Collaborative Family Law — Victoria, BC

I can help guide you through a sometimes, painful transition. Whenever appropriate, I work as a team with my partner Elise Schopper-Brigel, a collaborative lawyer, and with other professionals in our organization. Elise practices family law and is trained to give you expert advice on the legal issues, once we have dealt successfully with the emotional ones.

In our work together we usually address the following issues:
-work through your feelings (anger, sadness, blame etc.) which could block your emotional progress to identify your goals;
-understand your spouse better (with increased knowledge and empathy) so that you both can work in harmony. If you have children, this process will enable you to parent more effectively in the years to come.
-learn more about your children’s needs and feelings. What stage are they in life and what behavior to expect? What is the best way to communicate with them and set workable guidelines? We suggest you include a child specialist from the Collaborative Family Law team, if necessary.
-look at ways to take care of your own needs during this difficult time. We encourage you to stay positive in your outlook while rebuilding your future.

For many years in my native country Austria, I worked effectively as a psychiatrist and counsellor. A few of the many areas in which I have been successful are family therapy, anger management, addictions and depression.

I now call Canada “home”. Elise and I live in Victoria where we share our lives with our two children.