MEDIATION

Mediation is About Resolution, Not Destruction

Relationship breakdown is never easy, and often painful.  Virtually all of us know someone touched by a high conflict divorce.  In those cases couples can’t see their way to resolving their differences in a reasonable manner and after enduring years of nastiness  end up asking some stranger, called a judge, to make huge decisions about their lives, and often their children.  This is called family law litigation.  The only good thing about the process is it might bring an end to the war, but usually not.  It fuels a continuation of the conflict. 

One consequence of family law litigation is that each party will spend tens of thousands of dollars of hard earned savings or home equity on legal fees.  In some cases people spend hundreds of thousands of dollars, each! 

The financial costs of family law litigation are painful, but the emotional costs are devastating.  All the process does is drum up negative emotion, up to and including hate.  Sadly, the biggest victims of the process are children.  A family break-up is painful for children, and the only question is how badly will they be hurt, and is the damage irreparable.   

And family law litigation is unpredictable.  Even the most knowledgeable and seasoned lawyer can’t predict with any degree of certainty what the outcome will be.  Typically a family law case has a number of disputed issues, and it is rare for any one party to get all of what they want, or feel they deserve.  At the end of family law litigation nobody is happy, and there are no winners.

There is a better way, and its called Family Law Mediation. At JBT Law you will find a  family law lawyer with over 30 years of experience with family law litigation, and over 20 years experience as a certified Family Law Mediator.   That degree of experience is invaluable.

We consider Mediation to be more than just an alternative dispute resolution process. It’s an opportunity to lay the groundwork for a new relationship, where mutual respect and collaboration are guiding principles.  All too often people dwell on past grievances and can’t put them to rest.  A skilled Mediator and a successful Mediation can help change that.  

Even the most difficult or seemingly impossible cases can be successfully resolved with an experienced Family Law Mediator.  At JBT Law we believe in miracles, because we’ve seen them unfold in a Mediation Room. 

How does Mediation work?

Mediation is a process where a separated couple sit down in a non-adversarial setting with a person skilled at promoting effective and productive communication. 

A common thread in relationship breakdown is poor communication, or none at all.  Mediation generates communication by focussing on “interests” as opposed to “legal rights”, which is what family law litigation is all about.  It’s a process where the objective is to gain insight into what makes the other party tick, and why they do and say the things they do. 

The goal is to gain an understanding of the others thinking, if not acceptance of their perspective.  It’s through guided and controlled dialogue that the impossible can seem possible, and in fact is possible.  When people see their way to looking at things from a different perspective or through a different lense entrenched positions can soften, and in fact change. 

What does Mediation Cost?

At JBT Law our rates are very competitive.  The hourly rate is $375 and there is no minimum charge. You only pay for the actual time spent.  We have Mediation facilities in house but will travel to wherever is most convenient.  There is no fee for travel time and no cancellation fee even if last minute.  A typical Mediation will take 6-9 hours, so for less than $3000 we will get you to the finish line. Usually the Mediation fees are shared equally by the parties.

For those already reasonable and collaborative but just need a little help getting over obstacles there is no need for lawyers to attend the Mediation, but in that case it is essential that parties come to the Mediation with the benefit of a comprehensive consultation with an experienced family law lawyer.

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#210 – 20780 Willoughby Town Centre Dr.
Langley, B.C. V2Y 0M7

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Benefits to Mediation

Mediation is the most frequently used method of negotiating a divorce settlement because it has proven its viability through several past successes.

Most mediations do end in settlement and the entire process is confidential with no public record of any part of the sessions. Furthermore, with mediation, you and your spouse can control the process, not the Courts. 

If you wish to engage in a mediation, then call or email us today and we can start planning now.

When is Mediation Not Right for You?

Mediation is not for all couples. If you are in an abusive relationship, sitting in front of that ex-partner or spouse may not be the most fitting path to resolution. In addition, an ex-spouse may abuse the mediation process, using it to delay proceedings or to avoid the inevitability of having to pay Child and/or Spousal Support.

However, you should not reject mediation because you and your significant other are far away from each other on an issue or multiple issues. In fact, mediation is probably the most suitable avenue to bridging the gaps and coming to a decisive and amicable resolution.

It should be noted, coming to an agreement in mediation is typically not legally binding. Both parties should consult with their respective Family Lawyers before signing a Separation Agreement.

Mediation is Solutions-Oriented

Mediation is designed to be non-confrontational and will open the door to communication. Sometimes this process is required in order to communicate in a manner that will lead to resolution. 

The best mediators are solution-oriented. They have experience with managing conflict and can provide constructive guidance when the airways are spiked with negative remarks and spiteful demands. Mediation with J. Blair Thompson Law Corporation leads to productive conversations and in turn, accommodations.