Your fresh start
starts today.

Needs-focused family mediation dedicated to repurposing your relationship and saving you money.​

Divorce mediation
really works.

A fresh start for your family.
A fresh start for your finances.
A fresh start for you.

Your fresh start
starts today.

Needs-focused family mediation dedicated to repurposing your relationship and saving you money.​

Divorce mediation
really works.

A fresh start for your family.
A fresh start for your finances.
A fresh start for you.

A fresh approach to mediation:

The Orange Story

Our process gives you fresh perspective that ensures a successful divorce or separation. We take a deep-dive into your situation and make difficult decisions easier. 

Choose a better path to your fresh start

Little Girl Holding an Orange
Little Girl Holding an Orange

Relationships redefined for a hopeful future

Separation & Divorce

Save time, money and heartache through our non-adversarial coaching & mediation process.

Financial Assessment

Get clarity and perspective from financial experts who help you now and into the future.

Parenting Plans

Focus on plans that keep your children’s health, happiness and security top-of-mind.

What will it cost?

Mediation can save time, money & stress compared to traditional divorce.

Get an estimate fast with our pricing calculator.

Take the first step:

Let’s talk about you.

We offer no obligation, free 1hr consultations to people like you. Let’s talk about your situation. Really. 

We work tirelessly to find the path to your [re]start.

Fresh Start Mediation was created because we knew there was a better way to overcome conflict with less pain, lower costs and more fulfilling outcomes

Through our mediation process, you will find a renewed sense of self as we help you create the bright future you imagine for your family. 

Most of our work can be done over video calls, and our team of partners and associates is likely in a community near you for those important face-to-face meetings. 

Regional Locations

Save time and money through mediation.

A mediator brings clarity, reduces anxiety and helps you build a future with intent. Our established, non-adversarial mediation process offers a better alternative than expensive, time-consuming, emotionally draining and unpredictable litigation. 

Mediation leads to reliable, long-lasting agreements through a safe and confidential process. Our expert mediators ensure you feel heard, understood and respected. We help you break the cycle of past conflict, ensuring both parties reach an agreement that provides security and closure.

Relationships are an evolution, and our mediators help in creating a different level of communication between parties to ensure a smooth transition from conflict to agreement. Throughout our process, we implement helpful tools to navigate your changing relationship dynamics. Our easy-to-follow guidelines and in-house financial analysts help sort through financial matters. 

As we work towards a completed agreement, we include a short-term plan to help keep things in-line while we work on the finer details. Interim understandings help reduce confusion and lead to timely and stable long-term agreements. 

We respect your needs, desired outcomes and, most importantly, your budget. Saving you time and money are our goals. Reducing heartache and your fresh start are our results. 

We support the communities we serve.

The Latest in Alberta Mediation News

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In May 2018, an audio clip went viral on social media, sparking a debate among listeners about whether they heard the word “Yanny” or “Laurel.” The clip was originally posted on Reddit by a user who asked fellow users to identify which word they heard. As the clip went viral, people were shocked to learn that others were hearing something entirely different than what they were hearing. Now this is where things become weird.  A

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Please visit our fresh thoughts blog about mediation and find out what we are up to.

What Is Divorce Mediation?

Play Video about What is Divorce Mediation?

What Is Divorce Mediation?

Divorce mediation is a popular alternative to litigation for couples who are seeking to end their marriage. It can provide an opportunity for both parties to work through their differences in a respectful, private and cost-effective manner. This article will discuss the benefits of divorce mediation and explain how it works.

Divorce mediation offers couples the ability to remain in control of the outcome of their divorce. It is an informal process that takes place outside of the court system, allowing both spouses to negotiate and resolve any issues they may have without involving a judge or jury. The mediator’s role is to facilitate communication between the couple and help them reach an agreement on all outstanding matters.

The primary goal of divorce mediation is to achieve an amicable resolution that is fair, equitable, and mutually beneficial for both parties involved. Mediators strive to create an atmosphere where both spouses can openly express their concerns and needs while recognizing those of their partner. This approach can help create a sense of understanding between the two parties that will be important for them as they move forward with their lives after divorce.

Is Divorce Mediation Legally Binding?

No, the divorce mediation process is not legally binding in Canada.  Although documents agreed to and signed may be legally binding.

It is important to understand that even if a divorce mediation agreement is not legally binding, it can still be used as evidence in court proceedings and can provide guidance for both parties should they choose to take legal action on issues related to their dissolution of marriage. Furthermore, many couples find that going through a mediated process often results in resolutions that are more amicable and mutually beneficial than those reached through traditional litigation processes.

How Much Does Divorce Mediation Cost?

Divorce mediation is an alternative dispute resolution process, where divorcing couples meet with a neutral third party mediator to discuss the terms of their divorce. This process has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its affordability and ability to help couples come to a mutually agreed upon agreement. The cost of divorce mediation varies depending on the complexity of the case, but typically ranges up to $8,000 per spouse for an all-inclusive package.  A typical divorce can cost $30,000 in lawyer fees per spouse.  You can check our divorce mediation pricing calculator here.

The cost of divorce mediation depends on several factors, such as how much time is spent by the mediator in assisting the couple with their negotiations, the amount of legal documents that need to be completed and filed with the court, and other miscellaneous costs. For example, if one spouse is seeking spousal support or child support payments from the other spouse during the divorce proceedings, additional fees may be associated with obtaining this information from both parties. Additionally, more complex cases may require more time from experienced professionals such as attorneys or financial advisors.

The cost benefit analysis of divorce mediation should be weighed carefully before deciding which route to take when dealing with a divorce situation. While it may not seem like a bargain at first glance, those who choose mediation often find that they save money in lawyer’s fees while achieving better results than they would have achieved through litigation. Furthermore, couples who engage in mediation generally reach agreements faster than those who pursue litigation and are able to maintain better communication throughout the entire process – something that can be beneficial for both parties involved.

What Types Of Issues Can Be Addressed In Divorce Mediation?

Divorce mediation is a process that helps couples resolve issues arising from the divorce. During mediation, both parties are given an opportunity to discuss their differences and come up with a mutually beneficial agreement.

Firstly, most divorce mediations involve discussing financial matters related to the divorce. This includes division of assets, alimony payments, child support, and other financial topics. It is important for parties to understand their rights and obligations regarding these matters so they can reach an agreement that works for both sides. Additionally, when it comes to parenting plans or custody agreements, the mediator can help each party understand their responsibilities and work towards an arrangement that works best for all involved.

Secondly, emotional issues can also be discussed in divorce mediation. Both parties may need help navigating through complex emotions such as anger or sadness during this difficult time in their lives. The mediator can provide tools and resources to help couples manage these emotions while still allowing them to make decisions about their future in a healthy and constructive way. Furthermore, communication skills can also be honed during this process so that each side can listen more effectively and resolve disputes without resorting to personal attacks or arguments.

Finally, divorce mediation is also a great way for couples to learn how to co-parent effectively once the separation is finalized. A mediator can provide tips on how divorced parents should interact with each other, especially when it comes to making major decisions about the children’s welfare or upbringing. Additionally, mediators can also advise on ways in which parents can avoid conflict when dealing with disagreements between themselves and/or the children post-divorce.

Divorce mediation provides an opportunity for both sides of a marriage breakdown to come together in a safe space and resolve any outstanding issues before moving forward with legal proceedings. With the help of a trained professional facilitator, couples are able to address various topics such as finances, emotions, and parenting arrangements without putting either party at risk of further harm or distress.

What Are The Benefits Of Divorce Mediation?

Divorce mediation is a process of dispute resolution that helps couples address issues related to the dissolution of their marriage. This process is often used as an alternative to traditional court-based litigation, and can be beneficial for both parties involved.

The primary benefit of divorce mediation comes from its focus on cooperation. The mediator works with both parties to find solutions that meet both spouses’ needs. This allows couples to reach agreeable solutions in a timely manner without having to involve a judge or have their case heard in court. Additionally, since the mediator is impartial and has no vested interest in the outcome of the case, they are better able to provide an unbiased opinion on any disputed points during negotiations or discussions.

In addition to promoting cooperation between spouses, divorce mediation also offers other advantages. It is often less expensive than a court-based litigation process and allows couples to maintain control over decision-making in regards to issues such as child custody and property division. The process also provides for more privacy than a court hearing would, allowing couples to avoid airing out their personal matters in a public setting. Furthermore, divorce mediation enables couples who are still on friendly terms with one another to develop customized solutions tailored specifically for them instead of relying solely on pre-established legal parameters that may not fit their particular situation.

Divorce mediation can provide an effective way for couples seeking to end their marriage while avoiding lengthy and expensive court proceedings. It encourages cooperation between spouses while allowing them greater control over decision making related to important matters such as child custody and property division. Additionally, it provides privacy compared with courtroom proceedings and also allows couples who are still amicable towards each other the opportunity to develop custom solutions tailored specifically for them based on mutual understanding.

Is Divorce Mediation Right For Me?

Divorce mediation is a type of alternative dispute resolution that can be beneficial to parties who are facing the end of their marriage. It offers many advantages, such as speed, cost savings, privacy, and an improved long-term relationship between the parties. Therefore, it is important to consider whether this type of dispute resolution is suitable for your particular situation.

One way to determine if divorce mediation is right for you is to consider how comfortable you feel with the idea of having an impartial third party working with both parties to reach a mutually agreeable outcome. This professional will be skilled in helping both sides express their needs and interests during the process. If this seems like a good fit for your circumstances, then divorce mediation may be a good option for you.

Another factor that should be taken into consideration when deciding if divorce mediation is suitable for you is if you feel capable of negotiating with your former partner without any animosity or ill will. If so, it could be an effective means of resolving issues related to division of assets and liabilities, child support and/or custody arrangements. Additionally, it can help ensure that all decisions are made in the best interests of both parties involved and any children or other dependents affected by the divorce.

When considering whether divorce mediation is right for you, here are some helpful points:

  1. Determine your comfort level with involving a third party in the process;
  2. Assess your ability to negotiate with your former spouse constructively;
  3. Consider whether resolving issues through mediation would benefit all parties involved; and
  4. Decide if this method suits both your financial situation and timeframe requirements.

By being informed about the potential benefits that come from choosing divorce mediation as well as evaluating whether it fits with your individual circumstances, you can make an informed decision about what approach works best for you during this difficult time in life.

How Long Does Divorce Mediation Take?

The answer to this question depends on the complexity of the divorce issues, as well as the commitment of both parties to resolve their differences. Generally, divorce mediation can be completed within one or two months, depending on availability and scheduling of sessions. It is possible for couples who have agreed on all issues and are ready to sign an agreement to complete the process in less than one month. Conversely, if there are substantial disagreements between the spouses, it could take longer for all matters to be resolved and an agreement signed by both parties.

In addition to the length of time that it takes for divorce mediation, there are other factors that should be taken into account when considering this option including costs associated with hiring a professional mediator and any legal fees that may need to be paid in order to finalize a settlement agreement. Therefore, it is important for potential participants in divorce mediation to consider these items before beginning the process so they understand what they are getting into and whether or not this type of dispute resolution is right for them.

Ultimately, those considering divorce mediation will want to ensure that they have evaluated all available options before making a decision about how best to proceed with their particular situation. Taking some time upfront will help ensure that individuals make an informed decision which can lead them towards the path that best suits their needs.

What Is The Role Of The Mediator In Divorce Mediation?

Divorce mediation is a process that utilizes a mediator to help couples reach an agreement about their divorce. The role of the mediator in this process is integral, as they provide a neutral third-party perspective and facilitate discussion between the two parties.

The mediator acts as a buffer to help spouses remain focused on reaching their desired outcomes, rather than letting emotions get in the way. This helps keep couples from becoming entrenched in arguments and allows them to move forward more quickly than they could if they were to go through the traditional court system.

The mediator also provides support and guidance, helping spouses to create solutions that are best for both parties and will last into the future. They listen to both sides of the story, provide important information, and help each spouse understand how their decisions will affect them both financially and emotionally.

In addition, a mediator can assist with the division of assets and parental responsibility plans when necessary. They can also provide referrals for financial advisors or other professionals if needed. Through this process, couples are able to find common ground without having to resort to litigation which can be costly and time consuming.

Divorce mediation offers an alternative path for couples seeking resolution during what can be an overwhelming time in their lives. It creates an opportunity for spouses to come together peacefully in order to negotiate a settlement outside of court while still addressing all relevant issues thoroughly. By allowing couples more control over their destiny it can also lead to better long-term outcomes such as more amicable post-divorce relationships between spouses or co-parenting arrangements that benefit any children involved.

Is Divorce Mediation Confidential?

Divorce mediation is a process of dispute resolution that many couples choose to go through in order to work out their divorce agreement without going to court. As part of this process, a mediator is used to facilitate communication between the couple and can have an important role in helping them reach a settlement. One important question surrounding divorce mediation is whether it remains confidential.

Confidentiality is one of the main advantages of divorce mediation as it protects the parties involved from the public scrutiny which would occur during a trial. In most jurisdictions, the conversations and agreements made during mediation are subject to confidentiality, meaning they cannot be disclosed in court or any other legal setting. Mediators must also abide by ethical guidelines which ensure that all exchanges remain confidential. This means that any information revealed during mediation is not allowed to be shared with anyone outside of the session, either by the mediator or either party, unless specifically agreed upon by both parties.

As mentioned above, divorce mediation provides certain protections for those involved in terms of confidentiality and privacy. This can be beneficial for couples who are undergoing a difficult period and want to keep their conversations private from their family members or any third parties who may be affected by their situation. Additionally, without having their private details released into the public domain, couples are able to make more informed decisions about how they want their divorce proceedings to proceed without feeling pressure from external sources. It also allows them to focus on reaching an agreement that works for both parties rather than worrying about how it could affect their reputation or standing among others.

The provision of confidentiality throughout divorce mediation gives individuals peace-of-mind knowing that whatever they discuss with each other or with the mediator will remain strictly between themselves and will not be used against each other in future proceedings should an agreement not be reached through negotiation. This encourages honest communication within sessions which makes it easier for couples to reach an amicable settlement without additional stress or worry about what could happen if their discussions were made known publicly.

Do I Need A Lawyer For Divorce Mediation?

Divorce mediation is a voluntary process that couples can use to settle their divorce without going to court. Through mediation, couples are able to resolve issues related to their separation, such as property division and child custody arrangements, in an agreement that is tailored to their individual needs. An important question for people considering mediation is whether they need a lawyer present.

The answer depends on the couple’s individual situation. Generally, it is helpful for both spouses to have independent legal advice during the process of creating a mediated settlement agreement. This ensures that each party understands the terms of the agreement and knows their rights under the law. It also helps them make sure that any agreement is fair and equitable. Having a lawyer review the agreement before it is signed helps protect both parties in case there are any issues later on down the line.

Whether or not you decide to hire individual lawyers for your divorce mediation depends on your particular circumstances and goals of your mediation process. If you are comfortable negotiating directly with each other without legal representation, then this may be an option for you. However, if either spouse feels uncertain about certain aspects of the mediated settlement agreement or does not feel equipped to handle negotiations alone, then it may be wise for both spouses to retain legal counsel throughout the mediation process. Ultimately, hiring independent lawyers can help ensure fairness and provide additional advice during this tumultuous time in your lives.

Is It Possible To Resolve All The Issues In Divorce Mediation?

Divorce mediation can be an effective way to resolve all the issues that arise during a divorce. It is a process where both parties, as well as their lawyers if they choose to have them present, come together and work through their differences in order to reach an agreement on any outstanding matters. Generally, the mediator will act as a neutral third-party who helps facilitate negotiations between the two sides.

The primary benefit of divorce mediation is that it allows couples to remain in control of their own divorce proceedings by negotiating terms outside of court. This can save time and money for both parties when compared with traditional litigation. Additionally, it provides an opportunity for couples to reach agreements on difficult topics such as child custody and division of assets without having to go through a court trial. Furthermore, since the negotiations are conducted in private, it may also help preserve relationships between the two sides after the divorce has been finalized.

Divorce mediation can be a useful tool for couples looking to settle any unresolved issues from their marriage without going through the traditional legal system. Through this process, parties can come together and negotiate terms that work best for them in order to achieve a resolution that is satisfactory for both sides involved. By doing so, they may be able to avoid costly courtroom battles while still preserving important relationships throughout the process.

What Happens If The Parties Cannot Reach An Agreement In Divorce Mediation?

Divorce mediation is a process which allows parties in a divorce to resolve matters such as property division, alimony payments, and child custody. When the mediator facilitates communication between the two parties, it gives them an opportunity to come to an agreement that both can agree on. However, there are times when the parties cannot reach an agreement through mediation. In this case, what happens next depends on several factors.

One factor is the type of dispute being mediated. If the dispute is over a financial issue, such as property division or alimony payments, then usually the mediator will suggest that binding arbitration might be the way to resolve the matter. On the other hand, if child custody or visitation rights are in dispute, then usually further counseling will be recommended for both parents so they can come to an understanding about what is best for their children.

The decision of whether legal action should be taken or not also depends on how invested each party is in resolving their differences through mediation rather than going to court. If one party feels strongly about getting their way and refuses to compromise with the other party during mediation sessions, then arbitration or legal action may be necessary in order to obtain a resolution. On the other hand, if both parties are willing to communicate openly and work together towards finding solutions that everyone can agree on, then it may still be possible to resolve all issues without having to go before a judge.

Regardless of whether binding arbitration needs to be taken or not after mediation fails, it is important for both parties involved in a divorce proceeding to remember that even though disputes may arise during negotiations and disagreements occur during mediation sessions, ultimately it is up to them how they choose to handle their situation and work towards achieving an equitable solution for all involved.

Conclusion

Divorce mediation can be a beneficial process for those looking to resolve their divorce. It is a form of alternative dispute resolution that involves the use of a neutral third-party mediator to help parties reach an agreement on all issues related to their divorce. The mediator does not make decisions, but instead guides the parties through the negotiation process, helping them identify and address their concerns in order to find a resolution that works for both sides. While divorce mediation is not legally binding, it can still be effective in resolving many issues in a divorce.

The cost of divorce mediation varies depending on the complexity of the case, however it is generally lower than traditional court proceedings. Additionally, it provides greater privacy and confidentiality than going through the courts, as discussions are kept private between the parties and their mediator. Divorce mediation also offers other benefits, including allowing parties to maintain control over decisions that affect them and their family’s future, as well as providing more timely resolutions than litigation.

Take the first step:

Let’s talk about you.

We offer no obligation, free 1hr consultations to people like you. Let’s talk about your situation. Really.