Family Mediation in Calgary

 

Stonetree Law provides private family mediation services in Calgary for separating and divorced spouses and parents who want to resolve disputes outside of court.

​

Mediation gives the parties an opportunity to work with a neutral mediator to identify the issues in dispute, exchange relevant information, explore possible solutions, and work toward an agreement.

​

Our mediation practice is led by Natalie Reeder, Partner and Mediator/Arbitrator at Stonetree Law.

​

What Can Be Resolved Through Family Mediation?

Family mediation can be used to address some or all of the issues arising from separation, divorce, or an ongoing parenting relationship, including:

• parenting schedules and parenting time;

• communication and co-parenting;

• decision-making concerning children;

• child support;

• special and extraordinary expenses;

• spousal or partner support;

• division of family property;

• financial issues arising from separation; and

• changes to existing parenting or support arrangements.

 

Mediation can address a single issue or form part of a broader resolution of the parties' family law matters.

​

How Family Mediation Works

The mediator is neutral. The mediator does not represent either party, take sides, or decide the dispute.

​

Instead, the mediator manages the discussion, helps identify the matters that need to be resolved, and assists the parties in exploring possible terms of settlement.

​

The parties remain responsible for deciding whether they will reach an agreement and what that agreement will contain.

​

Where financial issues such as child support, spousal support, or property division are being addressed, appropriate financial disclosure may be required before meaningful negotiations can take place.

​

Mediation and Independent Legal Advice

A mediator does not act as legal counsel for either party.

​

Each party may obtain independent legal advice before, during, or after mediation. Independent legal advice can be particularly important before a final separation agreement or other legally binding document is signed.

​

Where the parties reach an agreement through mediation, additional legal steps may be required to document the settlement in a legally enforceable agreement or consent order.

​

Why Consider Mediation?

Mediation can provide greater flexibility and control than asking a court to determine the dispute.

It can be particularly useful where the parties:

• want to resolve matters without prolonged litigation;

• need to maintain an ongoing parenting relationship;

• want greater control over the terms of a resolution;

• have specific issues that may be capable of settlement; or

• want to explore resolution before proceeding further with court litigation.

 

Mediation is not appropriate for every dispute. The circumstances of the parties, the nature of the conflict, safety concerns, and the issues requiring resolution should all be considered when determining whether mediation is suitable.

​

Calgary Family Mediator

Stonetree Law provides private family mediation services in Calgary and throughout Alberta where appropriate.

If you and the other party are prepared to explore a negotiated resolution of parenting, support, property, or other family law issues, contact Stonetree Law to discuss arranging mediation with Natalie Reeder.

​

Request a Family Mediation