Balanced Solutions
Balanced Solutions means working together to find a positive outcome to every family law issue. It means, putting children and families first, above all else.
Our beginning
According to Statistics Canada, approximately 40% of all marriages end in divorce. Every day, couples decide to separate and the process of ending relationships is not easy. Couples often become adversaries and lawyers do as expected, they fight. Yet regardless of the anger and hurt, most couples do not want to fight. They simply want an end to their relationship and they want to move on. In the end, couples facing divorce through litigation are often left with lengthy delays, emotional anguish, and great expense.
The new Family Law Act (FLA) came into effect March 18, 2013. The FLA is intended to focus on the interests of children, encourages separating couples to resolve their disputes outside the court system through methods of Alternative Dispute Resolution or ADR, which include Mediation, Arbitration, Mediation-Arbitration, Collaboration, and Negotiation.
West Coast ADR was established by Carol W. Hickman, Q.C., B.A., LL.B., with the vision of shifting perceptions around the separation and divorce process to be one that is cooperative, respectful, and solutions-oriented. Alternative Dispute Resolution, also known as ADR, encourages that separating couples work together to address their differences in a mutually beneficial and cooperative way, outside of the court system.
Our Team
Our team at West Coast ADR is composed of highly trained and experienced Alternative Dispute Resolution professionals. We have over 25 years of family law litigation experience:
- Carol W. Hickman, Q.C., B.A., LL.B., Mediator, Arbitrator, Collaborative Law Professional
- Barry Hickman, Managing Director
- Tribute To Wayne Stilling , Q.C.
Our Services
We have seen the effects of separation and divorce on our clients, their children, and their families and we have learned that most people want to resolve their family law conflict respectfully, in a manner that is fair and focused on their children. We have experience dealing with all issues related to separation and divorce, including the division of assets, custody, child support, and spousal support. With our extensive experience in Alternative Dispute Resolution, we will assist our clients in finding the most flexible and cost-effective approach to resolving their family law disputes whether that is through Mediation, Arbitration, Mediation-Arbitration, Collaboration, or Negotiation.
We service the entire Greater Vancouver area and have offices in Vancouver, New Westminster, and Surrey.
Our Goal
We are committed to helping our clients resolve their family law disputes outside of the courtroom. Our Alternative Dispute Resolution services are modern, cooperative, respectful, and family-focused.
Our Values
- We are solutions-oriented. We are cooperative. We believe in finding a positive outcome to every situation.
- Relationships are important. We put children and families first. We will support our clients through difficult times in their lives to find a positive solution to their issues.
- We are professional, respectful, and trustworthy. You depend on us to help resolve your family law conflict and we won’t let you down.
Our Promises
We aim to deliver Balanced Solutions.
Balanced Solutions means working together to find a positive outcome to every family law issue. At West Coast ADR, we facilitate communication, cooperation, and compromise during separation and divorce. We put children and families first, above all else. While this takes commitment from our clients and our team, it usually results in respectful conversations, preservation of relationships, and positive outcomes for everyone involved.