Resolution of Family Law matters during a Pandemic

With the recent closures of the Courts in Alberta, now more than ever families need access to processes that allow them to reach a resolution without needing a Judge to make a decision. Mediation and Collaborative Family Law are two viable options to assist families in the process of separation and divorce. Both processes are less costly than a Court based process and in times of “social distancing” during the Covid 19 pandemic, both Mediation and Collaborative Family law work at a distance by utilizing videoconferencing software. While conducting negotiations remotely may not be an ideal situation, I have used these resources in the past when one or both individuals are not able to attend in person. I have also recently conducted four way Collaborative meetings with both lawyers and both clients in a very large boardroom which allowed for at least 8 feet of space between the four people in the room. It is possible to continue your negotiations during this time with some creativity!

Both Mediation and Collaborative Family Law allow for the parties themselves to be the decision makers, without having another party (the Judge or the Arbitrator) make a decision for them. If you are needing to move ahead with your family matter during this unprecedented time, consider Mediation or Collaborative Family Law. I also offer my services on a sliding scale, which may be important during these times when one or more parents may have lost their employment. For more information please email me at deanna@eponalawandmediation.com