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Victoria

Mediation Lawyers

The way your family looks can change can change over time, but those changes don’t have to be devastating. At Align Family Law, we work with families throughout British Columbia to utilize collaboration and cooperation whenever possible, and we are experienced at helping our clients through mediation. Through family law mediation, our experienced lawyers can help separating couples resolve their family law disputes, stay out of court, save legal costs and preserve their co-parenting relationship.

Victoria

Mediation Lawyers

The way your family looks can change can change over time, but those changes don’t have to be devastating. At Align Family Law, we work with families throughout British Columbia to utilize collaboration and cooperation whenever possible, and we are experienced at helping our clients through mediation. Through family law mediation, our experienced lawyers can help separating couples resolve their family law disputes, stay out of court, save legal costs and preserve their co-parenting relationship.

Our Victoria Mediation Services

At Align Family Law, we work with families of all shapes and sizes to successfully advance through mediation and onto a brighter future.

Our mediation services can look one of two ways:

Attend Third-Party Mediation With Your Align Family Law Lawyer

Our lawyers regularly represent clients as legal counsel in family law mediation. In this model, each party is represented by their own lawyer. The parties jointly retain an impartial third party to act as a family law mediator. The goal is for the parties, through the mediation process, to reach a resolution on the issues related to their separation.

It is our experience that when separating parties are able to arrive at a settlement of their dispute out of court as opposed to going through a trial, the benefits can be significant.

Work With Our Accredited Family Law Mediator

Joanne Martin is an accredited family law mediator with the Law Society of British Columbia. She uses a step-by-step process acting as a neutral, impartial third party, helping the people involved to negotiate and shape an agreement that works for their family. In this mediation model, the parties often choose to attend mediation on their own without their own lawyers.

It is our experience that when separating parties are able to arrive at a settlement of their dispute out of court as opposed to going through a trial, the benefits can be significant.

The process generally proceeds as follows:

1

Pre-Mediation meeting:

Each party meets individually with Joanne. We’ll discuss your situation, determine what needs to be resolved, and discuss how we can prepare to ensure the mediation sessions are productive. This can be done via Zoom or in person.
2

Exchange of documents and information:

You will each gather and share your documents in advance of the joint mediation session so we have a good handle on your situation and ensure that you have the information you need to reach an agreement.
3

Joint mediation session:

The separating couple and Joanne meet in a joint session which is both informal and flexible. Joanne facilitates the conversation and helps you to make sure you are both considering the law as you work through the issues raised in the pre-mediation meetings. The separating couple works together to shape an acceptable agreement. Sometimes more than one joint session is needed, and either party may consult with a lawyer between sessions to ensure they have the information and advice they need to proceed with confidence.
4

Joanne drafts a Separation Agreement that reflects the agreement you reached during the mediation.

5

Finalizing and signing the Agreement:

Each party gets a copy of the Separation Agreement and any supporting documents and calculations used in the mediation. It is strongly recommended that each party obtain independent legal advice before signing.

No matter which route you choose to take, our team at Align is committed to helping you through your separation and on to a new path for your life with as little stress as possible.

What Our Clients Say

Our Victoria Mediation Process

STEP ONE:

Call our office to schedule your initial consultation.

STEP TWO:

We’ll listen to your story, clearly set out your options so you can determine your best next steps.

STEP THREE:

Together, we’ll get to work resolving the issues and getting you started on your next chapter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is mediation in British Columbia family law?

In mediation, a neutral third-party mediator facilitates discussions between two parties to reach mutually acceptable agreements on issues such as child custody, spousal support, property division, and other issues. Mediators usually work with couples going through a divorce, but they can help in many situations.

How does mediation differ from litigation in British Columbia?

Mediation is a way of resolving a legal dispute outside of court – promoting cooperation and reducing conflict compared to traditional litigation. Unlike litigation, which involves a judge making final decisions, mediation allows couples to maintain control over the outcome and often results in quicker, less adversarial, and more cost-effective resolutions.

Do I need a lawyer for mediation in British Columbia?

While not mandatory, having independent legal advice during mediation is advisable to ensure your rights are protected and any agreements reached are fair and legally binding. In addition, many family lawyers have close professional relationships with mediators, meaning that a good family lawyer can recommend you a good mediator, and vice versa.

Is mediation confidential in British Columbia?

Yes, mediation sessions are confidential, meaning discussions and negotiations that take place during mediation cannot be used as evidence in court proceedings. This is intended to foster open and honest communication between both parties, without concern for how their statements might be used against them.

Can children be involved in mediation in British Columbia?

In some cases, children may participate in mediation. Mediators may meet with the child independently first, to ensure that their voices are heard in a safe and neutral environment, allowing parents to better understand their needs and preferences. If you think mediation might be the right step for your family, contact an experienced family lawyer today to learn about your options.

Contact Our Mediation Lawyers Today

Our team at Align Family Law is proud of the work that we do and the transformation we see in the clients that we help.

Call us today to discuss how we can assist you through your family law matter in mediation.

Are you looking for a family lawyer?

We have offices in Victoria, Kimberley and Vancouver and can assist clients anywhere in British Columbia.

Fill out our form and an Align Family Law team member will contact you within one business day to schedule your Zoom call with a British Columbia family law lawyer.

Find out if we’re the right fit for you: