Power Imbalance in Mediation
Power Imbalance in Mediation Power imbalance is usually described in terms of money or information, but it is also something people feel. One spouse walks into the room feeling confident, entitled or in control, while the other feels small, anxious, guilty or afraid. These feelings affect what each person asks for, what they are willing […]
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Importance of Emotions and Psychological Factors in Mediation
Importance of Emotions and Psychological Factors in Mediation Emotions are often the real subject of a family mediation, even when the conversation is about money or schedules. A separation agreement can be legally sound and still fail if the emotional side isn’t addressed. People who feel unheard tend to reject reasonable proposals, sabotage agreements, or […]
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Rights, Obligations and Unknown Facts in a Separation or Divorce
Rights, Obligations and Unknown Facts in a Separation or Divorce In BC, separation and divorce rights and obligations come from two laws. The provincial Family Law Act covers property, debt, support and parenting for married and unmarried couples. The federal Divorce Act applies to married couples who want a divorce. The rights and obligations Property […]
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Family Property
Family Property Under BC’s Family Law Act (FLA), the starting point is simple. On separation, each spouse is entitled to an undivided half interest in all family property and is equally responsible for family debt, regardless of whose name is on title or who earned the money. “Spouse” includes married couples and people who lived […]
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Beyond the Legal Process: The Hidden Emotional Realities of Separation and Divorce
Beyond the Legal Process: The Hidden Emotional Realities of Separation and Divorce When people think about divorce, their minds usually jump to courtrooms, paperwork, and legal division. But long before any documents are signed—and long after the ink dries—lies the emotional reality that rarely gets enough attention: the quiet drift beforehand, the painful period of […]
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Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce in BC: Which Path Is Right for You?
Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce in BC: Which Path Is Right for You? How to Choose the Right Path in British Columbia — and Why Most Couples Never Need a Courtroom Understanding the differences between a contested and uncontested divorce in British Columbia is one of the most critical first steps you can take when ending […]
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When Enmeshment Enters the Picture: Why Co-Parenting Breaks Down—and How a Good Parenting Plan Fixes It
When Enmeshment Enters the Picture: Why Co-Parenting Breaks Down—and How a Good Parenting Plan Fixes It How Enmeshment Plays Out in Separated Families — and the Parenting Plan Provisions That Interrupt It Separation is already incredibly tough, but when enmeshment—a dynamic where personal boundaries are blurred and identities are overly fused—is in the mix, co-parenting […]
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How a Good Mediator Can Help When Families Get “Too Close” or “Too Distant” After a Split
How a Good Mediator Can Help When Families Get “Too Close” or “Too Distant” After a Split How the Parenting Schedule You Build Quietly Shapes the Way Your Child Processes the Divorce When a relationship ends, everything shifts — not just where people live, but how the whole family feels to be inside of. As […]
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Understanding Mediation Agreements in Canada: 7 Common Types
Understanding Mediation Agreements in Canada: 7 Common Types Types of Agreements In the context of mediation, there are several types of agreements that can emerge as a result of the negotiation and conflict resolution process. These agreements vary according to the nature of the conflict and the needs of the parties involved. Some of the […]
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How to Prepare for the First Session
How to Prepare for the First Session How to prepare for the first session I often get asked what clients need to bring for their first mediation session, and I understand it can be a bit surprising when I say, “nothing for now.” The reason for this is that a long list of documents may […]
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