Mediation

Mediation is a way to try to solve problems without going to court. A mediator is a person who's specially trained to help people settle conflicts.

A mediator has to have special training, but they can't make you do things the way a judge can. Their job is to help you find your own solutions to your problems. Some mediators are also lawyers.

A mediator:

  • can't take sides with you or your spouse, and
  • can't give you legal advice, even if they're a lawyer.

For a family law case, you'll need a mediator who knows about family law.

Whether or not they're a lawyer, a mediator must:

Before you start to work with a mediator, ask about their training and qualifications.

You have to pay private mediators, but it's still usually much cheaper than going to court.

Family justice counsellors offer free mediation services.

To find out more about what mediators do:
  • Read the Mediators page on the BC government's Family Justice website.

How do you find a mediator?

Here are a few ways to find a mediator:

Can you make your spouse go to mediation?

Mediation is usually voluntary. You and the other person agree to go.

But if one person isn't keen, a judge can order you to try mediation.

And, if you've started a case in Supreme Court, you can serve your spouse with a document called a Notice to Mediate that says they have to go to mediation.

Get help talking it through

Clare hears how a mediator can help her and her ex settle their issues, in our illustrated short story, Talking it through

Illustration to introduce story
Updated on 16 February 2023