What is mediation?

 

Mediation is a powerful tool for individuals who are navigating the complex and emotional process of separation and divorce. At MyMediator.ca, it is believed that mediation is often the best way to resolve disputes, as it allows both parties to maintain control over the outcome. The mediator works closely with each person involved to ensure that they have a clear understanding of the issues and are able to make informed decisions. I am committed to helping my clients achieve their goals in a respectful and supportive environment.

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Consider your mediator as a neutral friend that will assist you and your spouse to talk things through. The mediator will help guide the conversation and provide thoughtful insight and information that makes room for compromise.

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Going through a divorce is challenging. If you and your spouse find it difficult to agree on things like asset and debt distributions/divisions, child support, guardianship or parenting, mediation is a simpler way to sort things out without the need to go to court.

One key benefit of mediation is that the process can be done with or without your own lawyers. Although you will likely need to retain your own lawyers to assist with putting your agreement into writing and completing/legalizing the divorce, mediation itself can happen without lawyers present, which significantly reduces costs. Hiring lawyers can get expensive as both parties would need one, but with mediation, parties share the cost of one mediator, making it a less expensive alternative.

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What happens during mediation?

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You, your spouse, and the mediator will sit down together to talk. Unlike a court situation, where a judge makes decisions, here you both are in control and will work together to find solutions that work for your family. It can one or more meetings to sort everything out, but many matters can be dealt with within one session.

 

What is required for Mediation in Alberta?

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1. Choose a Date: Pick a date that works for both parties.

2. Mediation Costs: Discuss how the mediation will be paid for. Usually, costs are shared. From there, it is easy. Simply go to the "Booking" page, choose your date(s) and time(s), then follow the prompts for payment.

3. Document Preparation: Gather what you will need such as:​

   • Proof of ownership for assets.

   • Tax Returns and Notices of Assessment, or other evidence of the parties’ income.

   • Bank statements.

   • Property valuations.

   • Details about debts.

   • Details relating to all children and their expenses.

   • Any existing legal agreements between you and your spouse.

 

How Should  You Act During Mediation?

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1. Be Goal-Orientated: Mediation is successful when both parties have a goal to work towards of settlement and/or resolution. 

2. Be Open-Minded: Be ready to discuss difficult topics and be open to finding a middle ground. The old "Zero-Sum" game is not the goal when participating in mediation. A focus on compromise and sharing is what results in success and a win/win for all parties involved.

3. Look for Solutions: Focus on the future rather than what has happened in the past.

4. Stay Respectful: It is natural while emotions are involved that the situation may get "heated:,  so it is important to stay respectful.

5. Take Your Time: Don’t rush the process. It might take a few sessions to sort everything out.

6. Keep Things Private: What’s shared in mediation stays in mediation and is confidential, unlike in court, where everything is public.

 

Mediation CAN WORK! If you want it to.

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Success in mediation depends on being prepared, adhering to the guidelines, and working with a skilled mediator.

Mediation can be a peaceful way to navigate stormy seas. It’s about working together to mutually close this chapter of your life and to start fresh, with a clean slate, significantly less stress and fewer costs than going to court.

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I look forward to working with you. Book your free consultation today!

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