Review of Tug of War
written by Mr. Justice Harvey Brownstone
Review by Haig DeRusha, lawyer (Family Law Specialist)
of DeRusha Law Firm 

“Breaking up is hard to do” are the lyrics to a song recorded by Neil Sedaka in 1962. Justice Harvey Brownstone talks about the problems of breaking up in his book published in 2009, which is described as the first of its kind. It explains what happens in Canada when a family unit disintegrates, especially when there are children involved.

Justice Brownstone is quite unique in that he also is the host of a t.v. talk show entitled Family Matters. He is more than willing to express his views, which he certainly has, having acquired a law degree in 1980, and in 1995, being appointed as a Provincial Court Judge, presiding mostly in North Toronto Family Court.

Justice Brownstone’s theory is that when people break up, they must adopt a mature approach of dealing with their former partners, especially when children are involved. However, he also addresses the topics of finances in a number of chapters, which describe how you can try to resolve your conflicts without going to court. He has a chapter on alternatives to litigation. He describes when going to court is necessary. There are also details about lawyers, what you should look for, and why they are very important in their role.

Especially close to his heart is the chapter on custody and access disputes. He talks about the importance of joint custody as a concept.

This book is not a fast read, but can be broken down into its chapters and approached in that manner.

Many senior judges in Canada have commented on this book and support his idea of public education in these areas. Madam Justice Claire L’Heureux-Dube (retired) of the Supreme Court of Canada, in her description says “Readers will learn how to minimize the damage that can be caused to the children who are caught in the middle of parental tugs of war. Simply put, this book is a ‘must read’!”

The cost of this book is $19.95 CND and it says on the cover that the author’s proceeds from the sale of the book are being donated to the Children’s Wish Foundation and other children’s charities.

DeRusha Law Firm

The above review has been prepared by Haig DeRusha, senior counsel and Family Law Specialist at DeRusha Law Firm. Our firm has four lawyers and an articling student, and has prominent lawyers practicing family and divorce law in both the collaborative and litigation approach, which practice areas include Mississauga, Brampton, Milton and Toronto. More information can be obtained about DeRusha Law Firm by reviewing our website.

Haig DeRusha