Collaborative Divorce & Family Mediation

Stephanie L. Dobson assists families to move beyond conflict during their separation or divorce in a civilized, respectful, and cost effective manner which puts children and relationships first. Stephanie is formally trained in, and actively promotes, Collaborative Family Law and Family Mediation as valuable ways to resolve family disputes while avoiding court.

Collaborative Family Law is a process where you and your spouse, together with your lawyers, will enter into an agreement to work out your issues outside of the courtroom. You, your spouse, and each of your lawyers work together in 4-way meetings to address and creatively resolve legal and non-legal matters affecting your family. Throughout the process, lawyers advise the parties on your legal rights and obligations, while allowing you to find your own creative mutually-acceptable solutions.

Family Mediation is a family-centered conflict resolution process in which an impartial third party (the mediator) helps the participants in negotiating a consensual, informed and fair agreement. Decision-making rests with the parties throughout. The mediator assists the parties in identifying issues and information needs, reducing obstacles to communication, exploring alternatives and focusing on the needs and interests of those who it is agreed are affected.

Some common issues to be mediated in the family context are:

• • Separation and Divorce related matters, such as:
  • • Decision-Making Responsibilities (ie. Custody)
  • • Parenting Schedules (ie. Access & Visitation)
  • • Child Support
  • • Spousal Support
  • • Division of Matrimonial Property
• • Parent/Teen Conflicts
• • Estate Disputes
• • Planning & care of elderly relatives
• • Family partnership dissolutions

For more information on the Collaborative Family Law Process and Family Mediation, visit our Ask The Experts section on our website or any of the following websites:

• • Family Mediation:
  • Alberta Family Mediation Society
  • Family Mediation Canada
• • Collaborative Family Law:
  • International Academy of Collaborative Professionals
  • Association of Collaborative Lawyers of Alberta
  • Collaborative Lawyers of Saskatchewan, Inc.