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.

Last updated September 15, 2026

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.

Meeting room at SiLaw Group's South Surrey office: an oval table with six chairs, windows on two sides

Where we meet

A room built for talking, not for trial

Mediation sessions take place in our meeting room at 3108 Croydon Drive in South Surrey, or by video from wherever you are. Two people, one mediator, a table between you, and no gallery. Sessions run two to eight hours depending on how much there is to work through, with breaks and private caucuses as needed.

Find the office

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?

An accredited Family Law Mediator: Sandy Sihota is 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.
By video or in person, across the region: we mediate for couples in Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Delta, Abbotsford and Vancouver, and anywhere in BC by video.

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)

Co-mediation with Kamaljit Kaur Lehal, KC

For complex or multi-party family matters, Sandy Sihota co-mediates with Kamaljit Kaur Lehal, KC of Lehal Law in Delta, BC. Two mediators work your case as one team, and both are fluent in Punjabi, so sessions can run in English, Punjabi or both without an interpreter. Lehal Law lists Sandy as its co-mediator for family law matters on its co-mediation page.

About Kamaljit Kaur Lehal

From her published profile at Lehal Law.

Law degree from the University of British Columbia (1989); called to the BC Bar in 1990
Opened her own firm, Lehal Law, in 1992
Mediation training through Harvard Law School's Program on Negotiation
Certified mediator and arbitrator for civil and family law matters
Member of Mediate BC's Civil Roster
Over 10 years of mediation experience, with a focus on the South Asian community
Member of the BC Review Board, 1998 to 2010 (Alternate Chair from 2000)
Member of the Civil Resolution Tribunal, 2015 to 2019
Director of Options Community Services since 1996; Chair, 2019 to 2024
Fluent in Punjabi; also speaks Hindi

How a co-mediation with us runs

Screening first. As with every mediation we run, each party speaks with a mediator privately before any joint session, so safety concerns and power imbalances are caught early.
Two mediators, one team. While one mediator asks questions, the other observes and takes notes; one can track the details while the other keeps the big picture in view.
Parallel caucusing. When the parties need to meet separately, each mediator can sit with one party at the same time instead of one mediator shuttling back and forth. Multi-party matters, such as those involving extended family, move faster this way.
A built-in second opinion. The mediators consult each other as the session goes, so a stuck issue gets two perspectives in the room.
Your agreement, in writing. Terms you reach are recorded so they can become a separation agreement or consent order, with independent legal advice for each of you before signing.

Lehal Law describes its co-mediation fee as comparable to what an experienced single mediator charges. We confirm the fee arrangement with both parties before the first session.

Ask about co-mediation at a free consultation

Or contact Lehal Law directly: lehal.mediations@gmail.com · 604-596-1321. SiLaw Group: (778) 381-9977.

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. Most matters take several sessions, and a session can run anywhere from two to eight hours depending on how much there is to work through. 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.

What is co-mediation, and when would we use two mediators?

Co-mediation is a mediation run by two mediators working as one team. For complex or multi-party family matters, Sandy Sihota co-mediates with Kamaljit Kaur Lehal, KC of Lehal Law in Delta, BC, a certified civil and family mediator trained through Harvard Law School's Program on Negotiation. With two mediators, one can ask questions while the other observes, and each can meet privately with one party at the same time, which suits disputes involving extended family or several issues at once. Both mediators are fluent in Punjabi. Ask about it at your free consultation.

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