Family Mediation

Our mediators are here to help ask important questions about your needs and interests, your children, your parenting values, and to help you consider your short term needs and long term goals. We help build understanding about the underlying values and issues that are motivating decisions, and help make space to brainstorm solutions. In "coaching" individuals through these important questions, we help people communicate more clearly and effectively through conflict. In this process, we help everyone to practice conflict resolution skills and respectful communication. Where parties need support outside of our roles, we offer resources (like resources on child development and reducing the impacts of separation) and encouragement to work with other professionals where it could be beneficial.

When in a mediation, we help parties to communicate their needs and work together to find agreeable outcomes. We support people to communicate their concerns respectfully through interest based discussions to focus on goals for the future. Mediators do not make decisions, we help people talk about options, propose their own solutions and make their own informed decisions. 

All mediation fees are shared between participants.

Co-Parent Mediation

Fees for individual work with parties to prepare for mediation, also known as parent coaching, is $150/ hour. 

For mediation, we use a co-mediation process that involves 2 mediators with one ADRIM Chartered or Qualified Mediator. We always use a co-mediation model to ensure balance and to compliment the skills and needs of your family. Mediation fees are $150/ hour per party.

Fees may be increased if parties require a Lawyer/Mediator or two Chartered Mediators. 

Comprehensive Mediation

Both parties receive a free 15 minute consultation to go over our services and their needs. Fees for Comprehensive Mediation are set between Mediation Services and Evans Family Law as a flat rate of $6000 ($3000 each) upon intake. After the consultation parties will schedule a 1 hour consultation and fees are due at the first meeting. A detailed overview is provided in our service agreement. 

A parenting plan is a detailed outline of all the topics that are important to you as parents.

In either our Parent Coaching and Mediation or Comprehensive Mediation Service, we support parents in developing parenting plans. 

As outlined in the first FAQ, What can I expect in parent coaching and mediation, we focus the discussion on the different topics about how you want to raise your children after separation.

We discuss a wide range of important topics including: parenting arrangements, communication, education, extra curricular activities, savings, medical and health, travel, identification, extended family, dealing with conflict, new partners and blended families, specialized care. 

We help parents develop a separation agreement through our Comprehensive Mediation Services.

A written separation agreement helps couples settle most or many of the issues outside of court. For separating families, either common law or through marriage, parties will address: 1) parenting arrangements, 2) parenting plans, 3) child support and spousal support, and 4) division of debts and assets. 

Parties work the main aspects of these topics in mediation with the guidance of the Family Mediator and Family Lawyer, preparing the agreements into a formal document. Parties should be informed of the laws and their rights and responsibilities by Independent Legal Advice (ILA) so they do not make any decisions they would later regret or want to dispute because a separation agreement is a legally binding contract. 

Rights and responsibilities can be impacted by information such as date of co-habitation, date of marriage, date of separation. All of this should be reviewed with ILA. 

A legal agreement can contain agreements outside of the laws where informed parties make agreements based on what is best for their circumstances. 

Read more on Family Law Manitoba (You will be redirected to Gov.MB.ca) 

 Definition:

• Independent Legal Advice (ILA) is provided by an outside lawyer who does not have a conflicting interest. The role of this outside lawyer is to provide legal advice that is objective and unbiased regarding a decision the individual is facing. 

Why?

• ILA is required to make a mediated separation agreement legally binding.
• Each party is offered the opportunity to review the mediated separation agreement independent from their separated partner to receive advice, ask questions and ensuring that they understand their rights and obligations under the agreement.  

Our mediators are sensitive to your family's unique circumstances and family structure. We are committed to having a safe and accessible space to help your family navigate conflict and reach agreements on what's important to you. 

Talk to us about your needs. 

Mediation is a process that requires both partners to voluntarily participate. You may want to inform your ex-partner about your interest in using our services and provide them with links to our website so they can learn more.

If you are talking to them about it, be curious. Find out about their concerns or hesitations.

If you're unsure - that's okay! This is a difficult time with a lot to consider. We are here to support families in determining outcomes that are best for them and to be sustainable long term. Get the information you need from us or other professionals to help make your decisions.  

If you want assistance in how to approach your ex-partner, we may be able to assist with a first email or call.

1. Get the information you need about our process and other options. 
2. Fill out an online application. 
3. Inform your ex-partner about your interest in using our services and invite them to look at our services. You can also ask us for support to reach out to them by email. 
4. Next, we will book an intake appointment with you. We'll talk to you about your situation, provide you with resources, and have you fill out our agreement to mediate. 

We understand navigating conflict and separation is stressful and you may feel overwhelmed to do research. You may also give us a call or request a call to discuss our services. 

If you need assistance, contact our intake worker at 204-925-3434 or email us at: [email protected]