Family Mediation in Surrey & White Rock

Mediation is a confidential, out-of-court process where a neutral third party helps separating partners reach fair agreements on parenting, support and property — without the stress and cost of litigation.

Begin Your Mediation Now Call (778) 381-9977

Why Choose Mediation?

Reduce Conflict

Avoid adversarial court battles and preserve family relationships.

Cost-Effective

Typically far less expensive than going to court.

Faster Resolutions

Schedule sessions on your timeline — not the court's.

Flexible & Customized

Agreements tailored to your family's unique needs.

Confidential

Keep your family's matters private, off the public record.

Empowering

You stay in control of the outcomes — not a judge.

The Mediation Process

Five clear steps from first call to final resolution. Click each step to see what happens, how long it takes, and what to bring.

Step 1: Consultation

Typical duration: 30 minutes, free

We meet with you (and the other party, if both agree) to understand your situation and explain how mediation works — including whether it is a safe and suitable fit for your family.

What to bring: A short summary of your situation and the issues you want resolved.

Mediation vs. Court

Factor	Mediation	Court
Typical cost range	Shared mediator fee — usually a fraction of litigation	Each side pays their own counsel through trial ($$$$)
Timeline	Weeks to a few months, on your schedule	Often 1–3+ years on the court's schedule
Privacy	Confidential process	Public court record
Control over outcome	You and your ex decide together	A judge decides for you
Impact on children	Lower conflict, preserves co-parenting	Adversarial process can escalate conflict
Appealability	Agreement can be varied by consent as life changes	Appeals are limited, slow and expensive

Why SiLaw Group as Your Mediator?

Accredited Family Law Mediators — trained and certified by the Law Society of BC to guide you safely through conflict.
Legal expertise + compassion — deep legal knowledge with a trauma-informed, respectful approach.
Local to BC — we know BC family law, court practices and community resources.
Legal Aid accepted — qualifying clients through Legal Aid BC programs.
English & Punjabi — mediate in the language you're most comfortable in.

Free download: Preparing for Your First Mediation Session

A one-page checklist of the documents, numbers and decisions to bring so your first session moves fast.

Open the Checklist (printable)

Mediation FAQs

Is mediation legally binding?

The mediation discussions themselves are not binding — that is what makes them safe for open negotiation. But when you reach agreement, we put it into a written separation agreement. Once each of you signs it after independent legal advice, it is a binding contract, and it can also be filed with the court as a consent order for enforcement.

What if my ex won't participate?

Mediation is voluntary, so both people must agree to take part. Often, an invitation from a neutral mediator succeeds where direct requests failed, because it signals a fair process. If the other party still refuses, you have not lost anything — we can pivot to negotiation between lawyers, arbitration, or court, and your preparation carries over.

Is mediation suitable where there has been family violence?

Sometimes, with safeguards — and sometimes not. Every mediation starts with confidential screening of each party separately. Where there is a history of violence or coercive control, we may use shuttle mediation (you never share a room), online sessions, or advise that mediation is not appropriate and help you pursue protection through the courts instead.

How much does family mediation cost in BC?

The parties usually share the mediator's fee, and most matters resolve in one to four sessions. Compared with each side paying their own lawyer through a contested court process, mediation typically costs a small fraction — and you keep control of the outcome. We will give you a clear fee estimate at your free consultation.

Do I still need my own lawyer if we mediate?

Yes, at the end. The mediator is neutral and cannot advise either of you individually. Before signing the final agreement, each party gets independent legal advice from their own lawyer. This protects you and makes the agreement much harder to challenge later.

Can we mediate if we already have a court case started?

Absolutely. Many families start court proceedings and then resolve some or all issues in mediation. Any agreement can be turned into a consent order in your existing case. Judges in BC actively encourage out-of-court resolution.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

We're here to help you resolve your family matters with clarity, confidence and care.

Book Your Free Consultation Call (778) 381-9977