Going through a separation or divorce is hard. But what does it really mean to approach it in an amicable way? In this episode of Amicably Yours, Jana family lawyer, and mediator Jana de Waal breaks down the mindset behind being amicable and how it can make a difference in your separation journey.

Jana explains that being amicable doesn’t mean it’s easy—it’s still emotionally challenging—but it does mean approaching conflict with intention, reducing unnecessary stress, and working toward solutions that protect relationships, especially when children are involved. She shares practical benefits of an amicable approach, including reducing legal fees, resolving issues faster, limiting emotional burnout, and supporting positive co-parenting relationships in the long term.

Whether you’re navigating property division, child support, or parenting arrangements, this episode helps you understand how adopting an amicable mindset can make the process smoother and more constructive.

Listen to the full episode to gain insights into what it truly means to be amicable and practical tips for moving forward through separation or divorce with intention and clarity.

In this episode of Amicably Yours, host Jana de Waal, partner at Stokes Law LLP, family lawyer, and mediator, continues her mission to help families navigate separation with clarity, confidence, and compassion. Guided by the Mrs. Doubtfire lens that runs throughout the season, Jana focuses on how the right support at the right time can ease conflict and reduce uncertainty.

This episode responds to listener questions following two recent conversations — one with divorce coach Heidi Denning and the other with Calgary-based mortgage broker Zach Zaherie. Jana brings those discussions together, offering practical clarity around how emotional, legal, and financial support intersect during separation.

Drawing on questions about divorce coaching, Jana explains how a divorce coach can provide emotional support, help clients think through parenting and life decisions, and support clearer communication, while legal counsel remains focused on protecting rights and interests. She then addresses common concerns about the family home, including how property values are determined, what’s involved in refinancing after separation, and how Alberta law protects spouses when major property decisions are being made.

Through the familiar Mrs. Doubtfire example, Jana highlights how many disputes are driven by uncertainty rather than true disagreement — and how early information and professional guidance can make the path forward far more manageable.

In this episode of Amicably Yours, Jana, host Jana de Waal, partner at Stokes Law LLP, family lawyer, and mediator, continues her mission to help families move through conflict with clarity, confidence, and compassion. Each conversation this season explores how families can resolve disputes outside the courtroom, using the familiar story of Mrs. Doubtfire as a touchpoint for what can go wrong and what could go much more smoothly with the right support.

Jana welcomes Calgary-based mortgage broker Zach Zaherie to shed light on one of the most common and complicated parts of separation: what to do about the family home. Together, they break down the practical steps individuals should take early in the separation process to preserve options, reduce tension, and set themselves up for financial stability.

Zach explains the importance of seeking professional advice as soon as possible, often even before final decisions are made. He walks listeners through what lenders look for, how refinancing works, and what to expect if one partner wants to keep the home or if both decide to move on. From understanding your borrowing power to planning for a second home purchase, Zach highlights how early information-gathering can protect families from unnecessary stress and uncertainty.

Drawing on the Mrs. Doubtfire example woven throughout the season, Jana and Zach explore how proactive steps, such as seeking clarity on finances, communicating intentions early, and getting expert guidance, could have eased the tension between Daniel and Miranda as they navigated their separation. Their discussion emphasizes that while emotions often run high, practical planning can make the path forward far less overwhelming.

The episode offers a grounded, compassionate look at how legal, financial, and emotional decisions intersect during separation. Jana closes by inviting listeners to share their questions for future episodes, where she will continue exploring supportive, family-focused approaches to resolving conflict amicably.

Connect with Zach Zaherie

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-zaherie/

Website: https://mortgageconnection.ca/staff/zach-zaherie/

Connect with Jana

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jana-de-waal-3893b069/

Website: https://www.stokeslawmediation.ca/