Blog

Diamond and line

Got Mediation?

Readers of my blog will know that as a qualified family law mediator myself, I often refer to mediation as an alternative to traditional methods of resolving disputes, particularly court related proceedings.

But for those of my readers who are considering mediation for the first time, I wanted to share some thoughts.

Firstly, before deciding on any course of action, I strongly recommend that you obtain independent legal advice. Don’t simply sign an agreement or a piece of paper that your ex puts on the table, and certainly not on the basis that “we don’t need lawyers”. As I’ve previously written, those comments are typically made by someone who has already obtained legal advice, and is trying to take advantage of your lack of knowledge to obtain an unfair advantage.

Secondly, there is a matter of financial disclosure. Fairness is based on disclosure, without disclosure there is little possibility of a fair and equitable settlement. Resist the urge to simply agree to settle without such disclosure. Of course, you are free and able to give up your rights to something, but not before you know what you are actually giving up.

Thirdly, following disclosure is the time to attempt to negotiate a fair and equitable settlement, including parenting times (if applicable). If and when disagreements, difficulties, and obstacles arise in reaching a settlement, is an ideal time to retain a mutually agreed family law mediator. With the help of a skilled and experienced mediator, your chance of avoiding costly and stressful court proceedings is extremely high. If you’re looking for more information about mediation or the names of qualified family law mediators, call me.

It may be one of the best decisions you will ever make.

Call me, Scott Taylor at 604.534.6361

You May Also Like…

Can You Decline to Be an Executor in British Columbia?

Can You Decline to Be an Executor in British Columbia?

Discovering that someone named you as the executor of their will can bring mixed emotions. You may appreciate their trust while wondering whether you have the time, health, or ability to take on the responsibility.

Those concerns can feel especially difficult when you are grieving. You may be managing your own household, caring for someone else, or trying to understand an estate that is more complicated than expected.

Being named does not necessarily mean you must accept. In BC, it is generally possible to decline before you begin acting as executor. However, steps you have already taken can affect your options, so timing matters.

read more
Who Keeps the Family Pet After Separation in BC?

Who Keeps the Family Pet After Separation in BC?

Your pet may have been part of morning walks, family outings, and the quiet routines that made your house feel like home. When a relationship ends, deciding where that pet will live can feel deeply personal.

You may both want to continue caring for the animal. You may also have different views about expenses, daily responsibilities, or what arrangement would be practical after moving into separate homes.

In British Columbia, spouses can agree on arrangements for their family pet. When they cannot agree, a court can decide ownership or possession, but it cannot order them to share the animal. Understanding this distinction can help you approach the conversation with clearer expectations.

read more
Section 7 Expenses in BC: What Parents Need to Know

Section 7 Expenses in BC: What Parents Need to Know

When parents separate, understanding child support can involve more than determining the basic monthly amount. Certain costs for children may fall outside regular child support and may need to be shared separately between parents.

These are commonly called Section 7 expenses, or special or extraordinary expenses.

For parents navigating child support in British Columbia, knowing what qualifies as a Section 7 expense, how costs may be divided, and how to address disagreements can help reduce uncertainty and avoid future conflict.

read more

Subscribe