Mediation Services

Mediation & Arbitration

Our Mediation Experts:

Civil Matters

Family Law Matters

Mediation is a widespread dispute resolution process that helps parties in a dispute come to their resolution. Unlike litigation and Arbitration, Mediation utilizes a neutral third party to create a process that the parties can use to work their way through the dispute on their terms and come to a mutually beneficial agreement. Meditation is a highly effective way of resolving disputes.

Mediations have historically been used primarily in small civil disputes and family matters. However, it is now commonly used to resolve all types of disputes ranging from complicated business disputes to highly contested family law matters. While Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution, it distinct from arbitrations in some fundamental ways, most notably that the Mediator has no power to make decisions during the Mediation. Decision making rests solely with the parties themselves.

The Key Features of a Mediation are as follows:

Voluntary:
Parties must expressly agree to Mediation in writing. The parties cannot be compelled to submit to the Mediation; all parties' participation must be entirely voluntary.
Controlled:
Parties have the choice of the Mediator, timing and location of the Mediation as well as who may be present. Once the Mediation begins, the parties do not control the process, the Mediator does.
Private:
A mediation is conducted in private.
Informal:
There are no prescribed rules of evidence or procedures for the parties to follow. Mediation permits the parties to review whatever information they think might be relevant and assign the importance of that information themselves.
Non-Adjudicative:
Litigation and Arbitration are adjudicative because the judge or Arbitrator makes a binding decision after hearing each party's case. Meditation, on the other hand, is non-adjudicative. The Mediator will not make decisions for the parties. The parties are in complete control of the outcome. There is no risk that they will be stuck with a decision with which they do not agree.
Non-Binding:
Mediations conducted by Burnham Law Group are non-binding. The Mediator will provide a Mediation Report, which will summarize the Mediator's understanding of the parties' agreement.
Confidential:
Mediation is generally confidential. Nothing is filed with the Courts, and the record of the Mediation does not form part of the public Court record.
Non-Adversarial:
While the litigation and arbitration process is based on the adversarial style of the litigation model, mediations are not. This allows the mediator flexibility to assist the parties to seek a mutually agreeable resolution of the matter. It is usually much more cost-effective and comfortable for all parties as they are working towards a resolution instead of preparing for a contested hearing. A non-adversarial process is particularly helpful for family law matters, and business disputes where maintaining a relationship with the other party is significant.
Flexible:
The parties have discretion in choosing a mediator and the process to be followed in resolving the dispute.

What Family Law Matters can be Mediated?

Burnham Law Group will mediate all family law, including:

  • Guideline Income determinations
  • Variation of child support
  • Child support arrears calculations
  • Parenting time applications
  • Variation of parenting time
  • Determination of holiday or other parenting schedules
  • Spousal support applications
  • Division of property
  • Child welfare matters (CFSA)
  • Matters where there are allegations of child abuse (physical or sexual)
  • Mobility applications where one party seeks to move more than 550 KM
  • Change of custody applications
  • Etc.

Family Law Mediations at Burnham Law Group

  1. Process:
    1. The parties agree to Mediation and choice of Mediator. Both parties sign a Mediation Agreement with Burnham Law Group.
    2. Each party provides relevant financial disclosure to the Mediator.
    3. The parties attend Mediation (either in person or via video conference)
  2. Costs:
    1. The cost for a half-day Family Law Mediation is $800 per party and includes:
      1. All pre-mediation scheduling, document review, and communication;
      2. Conducting the Mediation; and
      3. Drafting the written Mediation Report.
    2. Post mediation services are also available for an additional charge and include:
      1. Drafting a binding Divorce & Property Contract,
      2. Obtaining divorce,
      3. Buying, selling or transfers of property,
      4. Refinancing,
      5. Estate Planning,
      6. Transfers of RRSP's or pensions,
      7. Support Orders,
      8. Etc.

What Civil Matters can be Mediated?

Almost all civil and commercial disputes can be resolved through Mediation, provided both parties agree to submit to the Mediation. Examples include, but are not limited to:

  • Commercial and Residential Landlord-Tenant Disputes
  • Business disputes
  • Contract disputes
  • Employment disputes
  • Etc.

Civil Law Mediations at Burnham Law Group

  1. Process:
    1. The parties agree to Mediation and choice of Mediator. Both parties sign a Mediation Agreement with Burnham Law Group.
    2. Each party provides relevant documentation to the Mediator.
    3. The parties attend Mediation (either in person or via video conference)
  2. Costs:
    1. The cost for a half-day Civil Law Mediation is $800 per party and includes:
      1. All pre-mediation scheduling, document review, and communication;
      2. Conducting the Mediation; and
      3. Drafting the written Mediation Report.

Mediation Information:

There are times when individuals have a dispute that cannot be resolved amongst one another. At Burnham Law Group, our goal as a mediator is to help client’s come to an agreement as peacefully, quickly, cost-effectively and diplomatically as possible. Allow us to use our knowledge, experience and expertise to ease the movement of your matter.

For more information on our mediation services, please contact us.

Contact Us



Grande Prairie

 #101, 10309 98 St. Grande Prairie, AB T8V 2E7
 (780) 539-3710       (780) 532-2788
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