Gerald Ashcroft practises exclusively in the area of family law. He has extensive experience with issues of separation and divorce, custody and access, child and spousal support, property division, adoption and guardianship, including advice, negotiation, settlement conferences, litigation, and preparation of pleadings and domestic agreements.

EDUCATION: Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, University of Manitoba, 1980
Bachelor of Laws, University of Manitoba, 1983
Master of Laws (in Family Law), Osgoode Hall Law School, York University, 2012

CALL TO THE BAR: Manitoba, 1984

REPRESENTATIVE CASES/TRANSACTIONS: Gerald Ashcroft has appeared before all levels of courts in Manitoba, and the Supreme Court of Canada. The matters have involved a broad range of issues in family and criminal law

OTHER SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS: Gerald has presented seminars to various groups on family law issues.
Author, Farmers and the Law, 1982

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Former President, and current member of the Board of Directors for the Winnipeg Flying Club
Former Vice-President and member of the Board of Directors for the Osborne Village Cultural Centre (Gas Station Theatre)
Former Secretary and member of the Board of Directors for the Manitoba Aerobatic Club
Chief Delegate/Team Manager for the 1988 Canadian Aerobatic Team at the 1988 World Aerobatic Championships
Flew competition aerobatics between 1987 and 1997 (1987 Canadian National Sportsman Aerobatic Champion; 1989 Canadian National Intermediate Aerobatic Champion; 1991 and 1992 Canadian National Advanced Aerobatic Champion)
Airline Transport Pilot License (Aeroplane), former bush pilot, and seaplane and aerobatic instructor

• Negotiating and Drafting Pre-nuptial and Cohabitation Agreements

   The preparation of a pre-nuptial or cohabitation agreement requires an approach that is different than that required when preparing a separation agreement or a commercial contract. Sensitivity is required. The parties are optimistic about their future together. A positive environment must be maintained in order not to have a negative impact on the parties' future relationship. The purpose of the agreement must be clearly understood, and it must be tailored to the particular circumstances. Read more...

• Gerald Ashcroft Interviewed on CTV News

  On July 14th, 2011 Jill Macyshon from CTV news interviewed Gerald Ashcroft regarding his Supreme Court of Canada case, Schreyer v. Schreyer, 2011 SCC 35. Read more...

• Legal Tips To Help Deal With The Difficulties Following a Separation

  In Canada approximately 40% of marriages come to an end prematurely. Separation from a spouse is one of the most difficult, painful and stressful experiences that anyone will ever face. Children of separating parents face their own challenges. After a separation, individuals often experience feelings such as anxiety, isolation, anger, fear, guilt, depression, loss of control, incompetence and/or insecurity. For many, these emotions are at times almost overwhelming. Read more...

• Is Non-Adversarial Dispute Resolution a Better Option in High Conflict Custody Cases Where There is a Parental Personality Disorder?

  In Canada, the principle on which parenting disputes are resolved is that of the “best interests of the child”. However, it has been suggested that the area of law that resolves parenting disputes is “devoid of the attributes of consistency, reliability and predictability” and that in no other area of law do judges “possess so unfettered and broad a discretion for decision making. ”. Read more...

• Is Secrecy Still Appropriate or Acceptable in Gamete Donation?

  Individuals, who are conceived through the science of assisted reproductive technology and anonymous gamete donation, often do not know the identity of all of the individuals who have provided the necessary genetic material for their conception. Some of these people have a great desire to obtain this information. In a very small number of circumstances there is virtually no prospect of ascertaining this information. However, when this information is available, should it forever be denied to those with a desire to learn of his or her heritage?. Read more...

• The Need for Embedded Relationship and Interaction Education from Kindergarten to Grade 12

  We are now required to obtain training, education and licensing for a wide variety of activities, but such is not required for the most important and complex lifetime need, namely, the development and maintenance of human relationships and how we are to interact with other members of society in a manner that respects our individual and collective needs.  . Read more...