John Ferris

A graduate of the University of Guelph and University of Windsor School of Law, John Ferris was called to the bar in 1975. His practice is of a very general nature in the areas of Real Estate, Mortgages, Family Law, Wills, Estates, Corporations, Municipal and Land Use, Construction Liens and Civil Litigation.

In 2002 he obtained a Certificate in Dispute resolution from York University, and in 2004, a Master of Laws (ADR), also from York University. His major research paper topic for the Master’s program was “Faith-Based Conflict Resolution.”

He is a Collaborative Family Lawyer, qualified mediator and arbitrator, a trainer of collaborative lawyers, and an active member of The Collaborative Family Law Group of Grey-Bruce. He facilitates Alternative Dispute Resolution workshops and seminars and has successfully mediated many family and commercial disputes.

John has completed numerous mediation and conflict coaching training programs with Peacemaker’s Ministries (www.hispeace.org), provides Christian mediation, conflict coaching, and offers teaching and training to Churches and Faith-based groups on biblically-based conflict resolution and intervention in church conflict.

He is a member of Christian Legal Fellowship, and ADR Institute of Ontario.

Common Myths about Divorce

Myth: Divorce is the end of my world.

Fact: Divorce is only one event in your life. You can choose to give up hope or you can choose to treat it as a new opportunity to improve your life.

Myth: My spouse must be made to pay for breaking our vow.

Fact: Regardless of who decides to end the marriage, no one is blamed monetarily. We have what is called a “no fault” divorce.

Myth: I get half of everything my spouse owns and he/she gets half of everything I own.

Fact: You do not necessarily get half of his tools, or half of her jewellery, etc. The value of all assets and liabilities amassed during the marriage are accounted for by each of you and the person who has more net family property than the other pays half of the difference to the other spouse. The idea is that each person will share equally in the growth or loss from the marriage. There are certain rules applicable to certain assets, for example gifts and inheritances received during marriage are exempted from the calculation.

Myth: If I ask for what is fair, my spouse is going to want me to go lower and so I will ask for a ridiculously high amount for support or property division.

Fact: It is best to negotiate in good faith rather than to take an unreasonable stand which could scuttle negotiations.

Myth: The children will see what an idiot my spouse is when I explain to them what he/she is expecting me to settle for.

Fact: The children ought not be expected or asked to take sides or to be involved in adult issues. They need to know that each parent loves them and that they are free to love their parent without fear of repercussions from the other parent.

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Using the Collaborative process to resolve the issues arising from your marriage is the most respectful, sensible and cost effective way to do so. Speak to a Collaborative professional to find out how the process works.

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