quote of note: “Usually, the court will err on the side of caution and give the parent who is pro-vaccine the choice if there is a dispute.”

Watch interview

October 9, 2021

Toronto Star

One parent wants a child vaccinated against COVID-19, but the other does not. How does a family court judge decide what to do?

Quote of note: “When parents disagree with issues of vaccination, especially with respect to the COVID vaccine, the court is giving the power to make the decision to the parent who is provaccine.”

Read article

October 9, 2021

Orangeville.com

One parent wants a child vaccinated against COVID-19, but the other does not. How does a family court judge decide what to do?

Quote of note: “We may have an eight-year-old child who doesn’t want to go to the dentist. We still send the child to the dentist because it’s in their best interest.”

Read article

October 9, 2021

Guelph Mercury Tribune

One parent wants a child vaccinated against COVID-19, but the other does not. How does a family court judge decide what to do?

Quote of note: “According to science and government policy, the best interest is to have the child vaccinated … it’s a much, much stricter standard.”

Read article

October 9, 2021

YorkRegion.com

One parent wants a child vaccinated against COVID-19, but the other does not. How does a family court judge decide what to do?

Quote of note: “According to science and government policy, the best interest is to have the child vaccinated … it’s a much, much stricter standard.”

Read article

October 9, 2021

ParrySound.com

One parent wants a child vaccinated against COVID-19, but the other does not. How does a family court judge decide what to do?

Quote of note: “According to science and government policy, the best interest is to have the child vaccinated … it’s a much, much stricter standard.”

Read article

September 25, 2021

CBC Manitoba

Legal battles brewing in Manitoba between parents divided over COVID-19 vaccination

Quote of note: “The court’s not in a position to question the science behind the decision. The government has the best scientists and the best researchers working for them,” 

Read article

September 20, 2021

CBC Winnipeg

As the province rolls out vaccine clinics in schools this week some Manitobans are wondering what to do if their partner doesn’t want their kids to get vaccinated

Quote of note: “The best interest of the child is going to be paramount, always.”

Read article

September 19, 2021

The Sudbury Star

BRAUN: After a decade, deadbeat dad owes $500,000

Quote of note: “COVID will end and he will go back to jail. It’s going to catch up to him. It’s just a matter of time.”

Read article

September 19, 2021

Canoe

BRAUN: After a decade, deadbeat dad owes $500,000

Quote of note: “COVID will end and he will go back to jail. It’s going to catch up to him. It’s just a matter of time.”

Read article

September 19, 2021

Toronto Sun

BRAUN: After a decade, deadbeat dad owes $500,000

Quote of note: “Payor parents cannot evade their child support obligations by dragging their feet, resisting financial disclosure, and avoiding payment to the other parent — sometimes for decades.”

Read article

September 14, 2021

Newstalk 580  CFRA

Can you lose custody of your children for failing to get a vaccine?

Quote of note: “You need to make a choice. Are you going to act in the your children’s best interest and get vaccinated or are you going to choose not to?”

Listen to interview

September 10, 2021

CFPL, The Morning Show with Devon Peacock

Family lawyer says unvaccinated parents risk losing custody of children

Quote of note: “Parents who are choosing not to get vaccinated could be at risk of the court stepping in and saying their access may be restricted or they may even lose custody of their children.”

Listen to interview

September 10, 2021

CTV News

Child custody implications of being unvaccinated

Quote of note: “With respect to vaccination, the test will be what is in the best interest of the child.”

Watch video

September 8, 2021

Law Times

Vaccination passports could cause custody issues for unvaccinated parents

Quote of note: “I think it would be highly unlikely that a court would make this kind of order unless one of the parents was requesting it, and I think the parent requesting it would also need some medical evidence to show that their family unit or the child is at risk if somebody chooses not to get the vaccine.”

August 18, 2021

The Peterborough Examiner

Russell Alexander law firm extends deadline for scholarship for high school students pursuing legal studies

Quote of note: “We extended the deadline because students are still trying to get a handle on what school they’re going to, whether it’s going to be in person learning or remote.”

Read article

August 17, 2021

Money & Family Law

Court rules that lawyer “coerced” own client into accepting mediated settlement

Quote of note: “The lawyer not only fell below the standard of care expected of a member of the legal profession tasked with
assisting a client to settle a matter, but in doing so he had also compromised his client’s legal rights and entitlements.”

August 6, 2021

Canadian Military Family

Scholarship available for high school grads pursuing law

Quote of note: “We began offering this scholarship to help ensure that students who are interested in
the law have an opportunity to study it.”  

Read article

July 22, 2021

Texas Lawyer

Creating New Ways of Working and Making Permanent Policy Changes Amid a Pandemic: A Q&A With Attorney Russell Alexander

Quote of note: “With our marketing and Covid-19 divorce center, our client base grew significantly, and we
focused on the new questions our clients were asking and their fears and concerns.”

Read article

July 6, 2021

CTV News

Russell Alexander offers university scholarship to high school graduates interested in studying law

Quote of note: “We offer this scholarship to offset the rising cost of education and university, but more importantly, we want to give back to the communities we serve.” 

Watch video

July 5, 2021

The Lawyer’s Daily

Family Law Firm seeks high school applicants for scholarship

Quote of note: “We began offering this scholarship to help ensure that students who are interested in the law have an opportunity to study it.”

Read article

July 4, 2021

Orillia Matters

Law firm offering university scholarship to high school grads interested in studying law

Quote of note: “The legal profession serves everyone, and it should be open to everyone.”

Read article

June 22, 2021

Global News, 980 CFPL

Will trend of increasing divorces continue as Ontario reopens for a third time?

Quote of note: “We are going to see disputes with separating parents when it comes to travel in terms of what countries they’re going to, vaccinations and safety.”

Listen to interview

May 26, 2021

The Law Times

In vaccination-related family-law disputes, courts likely to follow public health recommendations

At the end of March, Russell Alexander, founder and senior partner at RIA Collaborative Family Lawyers, predicted vaccinations would present the next trend in COVID-related family-law litigation.

Read article

May 4, 2021

CTV

Navigating Divorce During the Pandemic

Quote of note: “With the pandemic, parents are learning to work through a lot of issues that evolved throughout the last 13 months […] but surprisingly the pandemic has brought many parents together.”

Watch video

May 4, 2021

580 CFRA
The Morning Rush

Divorce is becoming pandemic’s other toll?

Quote of note: “We almost need a vaccination for pandemic divorces. We’re seeing lots of cabin fever because people are spending a lot of time together in the home.”

Listen to interview

May 3, 2021

CBC

Broken Marriages becoming pandemic’s other toll

Quote of note: “There are lots of good marriages that end in divorce with or without a pandemic,” said Alexander. “But some clients are seeing a different side of their spouse that they didn’t know existed.”

Read article

April 24, 2021

CBC

Pandemic Have You Bickering? How to Fight Fair

Quote of note:  “Some lawyers say interest in divorce has increased. For example Russell Alexander, a collaborative family divorce lawyer in Lindsay, Ont., says divorce filings at his practice were up 30 per cent in the last year.”

Read article

March, 2021

Canadian Lawyer Magazine

Pandemic creates great waves in family law

Quote of note: “The silver lining to the pandemic…is that it has made lawyers in the justice system much more efficient.”

March 31, 2021

The Law Times

Vaccinations, the next frontier for family law disputes, says lawyer

Quote of note: “I think the next area that we’re going to see disputes, moving forward, will be vaccinations. We’ve seen lots of cases recently where parents call it a ‘scam-demic’ or they are protesting the social-distancing protocols and safety measures implemented by the Government of Ontario.”

Read article

March 11, 2021

980 CFPL

Windsor man denied custody of kids due to his belief COVID-19 is a hoax

Quote of note: “We’re getting lots of bold allegations being levelled at spouses against each other to try to get an advantage in custody and access proceedings.”

Read article

March 8, 2021

CBC News

‘Spike’ in divorce since start of COVID-19 lockdown, says lawyer

Quote of note: “Our practice mirrors the data we’re getting out of the U.S. We’re probably up about 30%. We’ve seen a real spike especially after March and April of 2020.”

Watch video

February 24, 2021

Global News

“Zoom divorce” replaces traditional courtroom procedures

Quote of note: “People are realizing the person they married isn’t the person they married.”

Read Article

February 24, 2021

The Lawyer’s Daily

Russell Alexander opens new office

Quote of note: “These experienced family lawyers will help provide our clients with a high level of service at a time of great need in Ontario,” said founder Russell Alexander. “The coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated the stresses on many families even as it has slowed court proceedings, adding to a pent-up demand for help.”

Read Article

February 23, 2021

The Telegram

The pandemic has kept divorce lawyers busy

Quote of note: “Lots of studies are suggesting (the rate) is up,” said Alexander. “Especially studies out of the U.S. and overseas. I think the National Law Review in the United States has the number at a 34% increase.”

Read Article

February 23, 2021

Toronto Sun

The pandemic has kept divorce lawyers busy

Quote of note: “Lots of studies are suggesting (the rate) is up,” said Alexander. “Especially studies out of the U.S. and overseas. I think the National Law Review in the United States has the number at a 34% increase.”

Read Article

February 18, 2021

CTV News with Tony Ryma

Virtual court appearances causing trouble for some

Quote of note: “Most people are disheveled. We see people in track pants. Some are in their car and they’re driving. They’re not alone, they have pets barking and jumping up on their screens.”

Read Article

February 18, 2021

NewsTalk Radio 1290 CJBK

Ask Me Anything with Family Lawyer Russell Alexander – with Ken and Loreena

Quote of note: “Online hearings are the new normal for lawyers and families going through separation and divorce.”

Read Article

February 11, 2021

Canadian Lawyer Magazine

Court orders parents to take child “terrified” of COVID-19 to counselling

Quote of note: “Courts are increasingly recognizing the dangers to mental health that the pandemic is having on children,” Alexander told Canadian Lawyer. “When a child is hurting mentally, don’t rush off to court; get the child into counselling.”

Read Article

January 29, 2021

The Lawyer’s Daily

Russell Alexander hires new family law associate

Quote of note: “Family law can be one of the most personal and difficult areas of our profession, but Alex has shown that he can handle a wide range of cases.”

Read Article


Featured Media Coverage – 2020

December 8, 2020

The Lindsay Advocate

Russell Alexander announces $2,500 law scholarship winner from Lindsay

Quote of note: “We were very impressed with the number of submissions that came in,” said founder Russell Alexander. “Given the ongoing health crisis with no clear ending in sight, we felt it was appropriate to add some additional money for a new computer, tablet, or other electronic device.”

Read Article

November 12, 2020

The Lawyer’s Daily

University student wins $2,500 scholarship from Ontario family law firm

Quote of note: “We were really inspired by the thoughtfulness of the submissions this year, especially,” added Alexander. “The enthusiasm, passion and drive expressed in so many of the applications really give us hope for the future of the legal profession in Canada.”

Read Article

October 29, 2020

Global News, Peterborough

Canada expected to see spike in divorce rates by 2021

Quote of note: “Relationships are always under strain, but those strains are amplified by the pandemic.”

Read Article

October 27, 2020

CBC Ontario Morning Podcast

Quote of note: “People are seeing their spouses in a whole new light as a result of the pandemic and some people are thinking that perhaps this isn’t the person I thought I married.”

Read Article

Publication: Global News, 980 CFPL

Everything you need to know about divorce – Let’s Talk London with Jess Brady
[Link to interview]

Quote of note: “The pandemic has made everyone look at their lives a little differently.”


September 20, 2020

Publication: CTV News

Custody Battles During COVID-19
[Link to interview]

Quote of note: “Lawyers are seeing lots of new cases especially with parents really scared about sending their kids back to in-person schooling.”


September 17, 2020

Publication: The Lawyer’s Dailylawyers-daily-logo

Court of Appeal finds definition of spouse applies to couple who lived together intermittently
[Link to article]

Quote of note: “The traditional model is you’re living continuously under the same roof,” he told The Lawyer’s Daily. “This particular case kind of takes it to the next level. They were dating and they were certainly spending time together, but they were also living separate and apart in their own residences. So really it takes a much more expansive view, in my opinion, of the definition of spouse.”


September 15, 2020

Publication: Global News, 980 CFPL

Court rules in favour of child attending school in-person after divorced parents can’t agree on what is best
[Link to interview]

Quote of note: “Now with the pandemic, it’s even more fodder for parents to fight over. Some parents might think this is a chance to change my custody or parenting arrangement which they didn’t like in the first  place.”


September 11, 2020

Publication: CTV News

COVID-19 custody battles present tricky challenge for overwhelmed courts
[Link to article]

Quote of note: “There are lots of families who cannot afford to litigate these issues,” Alexander told CTVNews.ca in a phone interview Friday, pointing out that many parents have been laid off or are relying on government aid. “So I think it’s a lot more common out there, but parents don’t have the resources to argue these cases.”


 

September 10, 2020

Publication: CTV News

Divorced father loses legal fight to stop son from returning to school
[Link to article]

Quote of note: “It gives family lawyers and parents some guidance in terms of how do we approach this issue of returning to school when both parents don’t agree”


September 9, 2020
Bob-FM-Logo

Publication: 91.9 BOB FM

BOB FM Interview on Our New Book
[Link to interview]

 


September 1, 2020

Publication: The Lawyer’s Dailylawyers-daily-logo

Family law firm extends deadline for scholarship applications to Sept. 30
[Link to article]


August 31, 2020core-magazines-logo

Publication: Core Magazine

Law Firm Tops Up University Scholarship With Tech Funds
[Link to article]


August 31, 2020julius-melnitzer-logo

Publication: Julius Melnitzer

COVID-19 prompts scholarship expansion from Russell Alexander
[Link to article]


August 31, 2020CanLII-logo

Publication: Can LII

Child Ordered by Court to Return to In-Person Schooling
[Link to article]

Quote of note: “The mother sought an order that the child shall attend a specific school in-person starting in September and that the child was to be registered to do so prior. The Respondent father in the matter sought an order that the child remains at home until the school board’s safety protocols were proven successful and more certainty on the health and safety of children at school could be guaranteed. It is important to note that the child, nor anyone else in the immediate family, holds underlying health conditions.”


August 31, 2020

Publication: Law Times

Ontario Superior Court rules child must attend in-class school, despite Covid-19 pandemic
[Link to article]

Quote of note: In this situation, the judge ruled the child should go to in-class school, Alexander notes, “but a different family with different facts” may produce a different ruling. “Let’s say one parent has asthma or an underlying health condition. That may cause the court to say, well, maybe the child should not go to school.”


August 28, 2020canadian-lawyer-logo

Publication: Canadian Lawyer

Alberta appeal court rules no harm in daughter’s return to Texas despite pandemic
[Link to article]

Quote of note: “Right from day one, since everybody went into lockdown, the courts have been taking a really strong approach to parents trying to use the pandemic to alter parenting arrangements,” says Ontario family law lawyer Russell Alexander, who maintains several offices across the province.


August 21, 2020

Publication: CTV News

Ontario lawyer releases second book on divorce and includes chapter on divorce during a pandemic
[Link to article]

Quote of note:“They were complaining the other spouse was a health-care worker or a first responder,” he said. “And some parents were just not returning their children.”


August 6, 2020

Publication: CTV News

Divorce during a pandemic
[Link to interview]

Quote of note: “Our particular firm has seen an increase in clients coming in and asking for information. The pandemic has somehow changed them and they’ve realized that spending 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with their partner has been overwhelming.”


August 5, 2020CBC-logo

Publication: CBC

Divorce in a pandemic
[Link to radio segment]

Quote of note: “A lot of these relationships had underlying issues and the stress of the pandemic brought it to the top.”


July 26, 2020

Publication: The Toronto Star

Divorcing couples may find mediation faster, cheaper during pandemic, experts say
[Link to article]

Quote of note: “We’re still processing divorces and we’re still going through the process, we’re just doing it in a different way”


July 22, 2020CBC-logo

Publication: CBC News

COVID-19 lockdown responsible for major backlog in divorce proceedings, lawyers say
[Link to article]

Quote of note: If there is one silver lining in all of this, Alexander said, it’s the fact that this has forced Ontario’s outdated court system to modernize. Since reopening, many courts are starting to go paperless and are now accepting documents electronically.


July 21, 2020

Publication: Global News Radio, 980 CFLP

Spike in divorce cases since courts reopened during the coronavirus pandemic
[Link to radio interview]

Quote of note: “Covid-19 pandemic has jolted the courts into the digital age, forcing them to adapt to modern technology, electronic filing and virtual conferences. It is possible that the Covid-19 pandemic may permanently change how the courts operate in the future.”


July 21, 2020

Publication: Toronto Star, Ask Ellie, Advice Columnist

Ask Ellie: If divorce is inevitable, get informed now
[Link to column]

Quote of note: Lawyer Russell Alexander, in his second book on divorce law in Ontario — Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Divorce — has added a chapter specifically on divorce during the coronavirus pandemic.


July 20, 2020

Publication: Law Times

Lawyer’s new book on divorce: Family law in a pandemic
[Link to article]

Quote of note: “Our firm has long advocated for families to use alternatives to the courtroom, but that has never been more important than during the pandemic.”


June 26, 2020

Publication: Ottawa Parenting Times

When a Marriage Ends
[Link to article]

Quote of note: “Parenting coordinators are a key part of an approach known as collaborative divorce. In a traditional divorce, both sides can end up fighting in court over who deserves blame for the fire. Even in mediation, the two sides are still essentially locked in a legal battle.”


June 23, 2020

Publication: CTV News with Pat Foran

Spike in Divorces Expected as Courts Reopen
[Link to interview]

Quote of note: “You can get divorced in a peaceful and respectful way that encourages everyone to continue to have a good relationship.”


June 23, 2020

Publication: Divorce Magazine

4 Tips for Keeping Your Family Intact
[Link to article]

Quote of note: I am used to seeing families in one of the toughest situations they could face. Now, as we enter the second month of quarantine for most families, it looks to me as though many “intact” families are now in a similar situation to those with parents who are considering divorce.


June 18, 2020

Publication: Global News Radio, 980 CFPL

Marriages in Canada Impacted due to the pandemic
[Radio interview]

Quotes of note: “If the strain of the relationship is too much, couples should not feel pressured to wait until after the pandemic is over to separate. Professionals and lawyers continue to be available to assist in separations and divorces during the pandemic.”


May 18, 2020

Publication: CTV News, Northern Ontario

Keeping your family intact
[Video link]


May 15, 2020

Publication: Newstalk 1290 CJBK

Here’s what families can do amidst COVID-19
[Radio interview]

Quotes of note: “It is important that couples maintain communication and express themselves during this time. A good way to accomplish this is by setting up a daily debrief where you can each express things occurring in your everyday life.”


May 5, 2020

Publication: Global News, Peterboroughglobal-news-logo

Russell Alexander law firm delivers pizzas to Peterborough Regional Health Centre
[Video link]


May 2, 2020

Publication: Newstalk 1010, Peterborough

Russell Alexander law firm delivers pizzas to Peterborough Regional Health Centre
[Radio interview link]


May 1, 2020

Publication: Slaw

Digital Decorum and Respect for the Administration of Justice
[Article link]

Quotes of note: “We are hearing stories of lawyers conducting meetings in their bathrobes and even court hearings from bed. Sometimes shirtless or in bathing suits by the pool. This reflects poorly on our profession and the administration of justice, and Judges are taking note.”


April 29, 2020

Publication: Peterborough Today

‘Save a Slice’ initiative comes to Peterborough courtesy of law firm
[Article link]

Quotes of note: “With this pandemic now in its second month, we are appreciative of all the hard work that our nurses, doctors and other medical professionals on the front line are doing every day,” said Alexander. “We hope these pizzas will remind them of everyone pulling for them right now while helping out local restaurants that have seen business drop off during the outbreak.”


April 29, 2020

Publication: Peterborough Examiner

Save a Slice shows support for Peterborough front-line workers during pandemic
[Article link]

Quotes of note: “We hope these pizzas will remind them of everyone pulling for them right now while helping out local restaurants that have seen business drop off during the outbreak.”


April 28, 2020

Publication: National Post

COVID-19 triggers flood of court rulings as estranged parents argue exes putting children at infection risk
[Article link]

Quotes of note: “Dealing with separation and access issues is difficult all the time. The difficulty is heightened during the pandemic. Everybody is overloaded by the news cycle. Our health protocols are evolving and changing daily, sometimes hourly.”


April 20, 2020

Publication: 680News

Will the pandemic lead to a higher divorce rate
[Video link]


April 16, 2020

Publication: Indie88

Tips for couples in quarantine together
[Radio interview link]

Quotes of note: Russ advised couples to spend some time together, but also get in some “you” time. However, it’s important that you don’t avoid each other all together and look for ways to enjoy each other’s company. It could be going for walks, cooking a meal, or even working on a puzzle.

 


April 3, 2020

Publication: Globe and Mail

Coronavirus pandemic adds complexity to parental-access battles
[Article link]

Quotes of note: If someone has proof that his or her former spouse is not abiding by public-health guidelines, that would likely count as an emergency, Mr. Alexander says. But suspecting the other parent is letting the kids go to the playground or otherwise putting them at risk of exposure to the coronavirus probably doesn’t.


February 16, 2020

Publication: The Star

What a 4-year-old’s death says about Ontario’s strained family courts
[Article link]

Quotes of note: “Family lawyer Russell Alexander says upcoming changes to make the language of the Divorce Act more neutral will reduce a harmful “winner-loser” mindset. The updated act uses words like “parenting time” instead of “custody” and “access.”



Featured Media Coverage – 2021

March 31, 2021

The Law Times

Vaccinations, the next frontier for family law disputes, says lawyer

Quote of note: ” “I think the next area that we’re going to see disputes, moving forward, will be vaccinations. We’ve seen lots of cases recently where parents call it a ‘scam-demic’ or they are protesting the social-distancing protocols and safety measures implemented by the Government of Ontario.”

Read article

March 11, 2021

980 CFPL

Windsor man denied custody of kids due to his belief COVID-19 is a hoax

Quote of note: “We’re getting lots of bold allegations being levelled at spouses against each other to try to get an advantage in custody and access proceedings.”

Listen to interview

March 8, 2021

CBC News

‘Spike’ in divorce since start of COVID-19 lockdown, says lawyer

Quote of note: ““What is normally a bump in the road in a relationship is now amplified during the pandemic, which unfortunately is leading to an increase in divorce rates in Canada””

Watch video

February 24, 2021

Global News

“Zoom divorce” replaces traditional courtroom procedures

Quote of note: “People are realizing the person they married isn’t the person they married.”

Read Article

February 24, 2021

The Lawyer’s Daily

Russell Alexander opens new office

Quote of note: “These experienced family lawyers will help provide our clients with a high level of service at a time of great need in Ontario,” said founder Russell Alexander. “The coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated the stresses on many families even as it has slowed court proceedings, adding to a pent-up demand for help.”

Read Article

February 23, 2021

The Telegram

The pandemic has kept divorce lawyers busy

Quote of note: “Lots of studies are suggesting (the rate) is up,” said Alexander. “Especially studies out of the U.S. and overseas. I think the National Law Review in the United States has the number at a 34% increase.”

Read Article

February 23, 2021

Toronto Sun

The pandemic has kept divorce lawyers busy

Quote of note: “Lots of studies are suggesting (the rate) is up,” said Alexander. “Especially studies out of the U.S. and overseas. I think the National Law Review in the United States has the number at a 34% increase.”

Read Article

February 18, 2021

CTV News with Tony Ryma

Virtual court appearances causing trouble for some

Quote of note: “Most people are disheveled. We see people in track pants. Some are in their car and they’re driving. They’re not alone, they have pets barking and jumping up on their screens.”

Read Article

February 18, 2021

NewsTalk Radio 1290 CJBK

Ask Me Anything with Family Lawyer Russell Alexander – with Ken and Loreena

Quote of note: “Online hearings are the new normal for lawyers and families going through separation and divorce.”

Read Article

February 11, 2021

Canadian Lawyer Magazine

Court orders parents to take child “terrified” of COVID-19 to counselling

Quote of note: “Courts are increasingly recognizing the dangers to mental health that the pandemic is having on children,” Alexander told Canadian Lawyer. “When a child is hurting mentally, don’t rush off to court; get the child into counselling.”

Read Article

January 29, 2021

The Lawyer’s Daily

Russell Alexander hires new family law associate

Quote of note: “Family law can be one of the most personal and difficult areas of our profession, but Alex has shown that he can handle a wide range of cases.”

Read Article


Featured Media Coverage – 2020

December 8, 2020

The Lindsay Advocate

Russell Alexander announces $2,500 law scholarship winner from Lindsay

Quote of note: “We were very impressed with the number of submissions that came in,” said founder Russell Alexander. “Given the ongoing health crisis with no clear ending in sight, we felt it was appropriate to add some additional money for a new computer, tablet, or other electronic device.”

Read Article

November 12, 2020

The Lawyer’s Daily

University student wins $2,500 scholarship from Ontario family law firm

Quote of note: “We were really inspired by the thoughtfulness of the submissions this year, especially,” added Alexander. “The enthusiasm, passion and drive expressed in so many of the applications really give us hope for the future of the legal profession in Canada.”

Read Article

October 29, 2020

Global News, Peterborough

Canada expected to see spike in divorce rates by 2021

Quote of note: “Relationships are always under strain, but those strains are amplified by the pandemic.”

Read Article

October 27, 2020

CBC Ontario Morning Podcast

Quote of note: “People are seeing their spouses in a whole new light as a result of the pandemic and some people are thinking that perhaps this isn’t the person I thought I married.”

Read Article

Publication: Global News, 980 CFPL

Everything you need to know about divorce – Let’s Talk London with Jess Brady
[Link to interview]

Quote of note: “The pandemic has made everyone look at their lives a little differently.”


September 20, 2020

Publication: CTV News

Custody Battles During COVID-19
[Link to interview]

Quote of note: “Lawyers are seeing lots of new cases especially with parents really scared about sending their kids back to in-person schooling.”


September 17, 2020

Publication: The Lawyer’s Dailylawyers-daily-logo

Court of Appeal finds definition of spouse applies to couple who lived together intermittently
[Link to article]

Quote of note: “The traditional model is you’re living continuously under the same roof,” he told The Lawyer’s Daily. “This particular case kind of takes it to the next level. They were dating and they were certainly spending time together, but they were also living separate and apart in their own residences. So really it takes a much more expansive view, in my opinion, of the definition of spouse.”


September 15, 2020

Publication: Global News, 980 CFPL

Court rules in favour of child attending school in-person after divorced parents can’t agree on what is best
[Link to interview]

Quote of note: “Now with the pandemic, it’s even more fodder for parents to fight over. Some parents might think this is a chance to change my custody or parenting arrangement which they didn’t like in the first  place.”


September 11, 2020

Publication: CTV News

COVID-19 custody battles present tricky challenge for overwhelmed courts
[Link to article]

Quote of note: “There are lots of families who cannot afford to litigate these issues,” Alexander told CTVNews.ca in a phone interview Friday, pointing out that many parents have been laid off or are relying on government aid. “So I think it’s a lot more common out there, but parents don’t have the resources to argue these cases.”


 

September 10, 2020

Publication: CTV News

Divorced father loses legal fight to stop son from returning to school
[Link to article]

Quote of note: “It gives family lawyers and parents some guidance in terms of how do we approach this issue of returning to school when both parents don’t agree”


September 9, 2020
Bob-FM-Logo

Publication: 91.9 BOB FM

BOB FM Interview on Our New Book
[Link to interview]

 


September 1, 2020

Publication: The Lawyer’s Dailylawyers-daily-logo

Family law firm extends deadline for scholarship applications to Sept. 30
[Link to article]


August 31, 2020core-magazines-logo

Publication: Core Magazine

Law Firm Tops Up University Scholarship With Tech Funds
[Link to article]


August 31, 2020julius-melnitzer-logo

Publication: Julius Melnitzer

COVID-19 prompts scholarship expansion from Russell Alexander
[Link to article]


August 31, 2020CanLII-logo

Publication: Can LII

Child Ordered by Court to Return to In-Person Schooling
[Link to article]

Quote of note: “The mother sought an order that the child shall attend a specific school in-person starting in September and that the child was to be registered to do so prior. The Respondent father in the matter sought an order that the child remains at home until the school board’s safety protocols were proven successful and more certainty on the health and safety of children at school could be guaranteed. It is important to note that the child, nor anyone else in the immediate family, holds underlying health conditions.”


August 31, 2020

Publication: Law Times

Ontario Superior Court rules child must attend in-class school, despite Covid-19 pandemic
[Link to article]

Quote of note: In this situation, the judge ruled the child should go to in-class school, Alexander notes, “but a different family with different facts” may produce a different ruling. “Let’s say one parent has asthma or an underlying health condition. That may cause the court to say, well, maybe the child should not go to school.”


August 28, 2020canadian-lawyer-logo

Publication: Canadian Lawyer

Alberta appeal court rules no harm in daughter’s return to Texas despite pandemic
[Link to article]

Quote of note: “Right from day one, since everybody went into lockdown, the courts have been taking a really strong approach to parents trying to use the pandemic to alter parenting arrangements,” says Ontario family law lawyer Russell Alexander, who maintains several offices across the province.


August 21, 2020

Publication: CTV News

Ontario lawyer releases second book on divorce and includes chapter on divorce during a pandemic
[Link to article]

Quote of note:“They were complaining the other spouse was a health-care worker or a first responder,” he said. “And some parents were just not returning their children.”


August 6, 2020

Publication: CTV News

Divorce during a pandemic
[Link to interview]

Quote of note: “Our particular firm has seen an increase in clients coming in and asking for information. The pandemic has somehow changed them and they’ve realized that spending 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with their partner has been overwhelming.”


August 5, 2020CBC-logo

Publication: CBC

Divorce in a pandemic
[Link to radio segment]

Quote of note: “A lot of these relationships had underlying issues and the stress of the pandemic brought it to the top.”


July 26, 2020

Publication: The Toronto Star

Divorcing couples may find mediation faster, cheaper during pandemic, experts say
[Link to article]

Quote of note: “We’re still processing divorces and we’re still going through the process, we’re just doing it in a different way”


July 22, 2020CBC-logo

Publication: CBC News

COVID-19 lockdown responsible for major backlog in divorce proceedings, lawyers say
[Link to article]

Quote of note: If there is one silver lining in all of this, Alexander said, it’s the fact that this has forced Ontario’s outdated court system to modernize. Since reopening, many courts are starting to go paperless and are now accepting documents electronically.


July 21, 2020

Publication: Global News Radio, 980 CFLP

Spike in divorce cases since courts reopened during the coronavirus pandemic
[Link to radio interview]

Quote of note: “Covid-19 pandemic has jolted the courts into the digital age, forcing them to adapt to modern technology, electronic filing and virtual conferences. It is possible that the Covid-19 pandemic may permanently change how the courts operate in the future.”


July 21, 2020

Publication: Toronto Star, Ask Ellie, Advice Columnist

Ask Ellie: If divorce is inevitable, get informed now
[Link to column]

Quote of note: Lawyer Russell Alexander, in his second book on divorce law in Ontario — Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Divorce — has added a chapter specifically on divorce during the coronavirus pandemic.


July 20, 2020

Publication: Law Times

Lawyer’s new book on divorce: Family law in a pandemic
[Link to article]

Quote of note: “Our firm has long advocated for families to use alternatives to the courtroom, but that has never been more important than during the pandemic.”


June 26, 2020

Publication: Ottawa Parenting Times

When a Marriage Ends
[Link to article]

Quote of note: “Parenting coordinators are a key part of an approach known as collaborative divorce. In a traditional divorce, both sides can end up fighting in court over who deserves blame for the fire. Even in mediation, the two sides are still essentially locked in a legal battle.”


June 23, 2020

Publication: CTV News with Pat Foran

Spike in Divorces Expected as Courts Reopen
[Link to interview]

Quote of note: “You can get divorced in a peaceful and respectful way that encourages everyone to continue to have a good relationship.”


June 23, 2020

Publication: Divorce Magazine

4 Tips for Keeping Your Family Intact
[Link to article]

Quote of note: I am used to seeing families in one of the toughest situations they could face. Now, as we enter the second month of quarantine for most families, it looks to me as though many “intact” families are now in a similar situation to those with parents who are considering divorce.


June 18, 2020

Publication: Global News Radio, 980 CFPL

Marriages in Canada Impacted due to the pandemic
[Radio interview]

Quotes of note: “If the strain of the relationship is too much, couples should not feel pressured to wait until after the pandemic is over to separate. Professionals and lawyers continue to be available to assist in separations and divorces during the pandemic.”


May 18, 2020

Publication: CTV News, Northern Ontario

Keeping your family intact
[Video link]


May 15, 2020

Publication: Newstalk 1290 CJBK

Here’s what families can do amidst COVID-19
[Radio interview]

Quotes of note: “It is important that couples maintain communication and express themselves during this time. A good way to accomplish this is by setting up a daily debrief where you can each express things occurring in your everyday life.”


May 5, 2020

Publication: Global News, Peterboroughglobal-news-logo

Russell Alexander law firm delivers pizzas to Peterborough Regional Health Centre
[Video link]


May 2, 2020

Publication: Newstalk 1010, Peterborough

Russell Alexander law firm delivers pizzas to Peterborough Regional Health Centre
[Radio interview link]


May 1, 2020

Publication: Slaw

Digital Decorum and Respect for the Administration of Justice
[Article link]

Quotes of note: “We are hearing stories of lawyers conducting meetings in their bathrobes and even court hearings from bed. Sometimes shirtless or in bathing suits by the pool. This reflects poorly on our profession and the administration of justice, and Judges are taking note.”


April 29, 2020

Publication: Peterborough Today

‘Save a Slice’ initiative comes to Peterborough courtesy of law firm
[Article link]

Quotes of note: “With this pandemic now in its second month, we are appreciative of all the hard work that our nurses, doctors and other medical professionals on the front line are doing every day,” said Alexander. “We hope these pizzas will remind them of everyone pulling for them right now while helping out local restaurants that have seen business drop off during the outbreak.”


April 29, 2020

Publication: Peterborough Examiner

Save a Slice shows support for Peterborough front-line workers during pandemic
[Article link]

Quotes of note: “We hope these pizzas will remind them of everyone pulling for them right now while helping out local restaurants that have seen business drop off during the outbreak.”


April 28, 2020

Publication: National Post

COVID-19 triggers flood of court rulings as estranged parents argue exes putting children at infection risk
[Article link]

Quotes of note: “Dealing with separation and access issues is difficult all the time. The difficulty is heightened during the pandemic. Everybody is overloaded by the news cycle. Our health protocols are evolving and changing daily, sometimes hourly.”


April 20, 2020

Publication: 680News

Will the pandemic lead to a higher divorce rate
[Video link]


April 16, 2020

Publication: Indie88

Tips for couples in quarantine together
[Radio interview link]

Quotes of note: Russ advised couples to spend some time together, but also get in some “you” time. However, it’s important that you don’t avoid each other all together and look for ways to enjoy each other’s company. It could be going for walks, cooking a meal, or even working on a puzzle.

 


April 3, 2020

Publication: Globe and Mail

Coronavirus pandemic adds complexity to parental-access battles
[Article link]

Quotes of note: If someone has proof that his or her former spouse is not abiding by public-health guidelines, that would likely count as an emergency, Mr. Alexander says. But suspecting the other parent is letting the kids go to the playground or otherwise putting them at risk of exposure to the coronavirus probably doesn’t.


February 16, 2020

Publication: The Star

What a 4-year-old’s death says about Ontario’s strained family courts
[Article link]

Quotes of note: “Family lawyer Russell Alexander says upcoming changes to make the language of the Divorce Act more neutral will reduce a harmful “winner-loser” mindset. The updated act uses words like “parenting time” instead of “custody” and “access.”