McCordic Law & Mediation
1967 Hanwell Road E3C 1Z5 Fredericton, NB, Canada

It has been a little more than 3 weeks since my husband passed away. In some ways, it seems like a blink of an eye, but it also seems like an eternity since I heard his giggle or saw the mischievous glint in his brown eyes. These last weeks have been the most difficult time of my life. Besides just processing my own loss, watching my children and loved ones also process their loss, has been especially challenging. Thankfully, we are surrounded by so much love and support. H...e also left us with an abundance of beautiful and comical memories. Like previous challenges, I am gaining wisdom and insight as I move through this. I believe this insight will make me, when I am ready, a better lawyer, and a better person. I am committed to gleaning every ounce of good out of this loss that I can for myself, my family and my larger community, including my clients. While self-care is always beneficial, it has become clear to me how essential it is during challenging times. I am currently focusing on a high level and varied self care experiences. As I explore self care more in-depth, and get greater exposure to a wider gambit of options, it is becoming evident how much our clients could also benefit from such activities. I am excited to see how self care becomes incorporated into not just our corporate culture, but in how we deliver services to clients. As previously indicated, for the short term, I will step back from the bulk of my files, so that I can focus on self care and healing. I will remain in the office in a management capacity, and I will be available to provide assistance, guidance and strategy on all the files in our office, as requested and needed. I recognize I am able to take the time I need, in large part, because of the strong and talented team I have at my office. I can focus on myself, as I know that our clients are in very good hands. The office continues to be fully operational, and we are currently accepting new files in the areas of Family, Criminal, Property, Wills & Estates and Mediation files. We also continue with the planning of new services and collaborations to better meet the needs of our clients. I want to end by thanking our past and present clients, who have continued to show so much love and patience. Your kindness and love have lessened our sorrow, and reminded us of the beauty in the world. Thank you.

As many of you now know, our hearts are with Amanda and her children as they mourn the loss of husband and father, Matt. (Amanda has shared some lovely words about Matt in his obituary in our previous post.) We would like to thank our wonderful clients and colleagues who have reached out to express condolences, and send flowers and cards. The overwhelming outpouring of kindness and support for Amanda and her family has brought comfort during a difficult time. As for the busi...ness, Amanda has understandably made the decision to step back from McCordic Law to focus on her family. She has kept a small number of files and entrusted the others with associates, Gwynne and Jayne. She will remain available in a consulting and strategic planning capacity, but with very limited hours of work. If you are a current client and have questions about the status of your file, feel free to contact our office. McCordic Law remains fully operational and we continue to accept new clients.

Please meet our dear friend and office mate, Shelley Dumouchel. Though she is not a member of our firm, she rents space in the same building, and has the same approach.

Changes to the Motor Vehicle Act of NB Effective January 01, 2021, some new legislation has been implemented with regard to road safety issues in New Brunswick.... Minimum fines on some have changed. - Section 188(1) MVA Passing a School Bus: The minimum fine for passing a stopped school bus displaying flashing red lights will now be double the minimum fine for that category of offence: $580.50 plus 6 demerit points on NB driver’s licence - Section 265.02 & 265.04 MVA Distracted Driving: The minimum fine for use of a hand-held operated device while driving or having a display screen visible to the driver will be double the minimum fine for that category of offence: $340.50 plus 5 demerit points on NB driver’s licence Section 168.1 MVA: Drivers are also now required to reduce speed to one-half the posted limit when passing an authorized emergency vehicle that is stopped and displaying flashing red lights. This now includes service vehicles (tow trucks, private or public utility corporation vehicles, road safety or maintenance vehicles under contract with the Province). Please be aware of your surroundings. Keep our roads safe.

All too often, when one party ignores a court order, it can seem like there are little consequences or recourse. There are consequences and recourse, unfortunately they can be expensive and slow moving. However, that investment of time and money, can eventually workout. Hopefully this will serve as a warning to those who consider flagrantly disregarding a court order.

A gentle reminder as we move into the New Year.

As many of you know, I was diagnosed with breast cancer in December of 2019. At that time, I moved to working part time to pursue treatment and look after my health. Unfortunately, it was discovered after my mastectomy that the cancer had metastasized to my bones. In April I was diagnosed with stage 4 Cancer. While I am engaged in many different treatments right now, my oncologist has indicated that this is a terminal diagnosis. It is difficult to know how many years I have ...left, it could be as short as 2 years, or I could be fortune and respond to treatment, and live more than 5 years. I also have hope of remission. I have taken the last month to carefully consider the future of McCordic Law and Mediation. I have a deep respect, appreciation and love for my staff, and I feel a great deal of responsibility for the families we serve. I love the law, and I love serving clients and helping them move forward to their new normal. My health has to be my primary focus, as I have children, and have promised to do all I can to live as long as I can. However, I cannot sit ildly at home. As such, McCordic Law and Mediation will remain open. I will no longer be doing litigation work, as it does not fit well with my medical needs and schedule. However, I have entrusted my existing litigation files to my protege, Mae Florina. Ms. Florina has a strong success record at court, and has my full confidence in her abilities. I will remain in the office to advise, assist and support Ms. Florina in all of her files. Teresa Hamilton will remain our Office Manager, and remains a continued support to myself, Ms. Florina, and our clients. Our receptionist Lauren Whitehall also remains an important part of our team, and remains focused on client service. I will be keeping a low profile for the next few months, while I attend to chemotherapy and radiation. However, commencing in September, I will focus my attention on the mediation aspect of the office. I have always had a passion for mediation, and truly believe it is a better way forward for most family, than a litigious court battle. I want to take a minute to thank my staff for their unwaivering support and love, my clients for their understanding and concern, as well as the legal community who continues to be so supportive. For any prospective client, your file is in good hands with Ms. Florina.

Our team continues to accept new clients by organizing consultations via telephone or videoconference. Contact us today at (506)454-2505 for all of your family law, criminal law or wills and estates needs.Our team continues to accept new clients by organizing consultations via telephone or videoconference. Contact us today at (506)454-2505 for all of your family law, criminal law or wills and estates needs.