Zrymiak, Catherine M.

Having a lawyer by your side as you go through a divorce is the fairway. Divorce is a change and I help you plan that change. You are each experts of your own family, children, income and finances. You should be an informed decision-maker with your spouse as you plan your future. CFL is a kitchen table discussion with lawyers and other professionals present to help you make the best decisions for you and your children going forward.

I have extensive experience in family law: agreements, divorces, child support and spousal support matters and matrimonial and common-law property situations, including corporate interests, pension allocations and options and the optimum approach for sharing assets and debts. My time in Court helps me to understand what is important in law, as each person has responsibilities. There is a flexible way to meet those responsibilities together. I have enjoyed my Collaborative Files over the past 16 years as making a plan together is what most people want to do.

I also tie in my background in other areas of practice. I have practiced in Labour Law, where the importance of mediating always preceded any arbitration. In Military Law as a Judge Advocate General and regular member of the Canadian Armed Forces, I learned about the advantages of teamwork in arriving at a solution that brings in everyone’s ideas. I also understand the unique challenges faced by military families. In Environmental Law, I learned that different interests can be accommodated once these are fully identified and understood.

I have been involved at the Executive and Board level of the CFL Association in Edmonton. I have been Chair of the Alternate Dispute Resolution branch of the Canadian Bar Association(CBA) and continue to attend the Family Law section as a member. I have been a guest speaker at the Law School and have taught at Metro Community College. Back when I practiced in Red Deer, I had my own television spot called “Everyday Law”.

My background in sports has been throughout my life, and I played provincial level hockey, rugby, and football. I then coached boys minor hockey up to the pee wee level. I cycle and hike and enjoy exercise outdoors, at the gym and especially at the pool. I enjoy watercolour painting, new Stewart Lemoine plays at the Varscona, live music and reading books. I know that every change can be an opportunity to make a new plan and that looking forward is the best way to create new relationships. I would like to work with you.