What if divorce didn’t have to be a battle?

For many families, separation is one of the hardest experiences they’ll face. The traditional legal process can often add more stress than support, setting people up as adversaries.

That’s why Edmonton lawyer Melissa Bourgeois founded One Family Law. After practicing in the traditional way for more than a decade, Melissa discovered a cooperative model in the UK that allows separating couples to work with a single neutral lawyer. With support from Edmonton Community Foundation’s Social Enterprise Fund, she became the first lawyer in Canada to be granted special permission to practice this way.

In this episode, Caitlin Hart from Odvod Media sits down with Melissa to learn how One Family Law is helping families navigate separation with clarity, dignity, and kindness.

Show Notes 

Our guest today was Melissa Bourgeois, founder of One Family Law.

• Learn more about One Family Law.
• Read Caitlin Hart’s companion article in the latest issue of Thrive Magazine.
• Learn more about Wills Week (October 6–10, 2025).

ECF Happenings: 

Find out how to create an Endowment Fund of your own. 

Read the latest issue of Thrive. 

Read the latest on our blog. 

Check out some of the amazing funds our donors have created. 

ECF Youth Grants: 

Click here to learn more about our youth grants! 

Upcoming Student Awards: 

Click here to find details for all of our student awards! 

Caitlin Hart’s interview with Melissa Bourgeois was produced by Odvod Media.

The Well Endowed Podcast is produced by Edmonton Community Foundation.

The post EPISODE 192 – You’re Still One Family appeared first on Edmonton Community Foundation.