Mediation is a process where the parties decide what is best for their family. Ending an intimate relationship is not easy. Mediation is an efficient and effective way to resolve difficult problems. We can create solutions that work for both of you and that best suit your needs and the needs of your children.

• Mediation is far less expensive than going to court, particularly if you pay a lawyer to represent you throughout the entire court proceeding.
• Mediation gives you more control over the outcome instead of leaving it up to a judge to decide. You remain in control and can use more creativity in finding solutions that will work for everyone.
• Mediation is private and confidential. Unlike the court process which is public and involves public court appearances and filing court documents which are public record and accessible by the public, no one needs to know that you are attending mediation.
• Mediation is fast. Mediation allows you to start resolving your dispute right away rather than having to wait for court dates. The time it takes to resolve your dispute with mediation is a matter of days and weeks rather than months and years, which is how long it takes going through the court process.
• Mediation helps transform relationships by creating an understanding and better communication. Going to court is adversarial and promotes conflict while mediation makes it more likely that you will preserve your relationship which is especially important if you will be co-parenting a child or children.
• Mediation is significantly less harmful to children than the court process. The court process creates stress and emotional reactions which can be difficult to protect children from. Mediation involves promoting understanding and effective communication to preserve relationships which is important in co-parenting.

I will draft an agreement that sets out how you’ve decided to resolve your issues related to separation. The agreement usually focuses on:

• the parenting arrangements for any children
• division of property and debts
• spousal and child support
• any other issues that need to be resolved in order for the parties to move forward

My mediation work is by way of conference calls and/or video calls so I can help people across BC (and beyond) so long as one person lives in BC. This saves my client’s travelling time too.

• Confidential Intake Form – You will complete a document that will help me prepare for your Individual Meeting. This document is intended to be confidential to the mediation process.
• Individual Meeting – This is an opportunity for us to speak prior to the mediation. I will ask you questions and you can ask me questions about the process and we can determine whether mediation is the right process for you and your family and how the mediation process will work best for you and your family. It will allow me to ensure that you have the information you need for the mediation.
• Agreement to Mediate – This is the document that sets out the terms of the mediation. You will want to read it carefully in case you have questions and you both will need to sign it before the mediation session starts.
• Mediation Sessions – I will conduct one or more sessions with the two of you, either together or separately. The number of sessions will depend on the complexities of the case, how prepared you are and how ready you are to reach an agreement.

• Fees are usually shared equally or divided based on income.
• Mediation is considerably less costly than each party hiring lawyers and going to court.
• Mediation fees are charged at an hourly rate.
• The length and cost of your mediation depend on the issues you and your spouse need to resolve.

I provide Independent Legal Advice (ILA) on Separation Agreements drafted by other lawyers.

In family law in British Columbia, getting Independent Legal Advice before signing a Separation Agreement confirms that the document you are signing was explained to you and you understand the terms of the agreement. The agreement sets out your plans for the future and Independent Legal Advice helps protect those plans.

Process: I have an initial meeting with you by phone or video to discuss the background of your relationship with the other party. I will then review the Draft Separation Agreement in detail and provide a comprehensive report to you regarding the Draft Separation Agreement. I will also meet with you by video to discuss and answer any questions you have.

The cost for this service is $800 plus taxes. This does not include redrafting the agreement or negotiating with the other side regarding the agreement.