We also offer online services for your comfort & convenience, making the process safe & efficient
MEDIATE
With experience as a family Law litigator, at LawVolution we know how destructive the traditional family Law system is for most families. Separation does not have to be a lengthy & stressful process.
We offer better options for families that are highly streamlined, efficient, & driven by the values of compassion & collaboration.
Like Collaborative family Law: mediation offers the advantages of being cheaper, less formal, less destructive & more efficient than going to court. Another advantage is that it is a private process, unlike litigation. It is voluntary & provides you & your separating spouse with the space to work together on creative solutions that might not even be possible in court.
As a mediator we will take the time to understand both of your perspectives without bias, help the two of you determine your true interests, to communicate those interests to one another & to creatively agree on a solutions that will allow you to step into the next chapter of your life.
THE PROCESS
We help you get organized - You can utilize the convenience of our client portal to gather & exchange your financial documentation.
We provide you both with all the legal information you need about separation, such as your rights & responsibilities for dividing property & debt, paying or receiving child support & spousal support, & your parenting plan.
We facilitate discussions & assist you to brainstorm & gain a full understanding of your potential options. We provide our expertise & guidance, but you both retain decision-making power on the terms of your agreement.
When you agree on the terms, we draft your Separation Agreement based on your joint instructions. The Separation Agreement is the important legal document that you need to document your parenting plan, separate your finances, & address other issues that may be relevant for you, such as support, pensions, timelines for moving, etc.
We are with you each step of the way holding both of your hands throughout the entire process.
Whether you simply need the terms of your agreement drafted into a Separation Agreement, or you require a great deal of assistance in reaching a resolution, we can provide you with whatever level of support that you need.
RESOURCE PACKAGE
1. An individual meeting (usually 60 - 90 minutes) with me and each of you separately, so you can confidentially express your needs and concerns, ask questions about the mediation process and prepare for the joint mediation sessions.
2. A comprehensive Workbook for each of you to complete privately – on your own time. The Workbook will help you better prepare for the discussions you need to have in joint mediation sessions, including exercises to help you understand your communication and conflict challenges, your shared values and even your “money personality".
3. Initial information gathering and organizing, including a documents list that is tailored to your family situation, AND
4. Your first joint mediation session (both of you + me) - usually 2 – 2.5 hours - where we will begin our work together to address your challenges.
At the end of the first joint mediation session, we can make an informed plan for the best way forward. We will be better able to predict the amount of mediation time you will need, and can work out an additional flat rate, or another payment plan.
About legal advice: As the mediator, I will guide you in relation to the laws that apply to your situation, but cannot give legal advice to either of you. If you want, I can assist you to engage collaborative lawyers who understand and support the mediation process.
Most separating couples need between 2 and 4 joint mediation sessions, but the amount of time will depend on your readiness to move forward, your ability to communicate effectively and the availability of financial information. We have had rare cases that get to complete agreement at the first joint meeting.
Once you reach agreement, we will discuss the documents you need in order to formalize everything. I can draft your agreement, if you request, and will help you arrange for independent legal advice if you have not already retained lawyers.
Contact us for details