Mediation

Family Mediation

Helping Families Move Forward
 
Separation, divorce, parenting changes, and family conflict can feel overwhelming. Mediation provides a confidential and structured space to work through important decisions with the support of a neutral mediator.
 
At Carter’s Counselling, our goal is to help families communicate, identify the issues that need to be resolved, and work toward practical agreements that consider the needs of everyone involved.
 
Mediation can provide an alternative to a lengthy and adversarial court process while allowing both parties to remain involved in the decisions that affect their family.
 
What Is Family Mediation?
 
Family mediation is a voluntary and confidential process where a neutral mediator helps both parties communicate, identify concerns, explore possible solutions, and work toward mutually acceptable agreements.
 
The mediator does not take sides and does not make decisions for either party. Instead, the mediator helps guide productive conversations so that both individuals have an opportunity to be heard.
 
Mediation may help families address issues such as:
  • Parenting arrangements and parenting schedules
  • Decision-making responsibilities
  • Communication and co-parenting
  • Child support
  • Spousal support
  • Property and financial matters
  • Separation and divorce
  • Changes to existing arrangements
  • Other family-related disagreements
What Does the Mediation Process Look Like?
 
1. Contact Our Office
One party can contact Carter’s Counselling to begin the mediation process.
 
Our administrative team will collect the information required to create a confidential client file and will then contact the other party separately.
 
2. Individual Intake Sessions
Before any joint mediation takes place, each party completes a separate individual intake session with the mediator.
These appointments allow the mediator to:
  • Learn about the situation from each person’s perspective
  • Identify the main concerns and topics that may need to be addressed
  • Explain the mediation process
  • Discuss expectations and confidentiality
  • Determine whether mediation is appropriate
  • Answer questions before proceeding
Information from one party’s private intake is not automatically shared with the other party.
 
3. Information & Financial Disclosure
Depending on the matters being discussed, both parties may be asked to provide relevant documentation before or during the mediation process.
 
For financial matters, this may include documents such as:
  • Bank account statements
  • Credit card and line of credit statements
  • Mortgage information
  • Vehicle loans and current vehicle values
  • RRSP and TFSA statements
  • Pension information
  • T4s and Notices of Assessment
  • Information regarding the value of the family home
  • Other relevant assets, debts, income, or financial information
Having complete information available helps both parties participate in informed discussions.
 
4. Joint Mediation Sessions
Once both individual intakes have been completed and the mediator determines that mediation can proceed, a joint session can be scheduled.
 
During mediation, the mediator helps both parties work through the identified issues one at a time.
 
The focus is on respectful communication, understanding each person’s concerns, exploring options, and identifying areas where agreement may be possible.
 
Some families may reach an agreement quickly, while others may require several sessions.
 
5. Documentation
When agreements are reached, the mediator can prepare documentation summarizing the decisions made during mediation.
 
Documentation fees are based on the amount of time required to prepare, review, and revise the documents.
 
Mediators do not provide independent legal advice to either party. We encourage each party to obtain independent legal advice before signing or formally finalizing agreements.
 
Why Choose Mediation?
Mediation gives families the opportunity to work collaboratively rather than having decisions made for them.
 
Depending on the circumstances, mediation may:
  • Reduce conflict
  • Improve communication
  • Give both parties a voice in the process
  • Help parents develop healthier co-parenting relationships
  • Provide greater flexibility when developing solutions
  • Reduce the time and financial cost associated with prolonged court proceedings
  • Keep discussions focused on practical solutions and the needs of the family
Every family is different, and mediation does not require the parties to agree on everything before beginning. The purpose of mediation is to create a structured environment where those disagreements can be worked through.
 
Mediation & Children
Separation and divorce can create significant changes for children.
 
Mediation can help parents keep conversations focused on their children’s needs while developing parenting arrangements that work for their family.
 
Our approach recognizes that families are changing — not ending — and that parents may continue to share important responsibilities long after a separation.
 
Where appropriate, additional counselling supports may also be available through Carter’s Counselling for parents, children, youth, or other family members.
 
Frequently Asked Questions
 
Do we have to already agree before starting mediation?
No. Many people begin mediation because there are issues they have been unable to resolve on their own.
You do not need to have everything figured out before contacting us.
 
Does the mediator decide who is right?
No.
The mediator remains neutral and does not make decisions for either party. Their role is to facilitate the discussion, clarify concerns, and help both parties explore possible solutions.
 
Do we meet together right away?
No.
Each party must first attend their own individual intake appointment with the mediator. Joint mediation is scheduled after both intakes have been completed and the mediator has determined that it is appropriate to proceed.
 
Is mediation confidential?
Mediation is a confidential process, subject to the terms and limitations explained in your mediation agreement and intake documentation.
The mediator will review confidentiality with each party before mediation begins.
 
Can I bring a support person?
A support person may sometimes be permitted.
Please discuss this with the mediator in advance. The mediator will determine whether their participation is appropriate and what role, if any, they may have during the session.
 
Do I still need a lawyer?
You are not required to have a lawyer sitting with you throughout every mediation session.
However, the mediator is neutral and cannot provide independent legal advice to either party. We strongly encourage each person to obtain independent legal advice when appropriate, particularly before formally finalizing an agreement.
 
How many mediation sessions will we need?
There is no set number.
The amount of time required depends on the number and complexity of the issues, the information available, and the progress made during each session.
 
What does mediation cost?
 
Family Mediation: $225 + GST per hour
Additional fees may apply for preparing mediation documentation. Documentation is billed according to the time required to draft, review, and revise the documents.
Our administrative team can provide additional information regarding fees before you book.
 
Family Dispute Resolution in Saskatchewan
Family mediation is one of several recognized forms of family dispute resolution available in Saskatchewan.
In Saskatchewan, family law matters proceeding through Family Court are generally required to attempt a family dispute-resolution process before continuing further through the court process, subject to certain exemptions.
Mediation may be used whether or not court proceedings have already begun.
 
Ready to Get Started?
You do not need to have everything figured out before contacting us.
If you are considering mediation, our administrative team can explain the first steps, answer questions about the intake process, and provide current appointment availability.
 
 
Serving families throughout Saskatchewan.
 
Not Sure If Mediation Is Right for Your Family?
 
Reach out to our team. We can explain how the process works and help you determine the appropriate next step.
 
You don’t have to navigate it alone.

Effective July 1, 2022, parties with a contested family law matter must participate in family dispute resolution before they may proceed to trial. Contested divorce (also known as a defended divorce) is when both parties agree about getting a divorce, but cannot agree on some or all of the details regarding the divorce. Katharine is a Family Mediator and provides this service! Carter’s Counselling also has packages in which the entire family can participate in mediation or individual counselling. This is especially beneficial for children who are involved in the situation. Families go through transitions of all types. Katharine can help to support the transition through separation and divorce. Katharine’s main focus is to come to an agreement with the family in which everyone is satisfied. At times, we all need support to create the best decisions for the family unit as a whole.