Our Mediation Process, provides a knowledgeable impartial mediator who will assist couples in reaching resolution regarding all issues related to their separation and divorce.
Over 97% of our clients reach an agreement on all issues — often within one or two meetings.
Read more below about our process and the issues that are most often discussed in Mediation.
To learn more: book an initial phone call, come in for a couple’s consultation, or book time with one of our mediators to get started in a working meeting.
Sometimes the first step can be the hardest. Which first step will be best for you?
Mediation is faster and less expensive. Families report higher satisfaction with settlements, are more likely to follow the agreement and are less likely to find themselves in the court process.
Divorce mediation is based on the idea that many couples do not want to fight and want to reach an agreement. They just need some assistance to work through the issues.
97% of our files finish with an agreement between the couple after family mediation. This means that each spouse feels the agreement is reasonable and fair in the circumstances.
This is different from the ‘normal’ adversarial two-lawyer model which attempts to maximize one party’s position at the expense of the other. Adversarial law increases conflict and can be very damaging to children.
Our process is efficient, solution-focused and spends no time on blame. Many couples find they have dealt with all their issues after just two meetings (some in one meeting). Clients are expected to act in a civil and courteous manner, or we will stop the meeting. Meetings are usually spread out by a week or two with the entire process taking about a month. While we can proceed faster, most clients find they want some time to think and reflect on their decisions.
OPTIONAL COUPLES CONSULTATION
You do not need to bring anything with you during this step. Our divorce mediators will discuss general information about separation and divorce. We will explain our ground rules and what you can expect for costs and processes. This meeting is optional. Some clients would rather skip this meeting and start with a working meeting.
GATHER DOCUMENTS
Prior to coming in for a working meeting, you should gather as many documents as you can. By agreement, you can work with rough numbers if you wish. Click here for a suggested list of documents.
MEETING #1
Asset Division, Child Support (if applicable), Spousal Support
Divide assets and debts, determine child support and negotiate spousal support. Most people find this is enough for one meeting and typically want to adjourn parenting discussions to a second meeting.
MEETING #2
Develop A Parenting Plan
REVIEW AND SIGN DOCUMENTS
Which documents do you need for the separation? (Chances are you will need at least 11).
A separation agreement, Court of King’s Bench of Alberta divorce documents or Parenting and or Corollary Relief Orders, Canada Pension Plan Credit Division, statutory declaration, registration of support payments, reduction of tax at source, change in marital status, property title transfer, dower release, matrimonial property order, pension valuations, pension division, transfer RRSP’s without tax, corporate share transfers, statement of claim, affidavit of applicant, divorce judgment, application for a divorce certificate, etc.
Some firms will only draft a mediator’s report (for a large sum or fixed fee) and leave you to navigate the rest of the process. We will do as much or as little as you want and you will pay only for the time or services that you use.
We have developed our mediation services through a well-curated process in the span of over several thousand meetings.
It is civil, dignified, and focuses on the future and solutions.
Information is power. Take a few minutes to learn general legal information about how separation and divorce are done in Alberta.
There are 4 elements to Separation and Divorce in Alberta, where you can benefit from our professional services. Read more by clicking the titles.
Types of assets and debts, how to value property, dates to use, what property or properties are exempt from division?
The 2 types of child support. How do you determine income? How long does child support last?
Spousal support is complicated. Why is there spousal support? What factors are considered?
How having a good parenting plan can benefit you.