The Evolution of Divorce Lawyers: From Litigation to Resolution

The Evolution of Divorce Lawyers

How Divorce Practice Has Changed Over Time in Ontario

Traditional litigation-focused practice before the 1990s

Before alternative dispute resolution gained traction, Ontario divorces were typically resolved through court proceedings. Lawyers prepared for trials, gathered evidence, examined witnesses, and positioned each spouse against the other. This approach was time-consuming and expensive, often escalating conflict rather than easing it. Children’s interests were considered, but the system was not specifically designed to reduce emotional harm or encourage out-of-court cooperation.