For almost two years, Info-Séparation has been helping Quebecers navigate the troubled waters of a breakup more easily. They are offered free legal information on a host of topics, such as child custody and property division. Since the service existed, more than 14,200 consultations have been offered by lawyers from local justice centers throughout Quebec.
It is a “more human and more global gateway” for those who are separating and who have questions about legal problems at a time when they are experiencing intense emotions, and sometimes great stress, explains in interview Me Marie Allard, project coordinator at the Community Justice Center (CJP).
“There was a crying need” for couples in the middle of a breakup, whether it was a separation or a divorce, said the lawyer.
Can I have sole custody of my children? Do I have to pay child support? Should we split the house 50/50? Do you necessarily have to go before a judge to get a divorce?
These are all questions that can be addressed during an individual and confidential meeting, with a notary or a CJP lawyer. Those who consult can come more than once if they need to, at different stages of the process if necessary, argues Me Allard. “It is not limited in time or number of times. »
Instead of coming to find information when a pitfall is encountered, a person can present themselves at the separation to evaluate all their options, and find out more about the problems that may arise.
“When people don’t know which door to knock on, they can come to us,” says M.e Allard. They will receive legal information — and not legal opinions or advice, she specifies. The CJPs are non-profit organizations, subsidized by the Access Justice Fund of the Quebec Ministry of Justice.
Child custody, boarding and mediation
The questions most often asked by parents concern child custody and child support. Couples without children often want to discuss the division of property, including that of the house.
In addition, many questions are asked about mediation — a possibility that is still unknown to too many people, she says. “People want to know what it involves,” and whether it is an appropriate option for them, says the lawyer, who emphasizes that it is not “family therapy.” Mediation is rather neutral support, provided by a person trained in conflict resolution and communication, to help parents find a creative solution to their particular situation. A government program offers five hours of free mediation to couples with children, and three to those without children.
And as a romantic breakup often rhymes with anxiety and an uncertain future, pilot projects have been launched in certain CJPs to include psychosocial workers.
“Info-Separation has been popular for two years. The CJPs assure that they are able to meet demand: if, suddenly, many people want appointments at the same time, the wait can sometimes be a little longer than usual, but this remains exceptional. »
The service has many benefits, according to Me Allard. “If a person is aware of their rights and responsibilities, it allows them to make more informed choices. » Problems can be resolved more quickly if a spouse knows from the start that their requests are not in accordance with the law. This can thus avoid an escalation of conflicts, she says.
In addition, if disputes are resolved through mediation, for example, fewer cases end up before the courts, which helps to relieve congestion in the judicial system. This reduces delays for others, while providing greater access to justice.
Info-Separation : 1 844 522-6900 to make an appointment