Family and Community Mediation

Q: What is mediation?

A: Mediation (sometimes called Alternative Dispute Resolution or ADR, which also includes arbitration and other forms of dispute resolution) is a process for resolving disputes. Two or more parties to a dispute meet and attempt, with the assistance of a trained mediator, to settle the matters in dispute. The mediation takes place in a private, informal setting, where the parties participate in the negotiation and design of the settlement agreement. The mediator is trained to help people settle conflicts collaboratively and has no decision-making power. The dispute is settled only if all of the parties agree to the settlement. Solutions to your dispute come from you, not from the mediator or someone outside the situation you are in. In mediation, an impartial mediator helps to bring the parties involved in the dispute together and supports them in working out a solution in a non-confrontational setting.

Mediation can be used to resolve many different types of disputes, including disagreements involving contracts, debts, wills and estates, business, corporate or commercial claims, real property or construction disputes, wrongful dismissal, strata issues, family disputes, teen-parent disputes and personal injury claims. Mediation can also be extremely useful in family law cases.

Mediation can be faster and cheaper than going to court and, in many situations you can reach a settlement that is acceptable to everyone involved.

For a more in-depth look at the mediation process here in BC please feel free to go to the Ministry of Attorney General web guide to mediation in B.C. (click here). There you will find answers to questions about the formal process of mediation.

Q: What training do you have in mediation?

A: I attended the Law School of the City University of New York where I received my doctoral degree in law (Doctor of Jurisprudence) with a focus in mediation and alternative dispute resolution. As part of my training I attended the law schools community mediation clinic, one of the most prestigious mediation clinics in the United States. There I mediated civil cases, including credit and landlord tenant disputes, neighbourhood disputes and criminal justice disputes (restitution).  Additionally I completed a separate certified training program in Family and Divorce Mediation.

Q: Do you have other experience to help with family issues like divorce, custody or family disputes?

A: In addition to my legal and mediation/ADR training I have been a Licensed and Registered Family Therapist since 1992, am a Clinical Member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) and am a Registered Psychologist here in British Columbia.

Q: How do we know if mediation or alternative dispute resolution is right for us?

A: Feel free to call me at 778.998-7975 and discuss your case with me. After we talk I suggest speaking with your legal representative if one is involved. Together we can determine the best course of action for you.