An Introduction to Family Law Mediation in Victoria BC
I’m a family lawyer and accredited family law mediator in Victoria BC. In this short video, I explain why I shifted my practice away from traditional adversarial family law and now work exclusively in family mediation. I talk about how mediation creates a calmer, more constructive way for separating couples to resolve parenting, support, and property issues and move forward with clear, legally binding agreements. Learn more about my family mediation process in Victoria BC.
Note from Rebecca: The video is a bit old now (I've been practicing as a family lawyer for 20 years and as a family mediator for 14 years) but the video still holds and demonstrates the benefits of family mediation and why I do what I do.
Transcript
Introduction: The Problem with Traditional Family Law
I've been a family lawyer for over 10 years [now over 20 years], and in that time I've seen how the traditional adversarial approach to family law typically amplifies the conflict between people and creates resentment. Going through a separation is difficult and emotional enough. Adding to that a legal fight and all the stress and financial pressure that comes with that level of conflict can be very damaging to the people and relationships involved.
A Better Approach: Family Law Mediation
In my experience, though, it doesn't have to be that way, I'm now working with families exclusively as a family law mediator, because in most cases it's a better option. And I think part of the reason for that is because it gives people the opportunity to have a supported conversation. So, instead of letters going back and forth between lawyers, the parties themselves can have a face-to-face discussion about what actually matters to them.
The Mediation Process
It generally only takes one day - making it a much more accessible and affordable process, but it's not an easy day. We cover a lot of ground, which can be tiring and emotional.
What I do as a mediator is provide a calm environment to have those conversations. I help the parties communicate with one another and I provide a process to help move the conversation forward toward resolution.
Legal Support and a Binding Separation Agreement
As a lawyer, I'm able to inject into the discussion information about the law to help the parties understand their situation from a legal perspective. And after the mediation is complete, I draft a legally binding agreement for the parties to use and rely on moving forward.
Benefits of Mediation
I've shifted my practice towards mediation because I believe that it makes the most sense. Mediation allows people to dedicate the time to discuss their own needs, to determine for themselves what's in the best interest of their own families and make decisions together. The legal part of the separation is dealt with quickly, effectively, and affordably so people can move past the conflict and into living their lives.
Rebecca Alleyne is a family lawyer and accredited family law mediator in Victoria, BC with over 20 years of experience. She works exclusively in family mediation, helping separating couples resolve parenting, support, and property issues and create clear, legally binding separation agreements.
Learn more about the Family Law Mediation Process with Rebecca