Mediation First – A Smarter Way to Resolve Family Disputes
- Jana de Waal
- Sep 23
- 2 min read
If you’re navigating a separation or divorce in Alberta, you may have already heard that the courts now require families to try alternative dispute resolution (ADR), such as mediation, before they can proceed with a court application. While this may feel like just another step in the process, it’s actually a huge opportunity for families to resolve their issues in a faster, more affordable, and less stressful way.
Why Mediation Comes Before Court
The Alberta family courts are under enormous pressure. Backlogs, delays, and rising costs mean families often wait months or even years for their day in court. To ease this burden, the courts now encourage families to try resolving their issues outside of a courtroom first.
Mediation is at the heart of this effort. It provides families with the chance to:
Communicate openly in a structured environment.
Work together to find solutions on parenting, child support, spousal support, and property matters.
Avoid the high cost of preparing for and attending trial.
If mediation works, families not only save time and money but also avoid adding unnecessary conflict to an already difficult situation.
The Benefits of Mediation Over Trial
Unlike trial, where a judge makes the final decision, mediation empowers families to shape their own outcomes. This can make agreements more practical and easier to follow because they reflect the unique needs of the people involved.
Here’s why mediation is a smarter first step:
Lower cost: Mediation is typically a fraction of the cost of trial.
Faster results: Instead of waiting over a year for trial, mediation can often resolve issues in weeks.
Privacy: Mediation is confidential, unlike court, which is a public process.
Reduced conflict: Mediation fosters cooperation rather than courtroom battles, which is especially important when children are involved.
Virtual Mediation: Even More Convenient
For many Albertan families, mediation is now even easier thanks to virtual mediation. By meeting online, families save on travel, childcare, and time off work. Virtual mediation also makes the process accessible to people in rural or remote communities who may not otherwise have easy access to legal professionals.
How Jana de Waal Can Help
At Stokes Law LLP, Jana de Waal offers both in-person and virtual mediation designed to meet the specific needs of Albertan families. With extensive experience in family law and dispute resolution, Jana helps clients navigate difficult conversations in a supportive, cost-effective way. Her goal is to help families move forward with clarity and confidence, without the overwhelming costs of a courtroom battle.
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