Bruce Stedman

Since I became a lawyer over 28 years ago, I have chosen to practice exclusively in the area of Family Law. It has been my privilege to work with people placing their trust in me to help them face one of the most difficult and unexpected experiences in their lives.

Through my years of my practice I have observed everyone having their own unique life experience when facing separation, and yet they all of one common goal: to have a voice in how their legal concerns will be resolved.

Representing clients as a family lawyer both inside and outside the courthouse, and for the past 5 years as a family law mediator, has convinced me that going to court to have a Judge resolve a dispute should be the last resort option, unless absolutely necessary. To use a borrowed phrase, “Going to court provides a decision, not a solution”. Solutions are made by people working together.

I firmly believe that choosing mediation as a dispute resolution process for a negotiated settlement avoids the stress, time and cost of court proceedings. The approach I bring to my mediation practice is practical, timely and solution focused. I work with both spouses to understand their particular and unique family situation, help frame and define objectives, highlight areas of potential controversy to enable them to settle their concerns in a fair, comprehensive manner.

I was born and raised in Toronto and after completing an Honours BA Degree from the University of Western Ontario in 1981 I spent several years working as a wilderness instructor for youth at risk. My experience dealing with teenagers and their families in conflict was the catalyst for attending Law School here in Ottawa, where I began my practice in 1992. During the past 30 years of my life here in Ottawa I have shared the joys, sorrows, worries and hopes for two wonderful now adult children with my spouse Jennifer.