Nicole Vaillancourt

Nicole was born and raised in Penetanguishene . She attended Queen’s University in Kingston for her Undergraduate Degree, and then Osgoode Hall in Toronto for Law School.

Prior to joining Besse Merrifield & Cowan LLP, Nicole practiced litigation with a law firm in Barrie and gained extensive experience in Administrative Tribunals and in the Courtroom. Nicole’s experience allows her to offer fair and balanced advice and representation to clients in Family Law, Labour & Employment, and other Litigation matters.

Nicole and her family moved to Collingwood in 2007, and she and her husband and son thoroughly enjoy all that the area has to offer its residents. Nicole is a member of the Rotary Club of Collingwood-South Georgian Bay, and is the Chair of “A Taste of the Town”.

All families are unique – and what works for one won’t necessarily work for the other. Collaborative practice is about cooperation and coming up with solutions that work based on the needs of each individual and the family as a whole.

When separating partners work together to create a separation agreement, they’re more likely to stick to it, and will have a more positive relationship going forward.

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.

Locate a Collaborative Professional

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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Collaborative Practice Simcoe County is group of Collaborative Divorce Professionals in Simcoe County serving the Greater Barrie, Innisfil, Collingwood and Orillia areas.

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