Mediation  

A mediator is a neutral third party who facilitates communication and negotiation between people in conflict, helping them reach mutually acceptable resolutions. The mediator’s job is to remain unbiased, listen to individual stories and help each person negotiate their needs, discern their true interest, communicate effectively and agree on solutions that allow everyone to move forward.

Family mediation involves a Certified Family Mediator, who is trained to work with you and your spouse at the time of separation or divorce, or at various stages during or after your relationship.

The mediator is jointly retained by you and your spouse, sharing the cost. 

The most cost effective option is to work with a mediator without lawyers present over 2-5 sessions (in which case you will be encouraged to each obtain independent legal advice from a recommended lawyer prior to signing the separation agreement and throughout the process, as needed).

Or you may choose to have lawyers attend a one-day mediation with you (in which case the lawyers will work with you ahead of the mediation to ensure all documents and information are exchanged so an agreement can be reached at mediation).

We offer a Mediation Package that includes the following:

  • Our Family in Two Homes or Our Family in a Few Homes workbook for each of you

  • Individual session with the mediator and each of you separately to discuss what is important to you and answer questions confidentially 

  • An Individualized List of Documents to collect in advance of the joint session; and

  • One joint mediation session with both of you and the mediator, up to 2.5 hours in length

At the conclusion of the joint mediation session, we will discuss next steps and provide you with flat fee and hourly options for additional sessions (if required) and the drafting of a mediated agreement. 

Mediation:

  • both parties have full control over the separation agreement and decisions

  • neutral third party acts as a mediator and helps you arrive at creative solutions that benefit both parties

  • it is more cost effective than litigation and collaborative divorce, because the fees are shared

  • it is a completely private process, unlike litigation

Rebecca Stanley is a Certified Family Mediator through the Law Society of British Columbia and is a member of the following mediation networks:

This alternative is highly recommended for families who want to maintain control and ownership of their separation process, control costs and remain amicable. Mediation is a possibility even with a history of family violence, so long as proper safety precautions are taken; in appropriate circumstances, mediation can occur by the mediator commuting, or shuttling, between separate rooms, either in person or virtually.

Schedule a complimentary 15 minute intro call to confirm this is the right process for you, click here.

For more information about the workbooks, click here.