Mediation is a flexible and informal process that many find considerably faster, more affordable, and less stressful than pursuing court-related channels for their separation and divorce.
In mediation, you control the outcome. The mediator assists you and your spouse to ensure you have productive conversations and make the decisions you need to move forward. For couples with children, mediators can help you develop an effective co-parenting plan. They can also assist with the division of family assets and debts.
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Johanna's Story Victoria, BC Length: 3 minutes, 29 seconds
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Matt & Katie's Story Whistler, BC Length: 5 minutes, 22 seconds
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These videos were generously funded by The Law Foundation of BC and created by Rebel Sky Media.
Normally, Mediation can be broken down into 4 steps. At any point, it's good to also be prepared and informed of your legal rights. Scroll down for a list of resources.
Here are a few resources you can look at to prepare yourself for mediation.
It is always a good idea to seek legal advice so you know and understand your rights and obligations when it comes to separation and divorce.
There are several resources available to you:
Additional legal information resources for families:
To prepare for your mediation, you will want to gather any supporting documents for the issues to be discussed. Some of these documents may include:
There are also free online training to help parents and families going through separation and divorce:
Mediation is all about clear communication. If your mediator does not speak your language, or you are not comfortable in the mediator’s language, you may wish to have an interpreter. Interpreters are trained to provide accurate translations for clear communication.
Another family member may be able to assist you, but it may be difficult for them to provide clear and unbiased translations. Mediate BC encourages you to consider your options for a good experience.
The Society of Translators and Interpreters of British Columbia can help connect you with interpreters.
Being prepared for family mediation will help the process be as effective and cost-efficient as possible. Your family mediator will be able to help you identify what you need to be as prepared as possible.
About 80% of [Canadian] lawyers agreed that they prefer to use mediation whenever possible, they prefer mediation over litigation, and their clients prefer mediation over litigation.
Mediate BC has a list of Registered Roster Mediators ready to help you.
Should you have concerns regarding the mediation process, Mediate BC has set Standards of Conduct and a Complaint Process.
Family mediators start by meeting with each person involved in a family dispute in private individual sessions. Part of these initial meetings is to make sure that each participant feels physically and emotionally safe and is able to negotiate effectively. The mediator will design a process to meet these needs and support the participants through mediation.
If the mediator finds that mediation may not be the best way to move forward, they will refer you to a more appropriate process and connect you with resources.
Screening is a requirement of all family dispute resolution professionals under the Family Law Act.