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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“
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.“
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.“
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.”
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.”
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.
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.”
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…”
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.”
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”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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”
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…”
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”
May 12th, 2022
The Law Times
Ontario family lawyers hold virtual press conference urging the courts to continue remote hearings
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”
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.”
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.”
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. “
May 9th, 2022
Moolala: Money Made Simple with Bruce Sellery
Virtual Divorce
Quote of Note: “The biggest benefit is access to justice”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.“
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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,”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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?”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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””
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
