FAMILY LAW

Every lawyer at Valley Law Chambers is prepared and experienced to assist clients with all matters related to family law. But what if you and your partner do not want to fight it out in court? What if you want to end your marriage or common-law relationship and move forward happier?

There are many paths to resolution over going to court in a family law case following separation. One effective way is mediation.

In mediation, a family law mediator is retained to act as a facilitator to help resolve issues in dispute, including spousal support, parenting time, child support and matrimonial property. The session involves all the parties and is without prejudice, meaning what is said in the process cannot be used in family court. Often, mediation occurs in a boardroom, but we understand getting to an office may be difficult for many. As such, Valley Law Chambers can conduct Albertan mediations by video conference with clients located anywhere in the world.

Family law mediators are neutral and cannot provide legal advice to either party. Although the mediator controls the process, the parties control the outcome through the terms of the settlement. In reaching those terms, the mediator is not an advocate for any of the parties but a facilitator, assisting the parties to reach a mutually agreed-upon resolution.

The are several advantages to family law mediation over going to court, namely:

• the cost of settling a family law dispute through mediation is typically less than going to court. In mediation, the parties do not have to go through all the formal processes and steps that can create much more work;
• mediation can be started much quicker than going to court, as securing court dates can take months, and mediation can be booked in a matter of weeks;
• as mentioned above, the family law mediation process is without prejudice. Discussions are private, cannot be recorded, and cannot be brought up in court later;
• the parties have more control of the outcome in mediation than in court. There is no judge to decide an issue – the result is based solely on the parties' presentations;
• family law mediation is much more flexible in terms of achievable results. In court, the judge must decide under the law; in mediation, the parties can create a unique resolution that fits their specific circumstance; and
• the setting for a family law mediation is much less formal than a courtroom. There is no stenographer, no clerks, no judge, no audience. Mediation takes place in a boardroom or via video conference – settings many people feel more comfortable in than a courtroom.

Sherrie Jones is trained in the mediation process and can advise you whether you and your spouse/partner are possible candidates for this innovative approach to ending your marriage/relationship.  Sherrie has helped many separating or divorcing families come to a resolution without a court fight – she could help you too.

Should you choose to move forward, Sherrie will assist you through every step of the process, facilitating cooperation and success. If you'd like to know more about the process, don't hesitate to get in touch with us.