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Kimberley

Mediation Lawyers

At Align Family Law, our goal is to help our clients throughout British Columbia resolve their family law disputes through collaboration and cooperation whenever possible. Mediation is a powerful tool for separating couples to approach their contested issues and arrive at a solution that works for everyone. Through this process, our experienced separation lawyers can help separating couples stay out of court, save legal costs, and preserve their co-parenting relationship.

Kimberley

Mediation Lawyers

At Align Family Law, our goal is to help our clients throughout British Columbia resolve their family law disputes through collaboration and cooperation whenever possible. Mediation is a powerful tool for separating couples to approach their contested issues and arrive at a solution that works for everyone. Through this process, our experienced separation lawyers can help separating couples stay out of court, save legal costs, and preserve their co-parenting relationship.

Our Kimberley Mediation Services

Families come in all shapes and sizes, and they change over time. At Align Family Law, we use mediation to help our clients and their families move towards a brighter future.

There are two ways our mediation services can help you:

Our Family Law Lawyer Attends Third-Party Mediation With You

Our attorneys frequently serve as legal representatives for clients in family law mediation. In this format, each party is supported by their individual lawyer. Together, the parties appoint an unbiased third party to serve as a mediator in family law matters. The objective is for the parties, facilitated by the mediation process, to reach a resolution regarding their separation issues.

In our experience, when separating parties can reach a settlement outside of court rather than proceeding to trial, the advantages are often substantial.

Our Accredited Family Law Mediator Facilitates the Mediation

Joanne Martin is an accredited family law mediator with the Law Society of British Columbia. Employing a systematic approach, she acts as a neutral third party, aiding individuals in negotiating and crafting an agreement tailored to their family’s needs. In this mediation model, parties often opt to attend sessions independently, without their own lawyers.

The process usually looks like this:

1

Pre-Mediation meeting:

Each party meets separately with Joanne to discuss their situation, identify areas for resolution, and strategize for productive mediation sessions. These meetings can be conducted via Zoom or in person.
2

Exchange of information:

Both parties gather and exchange relevant documents before the joint mediation session, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the situation and equipping them with the necessary information for agreement.
3

Joint mediation session:

The separating couple and Joanne convene for an informal, flexible joint session. Joanne facilitates discussions, ensuring legal considerations are accounted for as they address issues raised in pre-mediation meetings. Collaboratively, the couple shapes an acceptable agreement. Additional joint sessions may be required, and parties are encouraged to seek legal advice between sessions for confidence in their decisions.
4

Separation Agreement Drafting

Joanne drafts a Separation Agreement reflecting the agreed terms reached during mediation.
5

Finalization and Signing:

Each party receives a copy of the Separation Agreement and supporting documents. It’s strongly advised that parties seek independent legal counsel before signing.

Regardless of the chosen approach, the Align team is dedicated to supporting individuals through separation, guiding them towards a new life path with minimized stress.

What Our Clients Say

Our Kimberley 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

At the end of the day, the transformation we see in the lives of the clients we help is what makes our legal team at Align Family Law proud.

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: