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Commercial Mediation

Getting the Most from Your Experience

Commercial mediation can offer a needed shift away from formal litigation. It gives parties the opportunity to speak openly, explore creative solutions, and focus on what they want rather than what they believe they must argue for. Still, like any…

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Beyond Settlement: Personalized Mediation for Family Enterprise Success

When families in business face conflict, whether over succession planning, governance, or financial decisions, the stakes are high. These disputes are rarely just about numbers or legal rights; they involve relationships, legacies, and deeply held values. Traditional settlement focused mediation,…

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When Should a Business Consider Bringing in a Commercial Mediator – How to Prepare for Success

Business disputes, especially in family-owned businesses, can quickly disrupt operations, damage relationships, negatively impact growth, and drain resources. Turning to commercial mediation often provides a more efficient and relationship-preserving option than litigation. A skilled commercial mediator can help businesses of…

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How to Mentally Prepare for Mediation

People who separate will often experience very strong emotions that will at times feel unmanageable. Sometimes they feel as though they have made some progress only to be triggered by an event that reminds them of their former partner, or…

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Communication in Mediation!

Communication in mediation can be difficult. A breakdown of a relationship is never easy especially if you have children. In my mediations, I allow clients time to develop simple communication rules that will be upheld during the process. People who…

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Leave emotions out of family business negotiations – Nathalie Boutet in Spark Business IQ

Just because a relationship ends, a family business doesn’t have to, Toronto family lawyer Nathalie Boutet says in a Spark Business IQ article (archived below) discussing how to protect companies from failed romantic partnerships. “The bottom line is that the…

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Why Winning Isn’t Everything in Commercial Mediation, Especially for Family-Owned Businesses

In the world of business, especially within family-owned enterprises, conflict can feel deeply personal. When tensions rise, whether over succession, financial control, or strategic direction, it’s natural for individuals to want to “win.” But in mediation, clinging to a win/lose…

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Top 10 Ways to Manage Conflict in a Business – Nathalie Boutet in The Globe & Mail

When conflict arises in the workplace—as it inevitably does—many smaller organizations and family enterprises are not prepared to handle it. It takes some careful crafting of policies, as well as genuine self-reflection, to get the team back on track. Read…

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Relationship problems can threaten survival of family business – Boutet in Succession Planning

One issue that is often overlooked in family run enterprises is the risk that an interpersonal relationship will be damaged, taking the business down with it. It’s called relationship risk. When people don’t take care of their relationship, whatever plans…

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How to prepare your spouse to work in the family business – Boutet in The Globe and Mail

As many as 80 per cent of small businesses in Canada are family enterprises. And while the benefits of self-employment and entrepreneurship can include financial freedom and control over one’s career, there are many factors families need to consider before…

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Why Commercial Mediation is Ideal for Family-Owned Businesses

Running a family-owned business combines deep personal commitment with entrepreneurial drive, but it also brings unique challenges. Conflicts often arise from generational differences, succession planning, or operational decisions, and these can be emotionally intense due to close family ties. A…

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Sibling rivalry can sink family business succession – Boutet in Succession Planning

Nathalie Boutet is featured in an article discussing how mediation can offer a route to involving all family members in resolving disputes over succession plans. Read the full article in Succession Planning. Notice to Readers The original article referenced in…

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Conflict Resolution Strategies for Family Businesses – Boutet on The Huffington Post

It is not simple to resolve conflict within businesses where people bring in different points of view, cultures and values. Resolving conflict within a family may be even more complex because the members have had a lifetime of interacting with…

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Wisdom. Guidance. Results.

32+ Years of Experience

With more than 32 years of experience as a lawyer and mediator, Nathalie has successfully assisted thousands of clients, helping them to achieve their goals with her expertise, compassion, and strategic thinking.

Committed to effective and respectful family dispute resolution

Nathalie has expertise handling all family matters including situations involving business owners, executives, and professionals; situations challenged by difficult personalities and complex personal and financial circumstances; and working with families facing addiction challenges.

Her commercial mediation services specialize in disputes within family businesses, and shareholders and partners disputes.

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We understand you have questions and need guidance on your next step. We will contact you to schedule a brief initial call to discuss your situation and our services.