Separation & Divorce Mediation
Full-scope mediation for couples separating or divorcing — without going to court.
- Comprehensive separation agreements
- Negotiated divorce on consent
- Hybrid mediation with independent legal advice
Mediation · Alberta
Alberta Mediation: a faster, more constructive path to resolution.
Litigation isn't always the best path forward. Our Alberta mediator, Ms. Jana de Waal, helps families and parties resolve disputes efficiently, with open dialogue and lasting outcomes.
Schedule a virtual joint pre-mediation callWhat mediation looks like at Stokes Law LLP
- A neutral, trained mediator facilitates the conversation — no judge, no adversarial process.
- Both parties shape the outcome together, with legal information to ground decisions.
- Typically resolved in hours or days rather than the months a contested court process can take.
- Significant cost savings compared with traditional litigation.
- Confidential — what is said in mediation generally stays in mediation.
Our mediation practice groups
Our mediator, Ms. Jana de Waal, focuses on a defined set of matters — so you work with a mediator who has guided dozens of similar conversations to a durable agreement.
Parenting & Support
Build a workable parenting plan and resolve child or spousal support.
- Parenting plans and schedules
- Child support under the Federal Guidelines
- Spousal and partner support arrangements
Property Division
Reach a fair division of property and debts with full disclosure on both sides.
- Matrimonial home and real estate
- Pensions, RRSPs, and investments
- Business interests and exempt property
Free Tool
Estimate child & spousal support in minutes
Use our Alberta support calculator to get a quick estimate based on the Federal Child Support Guidelines and the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines. Save scenarios, export a PDF, and bring it to your consultation.
Mediation FAQ
Mediation questions we hear most often
What is family mediation and how does it work in Alberta?+
Family mediation is a confidential, voluntary process where a neutral mediator helps both parties reach an agreement on parenting, support, and property — without going to court. The mediator doesn't decide for you; they structure the conversation so you and your former partner can build a workable agreement together.
How much does divorce mediation cost compared to litigation?+
Mediation typically resolves a matter in hours or days at a fraction of contested litigation cost.
How long does the mediation process usually take?+
Most family mediations are completed in 1–3 sessions over a few weeks. Complex matters with significant property or business interests may take longer. Compare that to contested court files, which routinely take 12–24 months to resolve.
Is a mediation agreement legally binding in Alberta?+
A signed mediation agreement — ideally reviewed with independent legal advice (ILA) — is enforceable as a contract and can be filed with the court as a consent order. Once a judge grants the consent order, it carries the same weight as any other court order.
What happens if mediation doesn't reach an agreement?+
Nothing said in mediation can typically be used against you later in court — mediation is without prejudice and confidential. If you can't reach full agreement, you can still narrow the issues, then resolve the remainder through negotiation, arbitration, or litigation.
Dedicated Practice Site
Visit Stokes Law Mediation
Stokes Law Mediation is our dedicated mediation practice, led by Ms. Jana de Waal. Visit the site to learn more about our mediator, review transparent hourly pricing, and choose the mediation approach that fits your situation — or reach out directly to get started.