Family law demands a wide area of understanding, because it encompasses a broad range of issues from the division of property, including evaluations of businesses, pensions, and other assets, to the calculation of income for the purposes of child and spousal support, to more subjective issues surrounding the custody of and access to children which require an understanding of psychological, sociological and even medical information. Her related areas of practice include adoptions, real estate, and wills. As a family law lawyer, Mary also recognizes that clients in the midst of a marriage breakdown or a custody dispute require compassion and empathy. Family disputes create a lot of stress, both emotional and financial. It is important to me to ensure that any legal assistance that I provide actually helps people and is practical and cost-effective.
Clients also benefit from the expertise and experience of the entire firm.
Mary also has experience in labour law, including duty of fair representation cases, which deal with union members' rights within the union. Unions are powerful institutions. Sometimes a member's interests are in conflict with those of the union. A union's decision cannot be made arbitrarily or in bad faith. Mary believes that her background and experience in family law is of great assistance in labour law.