Samaroden, James R.A.

A successful divorce or separation agreement must meet your immediate needs, but it should also work into the future.  I help my clients identify what is important to them in the short term, but we also make sure we prioritize other factors.  Most people need to be reminded to think about all the issues.  It is never just about the money or just about the kids.  There are emotional stresses, relationships with friends and family, financial impacts, communication skills or protocols, and many other long term effects that need to be considered.  A wholistic approach ensures that years after you signed your agreement you will not regret the decisions you made in reaching that agreement.

I have exclusively practiced family law, including Collaborative Law, in Edmonton since 2009.  My law practice is a mix of collaborative and litigation and I keep a small file load so we move forward and quickly as possible.  My undergraduate degree is in business management, focusing in human resources.  My undergraduate studies and work in the human resources field directly impacted my decision to practice family law.  My knowledge and experience with union-management relationships and negotiations have informed my approach to Collaborative Law and reaching win-win agreements where both sides feel heard and understood.  I also have a good head for numbers, including long term financial planning and corporate finances.

I do not consider myself outwardly religious, but I am an active member of the Orthodox Church of America.  Separation and divorce can be especially difficult on families, and I believe that the Collaborative Family Law process is far more compassionate than litigation.  Still, Collaborative Law requires that both participants want to reach resolution and are willing to work together for that purpose.  Not all families are a good fit for Collaborative Law, but when appropriate I recommend the Collaborative Family Law process or mediation over litigation.