When family relationships break down, especially between a child and a parent, the path forward can feel overwhelming. In this episode of That Was So Real, I’m joined by Leanne Toews — Registered Clinical Counsellor, Qualified Arbitrator, and founder of Coastality — to talk about what reunification counselling really looks like in practice. Leanne shares her experience working with families in conflict, the complexities of rebuilding trust, and how clinical insight can support the family law process in a meaningful, child-focused way.

Key Topics Covered:
[00:00:00] Leanne’s background—how child protection work led her to family reunification
[00:04:00] What family reunification really is (and what it isn’t)
[00:07:00] Understanding alienation, rejection, and the importance of focusing on behaviour over labels
[00:12:00] Who is included in the reunification process—looking at the full family system
[00:18:00] Leanne’s three-phase reunification model: assessment, skill-building, and reconnection
[00:25:00] Skills development for children, parents, and extended family—what’s involved and why it matters
[00:35:00] The power of words and small actions—cards, gifts, and managing expectations
[00:44:00] What successful reunification really looks like (hint: it’s not always parenting time)
[00:51:00] Who might not be a fit for reunification and how those decisions are made
[00:57:00] Planning for self-sufficiency—how families transition out of Leanne’s involvement

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

• Family reunification is a structured, multi-stage process that prioritizes emotional safety for children
• Success is a spectrum—it may look like restored contact, a thoughtful letter, or simply being reachable in the future
• Labels like "alienation" can be unhelpful; it’s more important to understand the behaviours at play
• Reunification work requires full engagement—emotional, logistical, and financial—from everyone involved
• Leanne’s process is grounded in developmental awareness, therapeutic support, and practical planning for lasting change

Whether you're a parent, a family law professional, or just someone navigating tough family dynamics, this conversation sheds light on a process that’s often misunderstood — and deeply needed.

Click here for Leanne's bio and business page.

Dividing assets, managing debts, and securing your financial future—divorce comes with big financial questions, and getting the right advice early can make all the difference. In this episode, I sit down with Sharon Clark, a Chartered Financial Divorce Specialist (CFDS), and member of the Victoria Collaborative Family Law Group, to talk about how separating couples in British Columbia can navigate the financial side of divorce with confidence.

Sharon explains how a CFDS can help level the playing field, especially when one spouse has more financial knowledge than the other. She also shares insights on a CFDS's role in helping you consider the impacts of a settlement offer on your financial future, and how you can better understand your options going forward. If you’re going through a separation or you are counsel supporting clients who are, this conversation will help you decide if and when a CFDS is needed to help with those trickier financial family law issues.

• [00:04:21] What is a Chartered Financial Divorce Specialist, and how do they help during separation?
• [00:07:10] Understanding financial abuse—how to recognize and address it
• [00:11:44] The financial disclosure process—what surprises often come up?
• [00:20:27] The hidden risks of prioritizing the family home over pensions and investments—what to consider before making this decision
• [00:26:39] How forensic accounting can help uncover hidden assets and income
• [00:37:42] Business owners and divorce—determining true income and valuation challenges
• [00:52:22] What banks consider before approving a mortgage after separation

• Why working with a CFDS in British Columbia can bring financial clarity and help avoid costly mistakes
• The long-term financial risks of prioritizing the family home over investments and pensions
• How financial transparency can make negotiations smoother and more balanced
• Why early financial planning can save time, money, and stress in the divorce process

If you’re facing financial uncertainty in your separation or want to understand how divorce finances work in BC, this episode will give you practical insights from a seasoned expert.

Click here for Sharon's bio and business page, Centric Financial.

Finding the right lawyer for your separation or divorce is a big decision, and choosing the wrong one can cost you time, money, and unnecessary stress. But how do you know who’s the best fit for your situation? And once you book that first meeting, how do you make sure you get real value from it?

In this episode, we’re tackling three key questions that will set you up for success:

• How do you find a lawyer who’s the best fit for you? We’ll break down where to look, what to consider, and why recommendations aren’t always enough.
• How can you prepare for your first meeting? From knowing what documents to bring to asking the right questions, we’ll help you show up prepared and avoid wasting billable hours.
• What should you expect from that first consultation? We’ll walk you through the process, explain how legal fees work, and discuss what to do if you don’t feel like the lawyer is the right match.

Plus, we’ll cover how to research a lawyer’s background (including checking for disciplinary actions through the Law Society and reviewing case history on CanLII).

Whether you’re just starting to explore your legal options or ready to book your first consultation, this episode will help you avoid costly mistakes, save time, and feel empowered in your decision-making.

🔗 Find links to all resources mentioned in the show notes at agosling.ca.

CLICK HERE for your FREE first meeting prep checklist!

Hit play now and take the first step toward finding the right legal support for you!

Co-parenting with a difficult ex can be incredibly challenging, but there’s a way to make things smoother. In this episode, I chat with John-Paul Boyd, KC, an accredited family law arbitrator, mediator, and parenting coordinator, to explain how a parenting coordinator can help in high-conflict situations.

John-Paul walks us through the role of a parenting coordinator—what they do, how they work with families, and when to consider hiring one. With his extensive experience, he offers valuable insights into how parenting coordinators can help you make decisions, manage conflicts, and bring structure to co-parenting relationships.

John-Paul’s expertise, along with real-world examples, will give you a better understanding of how this service can make a real difference in your co-parenting journey.

About John-Paul Boyd:
John-Paul Boyd is an accredited family law arbitrator, family law mediator, and parenting coordinator, a member of the bars of Alberta and British Columbia. John-Paul practiced family law in Vancouver for 14 years before taking a position as the executive director of the Canadian Research Institute for Law and the Family in 2013. He returned to private practice, providing services throughout Alberta and British Columbia in 2018 and was appointed Queen’s Counsel, now King’s Counsel, in 2019. John-Paul is a recipient of the Distinguished Service Award presented by the Law Society of Alberta and the CBA Alberta, the CBA’s national Pro Bono Service Award, the UBC Law Alumni Association’s Outstanding Young Alumnus Award, and the CBA British Columbia’s Pro Bono Award. He has been recognized by Best Lawyers in Canada since 2010.

Thinking of navigating your divorce in British Columbia without a lawyer? Or, not really sure what a family lawyer even does? Do you feel like reaching out to a lawyer for help will make things more complicated, rather than simple? In this episode, we’ll answer the burning question: "Should I DIY my divorce?" We’ll explore 5 important ways a family lawyer can help ensure your separation goes smoothly and your legal rights are protected. Whether you’re facing a contested divorce or just need advice on the legal process, this episode covers it all!

From understanding the divorce legal process to dealing with complex issues like custody and property division, a family lawyer offers essential support that can save you time, money, and stress. If you’ve ever wondered, "Do I really need a lawyer for divorce?", we’ll break down exactly what a family lawyer does and why their expertise is crucial in BC.

In this episode, you’ll learn: How a family lawyer can guide you through the divorce process

We will cover the following five things a family lawyer can help you with:

1. Clear Legal Advice on Your Rights!

2. Fair Property Division

3. Parenting Time and Decision Making

4. Child and Spousal Support

5. Representation When it gets tough.

If you’re considering self-representing in your divorce, tune in to discover why hiring a professional might be the best decision for your future.

Annabelle, here! Your practicing family law lawyer and life reinvention advocate. I’m here to help you rebuild, recharge, and rediscover your true potential after a tough separation, divorce or other major life change. In this podcast, I’ll guide you through both the practical steps of commencing your family law matter and provide the support and resources you need to rebuild your life afterward.

Through a mix of personal stories, advice from experts, and actionable tips, I help you navigate life’s big transitions—from understanding your legal options to rebuilding emotionally, financially, and personally. Think of it as your guide to emotional healing, financial empowerment, and making smarter decisions—minus the lawyer jargon.

Ready to hit reset? Subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform, visit my website, or follow me on social media for the latest updates and tips. Let’s get real and rebuild together.