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Join CBV Institute and Family Dispute Resolution Institute of Ontario (FDRIO) for a joint seminar on hot topics in family law.  Three expert panels consisting of CBVs, a Judge and lawyers will provide attendees with key insights on independence of experts, practice issues and joint retainers.  Registration for the in-person session is limited to 70.  Register now to secure your spot!

Independence of experts: Fact vs Appearance
The panel will explore the importance of independence in fact and in appearance from a practical perspective. The panel will discuss:
• Review of criticisms of CBVs’ perceived lack of independence from various pertinent cases
• Judicial criticism of the discrepancies in conclusions between two CBVs. Does it automatically mean lack of independence? Could there be legitimate reasons for discrepancies in conclusions?
• Can instructions received from counsel impact on the independence of the CBV? What should the CBV do?
• Do judges, or legal counsel not sufficiently understand the role of the CBV and, if so, why there are discrepancies?
• What is needed to remedy this issue of perceived independence? What can CBVs do “better”?

Practice Issues
The panel will explore important and potentially controversial practice issues such as:
• Draft schedules for use that do not comply with CBV Institute reporting standards
• Calculation vs. estimate vs. comprehensive valuation reports
• How far can or should CBVs go in their opinions?
   o What’s the “fence” around a CBV’s expertise?
   o What is the appropriate role of the valuator?
   o When is the line crossed?
   o When are CBV’s opining on “the law” vs. following “the law”?
   o When is it appropriate for a CBV to select/favour a specific legal approach?
   o How does a CBV stay in their “expertise” lane?
• How can CBVs make their expert testimony as solid and useful as possible?
• New family law rules in Ontario regarding expert reports

Joint Retainers
The panel will discuss:
• How CBVs deal with conflicting instructions
• How to keep the peace between two sets of clients
• Joint retainers are a requirement in BC – what have the issues been; what’s working; pros and cons?
• Are other provinces going to adopt this practice?

More information 

The information, analysis and opinions expressed in the webinars, podcasts and/or congress presentations are solely those of the presenter/author, are not reviewed by the Institute as to content or accuracy, and are not endorsed by CBV Institute or any of its Members.

Registration Closed

Please contact us for questions about this event.

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