Is Family Law Mediation Right For Me? Vancouver
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Is Family Law Mediation Right For Me?

Mediation involves a mediator, who is a neutral third person, helping both sides to discover common ground and find solutions to their problems. West Coast ADR Law Group’s lawyers include trained mediators as well as lawyers who work with mediators. They assist our clients and support them, but do not interfere with the mediator’s attempts to help separating spouses find common ground.

Mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) are now part of the family law process under British Columbia’s Family Law Act. At West Coast ADR Law Group, we are committed not only to the positive outcome of mediation and other forms of ADR with our clients, but also to the education of other legal professionals in this form of practice.

We believe that family law mediation is almost always a better alternative to litigation.

But is it the right choice for you?

Mediation Pros And Cons

Before choosing mediation, it’s important to consider the following:

  • Cost: For the most part, litigation is much more expensive than mediation.
  • Time: It may take years to get to court. Mediation is usually faster and more efficient.
  • Unsolvable problems: There are some problems that cannot be solved by mediation such as a parent wanting to move away with the children.
  • Abuse and manipulation: If your relationship has been marked by violence, abuse, intimidation and manipulation, it may be difficult to set those aside in mediation. Abusers may also try to use the mediation process to further intimidate and manipulate. For some particularly severe cases, the court process may be a better choice. In court, there is very little communication between the two sides, and it is not as easy for an abuser to intimidate or manipulate a judge.
  • Dishonesty: Mediation requires complete disclosure of financial and practical facts. If one or both sides have a history of lying or hiding information, mediation may not be a good option.
  • Other forms of alternative dispute resolution: Mediation is only one form of ADR. There is also collaborative family law, arbitration and mediation-arbitration (med-arb), all of which are offered at West Coast ADR Law Group.
    If you consider all of the above and feel that ADR is not an option for you, we can connect you to our litigation team at the Quay Law Centre.

Contact West Coast ADR Law Group

Call us at 604-531-9494 or fill out our online form to set up an appointment. Let us help you determine if mediation is right for you. We serve clients in Vancouver, Surrey, New Westminster and surrounding areas.

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