Privacy in Mediation

  Privacy in mediation is one of the main reasons why people choose to mediate, rather than litigate, their law cases.  When people seek the court’s help to make decisions about their separation and divorce, business or estate dispute, everything is potentially out in the open. Most people prefer to keep their business private.  They … Continued

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How To Divide Household Property When Separating

When a couple separates, they have to decide how to divide their household property, furniture, and other household items.  This applies to both married couples, and those that have lived together. You can use your mediator, or lawyers, to help you decide how to split family property.  However, the cost for a professional’s time may … Continued

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Seniors facing separation have very different needs than younger couples

Seniors facing separation have different needs than younger couples. Understanding these needs is often a challenge for professionals who normally deal with younger people. “Seniors often have sufficient resources to separate effectively” states elder lawyer and mediator Michael Butterfield. “The problems arise when seniors have used a large part of their retirement nest egg to fund … Continued

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Lawyers are Expensive – Mediation can Help

Lawyers are expensive. Clients usually pay an hourly rate, based upon the lawyer’s experience. Depending on the city and the firm, this can range from $200 per hour to almost $1000 per hour. Lawyers are Expensive:  How can mediation help? The first thing to understand is that most civil cases settle without a trial. A … Continued

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Financial Disclosure in Family Mediations

Financial disclosure is an essential element in most family mediations.  Mediation is about compromise.  In order to compromise, each party must fully understand the family’s financial situation. The law in British Columbia generally divides all assets and all debts equally.  However, there are exceptions.  For example, a property which was in a party’s name prior … Continued

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