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Login to watch this video if you have a subscription. Learn more about subscriptions.These three sessions offer a unified framework for disciplined case preparation, procedural innovations and rule updates that together enhance family law practice. Key takeaways include organized pleadings, early trial scheduling, binding judicial dispute resolution, proactive cost management, accurate form use and effective digital and interpersonal communication to achieve efficient and professional outcomes.
Wisdom Straight from the top: How to Make Family Law Better
Justice Suzanne Stevenson emphasizes disciplined preparation by underscoring organized pleadings supported by evidence, strict adherence to the Family Law Rules and the Rules of Civil Procedure, and proactive communication among counsel. She notes that evolving appellate guidance demands ongoing attention to procedural and substantive developments. Practical takeaways include strategic offers to settle, careful management of client and self‑represented litigant expectations, adoption of digital case management tools such as Case Centre, and professional courtroom conduct that balances zealous advocacy with collegial respect.
Family Law Procedures and DROs
Justice Audet highlights Ottawa Family Court’s procedural innovations promoting efficient case management through the rocket docket model assigning early trial dates to reduce repeated motions and conferences and specialized Notices of Approaching Dismissal court sessions that streamline administrative dismissals. She explains that the binding judicial dispute resolution process now formalized by rule fosters settlement with concise affidavits replacing full factums and that integration of Case Centre alongside traditional filings and expanded courtroom technology supports seamless practice. Emphasis on the appointment of three new judicial officers, engagement of Dispute Resolution Officers in guiding settlement discussions, and clear communication protocols with registry staff such as Tamara Dahan demonstrates the court’s commitment to timely, cost‑effective resolution and collaborative adaptation during this transition.
Rules Committee Update
Jennifer Jolly emphasizes strict compliance with updated procedural requirements and practice directions, ensuring family law forms remain current and correctly formatted, and staying informed of rule amendments and emerging appellate decisions. She underscores cost management via mandatory conferral and concise outlines, promotes formalized dispute resolution processes such as Binding Judicial Dispute Resolution, and highlights the importance of clear communication with court staff and opposing counsel. Practical takeaways include routine verification of form updates, proactive cost planning, awareness of expanded judicial powers, and effective use of digital case management tools.
Prior to her appointment to the bench, Justice Julie Audet practised as a family lawyer, mediator, and collaborative practitioner in the Ottawa and eastern Ontario regions. Fluently bilingual, she graduated from the National Program (LL.B./LL.L.) at the University of Ottawa with the highest honours in 1996 and completed an LL.M. in family law at Osgoode Hall Law School in 2011. Justice Audet has taught family law at the University of Ottawa; led the family law component of the Law Society of Upper Canada's Law Practice Program (in French); and co-authored a textbook, L'essentiel du droit de la famille dans les provinces et territoires de common law au Canada, with the late Professor Nicole Laviolette. Justice Audet is well-known in her community for her involvement in pilot projects and committees related to the family justice system and her commitment to helping couples separate with dignity. She co-founded ALT Divorce and Family Law in A Box, two companies aimed at providing services and educational programs on family law to members of the public.
Raised in the Gaspé Peninsula in a modest and hard-working Francophone family, Justice Audet studied in Montreal, worked in Calgary, and completed her education in Ottawa – where she finally settled, grew strong community roots, and raised her own family.
Avant sa nomination à la magistrature, la juge Julie Audet pratiquait le droit familial à Ottawa et dans la région de l’est de l’Ontario, incluant à titre de médiatrice et de praticienne collaborative. Complètement bilingue, elle a obtenu avec les plus hautes distinctions un diplôme du Programme national (LL.B./LL.L.) de l’Université d’Ottawa en 1996 et complété une maîtrise en droit familial à l’école de droit Osgoode Hall en 2011. La juge Audet a enseigné le droit familial à l’Université d’Ottawa, dirigé la composante de droit familial du programme de pratique du droit du Barreau du Haut-Canada (en français), et co-écrit L’essentiel du droit de la famille dans les provinces et territoires de common law au Canada avec la défunte professeure Nicole Laviolette. La juge Audet est bien connue dans sa communauté pour son implication au sein de nombreux projets pilotes et comités reliés au système judiciaire familial et son engagement à aider les couples à se séparer en toute dignité. Elle est cofondatrice d’ALT Divorce et de Family Law in A Box, deux entreprises à travers lesquelles les membres du public ont accès à des services et des programmes d’information reliés au droit familial. Née d’une famille francophone modeste et travaillante de la péninsule gaspésienne, elle a étudié à Montréal, travaillé à Calgary et complété ses études à Ottawa où elle s’est finalement solidement enracinée dans la communauté, où elle a élevé sa famille.
Jennifer has practised family law since her call to the bar in 1993. Since 2007 she has practised in this area almost exclusively, having a complimentary Estate Litigation Practise. Jennifer has also practised employment and labour law as well as insurance defense and personal injury law, as well as being a member of the Planning Committee for the Civil Litigation Updated Conference for 10 years. Jennifer was re-elected as a Trustee for the CCLA and serves on the Family Law Bench and Bar Committee. As of late, a great deal of her practise involves litigation with self-represented parties.
Justice Suzanne Stevenson was appointed to the Superior Court of Justice in Toronto in 2011. Since February 2020, she has been the Senior Family Justice for the Court. Previously, Justice Stevenson was the Family Law Team Leader in Toronto. Justice Stevenson is the chair of the Senior Family Justice Consultation Committee. She is also on the Family Rules Committee, and she is a member of the Superior Court of Justice Education Committee. Justice Stevenson is the Ontario representative on the Judicial Committee on Interjurisdictional Child Protection (JCICP). Prior to her appointment to the bench, Justice Stevenson practiced family law. While in practice, Justice Stevenson completed training in mediation, arbitration, and collaborative family law while maintaining a family law litigation practice.
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