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Jennifer Long has almost 20 years of experience specializing in almost all aspects of family law. Jennifer knows first hand how emotions are often very overwhelming during any separation/divorce. The fear can feel absolutely debilitating. But, with the right help, Jennifer can and will use all resources at her disposal to get you through this difficult and trying time. This leads to another of Jennifer’s core beliefs. Jennifer believes adamantly that anyone who is experiencing a separation or divorce needs help. No one should try to “do it all”. No one exists in a vaccum. No, part of this process is rediscovering who YOU are and who YOU can be- and that means asking for help, leaning on others. That’s where true bravery and growth comes from - by asking for help. Remember that every change is an opportunity to redefine. After almost 20 years of litigating family matters in court, Jennifer believes passionately that families deserve and have at their disposal a better way to resolve the issues arising from a separation or divorce. To that end, Jennifer is a collaboratively trained lawyer. She believes very strongly in the collaborative team approach, for so many reasons, from receiving support from properly trained experts in terms of parenting plans; utilizing neutral financial professionals who can offer various options and ideas that make sense for your family in terms of mortgage approvals; budgeting, long term financial strategies and much more. The power of a professional team, being not only the two lawyers but the neutral parenting/family professionals and expert financial professionals who all work along side of the lawyers and with the family to achieve the best results for YOUR family moving forward cannot be underestimated. And, as a rule, you will most certainly have your matter move forward far faster through this process them by way of going through the court system which often takes many months to even obtain a first court date. Jennifer also does regularly represent clients in other out of court negotiations and other alternative dispute resolution processes such as mediation. If necessary she will litigate, but again - after 20 years of doing litigation work, she firmly believes that there are much better ways to allow families to move forward. Jennifer is well known for being empathetic, caring and genuine. She also offers free 30 minute consultations so that you can discuss with her your various options and her initial recommendations. Jennifer has also been providing services in terms of drafting and advising clients in terms of wills and powers of attorney for almost 20 years. Jennifer recognizes the importance of ensuring that your estate is carefully and properly managed and laid out in a well drafted and thought out Will to avoid disputes or others managing your affairs (ex: the government) upon your passing. A skilfully and properly drafted will is extremely important in properly ensuring your loved ones are protected and your estate is dealt with as per your specific wishes. In terms of powers of attorney, in the event of any incapacitation, rendering you or a loved one incapable of making decisions about financial or health matters, by having powers of attorney for health and property, you can ensure that you choose a trusted individual or individuals to manage these affairs on your behalf. Unfortunately if you do not have powers of attorney and you become unable to make decisions, then the courts will have to decide who manages these decisions (and getting this in place is often an expensive and tedious process). Simply put, Jennifer has a reputation for being highly empathic, caring and passionate in terms of assisting her clients, whatever their particular needs may be. When you hire Jennifer, you will never feel like a mere “file”; on the contrary, many clients stay in touch with Jennifer long after their files are complete. While Jennifer is based primarily out of her home town of Stouffville, she also regularly represents clients in Markham, Uxbridge, Whitby, Oshawa (Durham), Toronto, (all throughout the GTA) and beyond - word of mouth and positive referrals have even had her practicing in Lindsey, Peterborough, the Niagara region, and as far as Ottawa.