TORONTO, Sept. 24, 2013 /CNW/ - "In It's Time For Justice, I ask the politicians responsible for divorce law to recognize their obligations to all Canadians," says Toronto divorce lawyer Andrew Feldstein.
"Just because 9-year-olds can't vote doesn't mean the local MP, MPP, or MLA does not represent them when laws about their parents' split are being improved, stalled, or ignored," he says.
Mr. Feldstein has mailed to every federal Member of Parliament, to every Ontario MPP, and to dozens of other politicians across Canada, It's Time For Justice, the first in a six-edition series of white papers examining the processes that make separations take too long and cost too much. The report is posted at www.itstimeforjustice.ca
"For 20 years, we have been talking about improving access to justice in Canada and we have made barely any progress," says Mr. Feldstein, pointing out that everyone in Canada is affected directly or indirectly by family law. "We need to reduce both the time and costs to get divorced," he says.
The separation and divorce process itself, including child access, custody and support, and spousal support, is subject to the Federal Divorce Act. This means federal MPs are responsible for changes to the act. The division of property is governed by provincial law, which makes MPPs and MLAs across Canada responsible. Common law couples are often subject to different laws than married couples.
"Change must start with new legislation. Federal and provincial politicians must change laws and regulations that drag out divorce, which increases costs," he says.
In the white paper, Mr. Feldstein writes, "First, we need ideas. Part of the job of politicians is to think of improvements to govern Canada. I'm nudging you to make family law more efficient and less bureaucratic."
And Mr. Feldstein urges journalists to put pressure on politicians. "We've sent It's Time For Justice to more than 100 journalists. We ask journalists for their own ideas, too," Mr. Feldstein says.
And to both audiences, he writes, "Please don't stand back. Stand up and be counted."
PDF available at: http://stream1.newswire.ca/media/2013/09/24/20130924_C9926_DOC_EN_31240.pdf
SOURCE: Feldstein Family Law Group
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