What is Mediation?
Separating from your common law partner or spouse does not necessarily mean that you have to go to court to resolve issues arising out of the breakdown of your relationship. Often, the more appropriate path forward may be to engage in mediation, with the assistance of experienced legal counsel and a qualified mediator to resolve your issues.
How Does Family Law Mediation Work In BC?
In British Columbia, we are fortunate to have qualified, experienced and neutral family law mediators available throughout the province. MediateBC offers a roster of professionals, many of whom previously practised as family law lawyers and have taken extensive training in dispute resolution. These professionals can assist separating families in working through difficult issues and reaching mutually acceptable agreements in a constructive and respectful way.
What are the Advantages of Mediation?
Very often, family law mediation provides a faster, more cost-effective and less stressful alternative to resolving legal disputes. Family law litigation can involve numerous court appearances, formal document exchanges, and potentially a trial, all of which can significantly increase legal costs. Mediation, by contrast, typically involves one (or more) structured meetings focused on resolution rather than adversarial proceedings, which can substantially reduce both the time and expense involved in resolving a dispute.
Particularly in the realm of family law disputes, mediation allows families to resolve often personal and painful issues in a manner that creates the least amount of stress and that fosters better long-term outcomes. In mediation, the parties themselves control the outcome rather than having decisions imposed by an outside adjudicator such as a Justice or Judge.
Mediation offers greater flexibility than court proceedings. While court orders must follow legal frameworks and precedents, mediated agreements can be tailored to a family’s specific needs, such as customized parenting schedules that reflect work commitments, children’s activities, or family traditions.
Mediation can also be helpful where cultural considerations are important, as it allows space to discuss family values, traditions, and extended family involvement when shaping agreements.
Is Mediation Right for Your Case?
In our experience, mediation is often the right approach for many family law matters, especially when all parties are willing to communicate, compromise, and are dedicated to reaching long-term solutions.
In cases involving domestic violence, coercive control, or serious concerns about financial disclosure, mediation may not always be appropriate, as the process relies on voluntary participation and balanced negotiations.
However, family law mediators in British Columbia are trained to screen for family violence and power imbalances before mediation begins. Where appropriate, safeguards such as shuttle mediation, virtual participation, and structured communication guidelines can help ensure that mediation remains a safe and effective option in certain circumstances.
Family Mediation in British Columbia
The lawyers at Cote & Evans Trial Lawyers have extensive experience guiding clients through family law mediation. We can help you prepare for mediation, ensure you understand your legal rights and obligations, and work toward practical, lasting agreements that reflect your family’s needs. For more information, please reach out to us at 604-547-9000 for a free consultation with a family lawyer at our office.
Shreya Bose
Shreya is an associate lawyer at Cote & Evans Trial Lawyers.
Shreya completed her articles at Cote & Evans Trial Lawyers in 2019 and was called to the bar that same year. Shreya’s practice includes a broad spectrum of family law, civil litigation with a focus on defamation and ICBC insurance breaches, estate litigation and estate administration. She has appeared as counsel at all levels of court in British Columbia and has appeared before administrative tribunals.