About Mediation

What is Mediation?

  • In mediation, parents or others involved in raising children work together with a trained mediator to work out parenting arrangements and resolve other issues that result when parents live apart.
  • If you have a child under 18 years of age and either you or the other party earns less than $40,000 per year, mediation services are available to you at no cost.
  • If you prefer to hire a private mediator, visit Alberta Family Mediation Society (www.afms.ca) Opens in new window or the Alberta Arbitration and Mediation Society (AAMS) Opens in new window

What happens in mediation?

  • The mediator may first meet with each party separately. This will help determine whether mediation is the best alternative for them. It also allows each parent to tell the mediator what issues they would like to try to resolve during the mediation.
  • If both parties agree, they will meet together with the mediator to discuss and try to settle issues which may include:
    • how will the children share their time with each parent
    • who will make the day-to-day decisions about the children's lives
    • how much money will each parent pay to support their child(ren)
  • The mediator has no decision-making authority and does not take sides
  • Mediation sessions are confidential and cannot be used as evidence in any court action.
  • The number of sessions usually depends on the number of issues to be resolved.

Child Protection Mediation

  • Mediation Services will mediate contested Child Protection cases.
  • Mediation Services are currently available through Court Services in Edmonton, Calgary and Rural Alberta.
  • The process is empowering for all parties involved, improving communication and allowing input into outcomes that determine the best interests of the child and family in conjunction with Children's Services.

Benefits of Mediation:

  • Children don't have to take sides, so can avoid getting "caught in the middle".
  • Parents may learn how to improve communication and negotiation skills, making it easier to settle future disputes.
  • A mediated agreement takes into account the family's special needs.
  • Parents are often better able to accept and respect a mediated agreement that they have worked out together.
  • Mediation is confidential and can save time and money.

For more information, or make an appointment for mediation, contact Family Mediation Services.