Family Mediation

Our family mediators ask important questions about your family's needs and interests, your children, your values, and discuss your short term needs and long term goals. We build understanding about the underlying issues that are motivating decisions, and make space to brainstorm solutions.

In these preparation discussions, we coach you to help you communicate more clearly and effectively. In this process, we practice conflict engagement skills and respectful communication. 

When in a mediation session, we help parents communicate their needs and work together to find agreeable outcomes. 

Mediators do not make decisions or judgements, we are not enforcement. Instead we help people talk about options, imagine solutions and make their own informed decisions. 

Our services use a sliding scale depending on family income.

Many people qualify for free services.

For mid-high income families, when financial issues require mediation, or arbitration is required, the maximum fee per family is $6,000. 

People who are survivors of violence, identify as 2SLGBTQQIA+ and Indigenous women are fully subsidized.

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

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 families 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 an agreement ready for Independent Legal Advice (ILA).  

Rights and responsibilities can be impacted by information such as date of co-habitation, date of marriage, date of separation. 

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 a lawyer who does not have a conflicting interest. The role of this 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.

Language interpretation services are available upon request.

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.

Family mediation is offered by Mediation Services with support from Family Resolution Services.

To begin the intake process, either call Get Guidance at 204 945-2313 or download and complete the form below, save it and send it to [email protected].

If you'd like to speak to a family mediator about the process or to learn more, call Mediation Services at 

204 925-3419 or email [email protected] 

Downloadable Intake Form