Mediation Agreements and Resources
Mediation Agreements and Resources
Mediation Agreements and Resources
Resolution-Focused
Separation and Divorce
Specializing in Helping
Families Move Forward
Even if you and your former partner don’t agree on much, you can probably agree on this: separation is expensive. Most people want to reduce the financial impact wherever possible.
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When I go to court (litigation), I can’t give a firm quote. Costs depend on many things—what the other side wants, what their lawyer does, what extra steps the judge may require, and how complex your situation becomes. It’s unpredictable.
Mediation is different.
While I can’t promise a resolution, I can promise clear, upfront fees. My goal is to help you reach an agreement. Even if mediation doesn’t fully resolve everything, you’ll walk away with:
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A clearer understanding of the issues
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Some progress on narrowing the conflict
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Fulfillment of Rule 4.16 of the Alberta Rules of Court, which requires trying Alternate Dispute Resolution before going to trial
Arbitration is also available.
If you choose this path, you’ll receive a carefully considered, binding decision—like a private judge.
In addition to the standard fees listed, I offer custom packages tailored to your family’s needs. Feel free to reach out to discuss what might work best for you.
Fees - $325 per hour
plus GST and disbursements
Hourly Mediation
Prior to mediation occurring, I conduct a screening call with each party in accordance with the Government of Canada's best practice recommendations for family law.
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For those dealing with discrete issues (i.e. summer holiday parenting, child support for T4 employees, terms for sale of the family home, etc.) I am available to mediate at an hourly rate.
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I can further assist you by drafting a Court Order or agreement if a resolution is reached.
Half Day Mediation
For more complex issues that may take more time and discussion (i.e. child support when one party is self employed, spousal support, division of family property) I offer a reduced rate for three hours of mediation.
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A half day mediation runs from either 9:30am to 12:30pm, or 1:30pm to 4:30pm
Full Day Mediation
For those who have multiple issues to resolve, many of which are interlinked (i.e. child support and parenting, spousal support and family property) I can work through them with you.
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A full day of mediation is 9:30 to 4:30.
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While some parties benefit from powering through, others need multiple shorter sessions to work through the process. We will gauge this as I work with you.
Start to Finish
Separation Agreement
Hourly Arbitration
For those who have everything to resolve and need guidance, I will walk you through from start to finish.
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I will have screening call with each party before we begin. Next, we will have a joint ninety minute meeting to determine the issues and review the law. Each party will be given homework, including considering parenting plans and gathering financials.
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I will review all financials prior to mediation commencing. This package includes four hours of mediation. If the parties are making good progress and wish to add on additional mediation time, this can be arranged.
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I will draft a Memorandum of Understanding detailing what has been agreed to, what factors were taken into account when reaching agreement, and any outstanding issues.
If you are successful at reaching a resolution in a mediation with me, you may opt to have me draft a Separation Agreement, Court Order, or Arbitration Award reflecting the terms reached.
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If you are unsuccessful at settling one or more of your issues, the parties may opt to attend arbitration with me.
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Arbitration is a binding alternative dispute resolution process. It allows the parties complete confidentiality - any documents submitted do not become public records. Prior to entering into Arbitration the parties will execute an arbitration agreement discussing my jurisdiction (i.e. what issues I can decide), and confirming the procedural steps that will be taken.
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If you have previously attended mediation with me, I will be familiar with your file, and you may agree to a more streamlined process to save on time and fees.
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Special Programs -
As Advertised
Urgent Solutions - Kids First
A three-hour mediation session is offered at a flat rate of $850. Additional time is billed at a reduced hourly rate of $315.
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Christmas/Holiday Parenting Arbitration
An expedited hearing and a decision within one week is offered at a flat rate of $1,500.
Arbitration with Pam Bell
Parties can elect to have a separate lawyer at BDL Family Law LLP arbitrate their issues. This allows the parties to have a clean slate/fresh set of eyes when having their issues determined, without being required to move their files and paperwork to another office.
Pam Bell and Enrique Dubon-Robertsprovide arbitration services.
Please enquire further.
Billing Practices
I charge in six minute increments for my time.
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I require a credit card authorization and take a retainer. E-transfers are accepted.
The retainer anticipates additional work in addition to the initially booked mediation - screening calls, drafting, and mediation running over the time booked.
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Your invoice will itemize the time spent and unused funds will be returned to you.
*Prices are subject to GST and disbursements.