A neutral mediator offers no legal advice to either party. If you need legal advice, you need a lawyer.

However, many legal disputes involve more of an emotional component than a legal dispute. When communication breaks down because of strong feelings such as mistrust, it is often difficult for people with opposing legal interests to find a solution without outside help.

The job of a mediator is to assist first with the re-establishment of lines of communication. An effective mediator will help each person hear the needs, interests and values of the other person, and then help the parties explore possible solutions that meet each of the parties’ needs.

In British Columbia, there is no legislation preventing any individual from calling themselves a “mediator”, so make sure you ask your potential mediator for his or her credentials and experience in mediation before you embark on this type of alternative dispute resolution.

Lawyers in BC who identify themselves as mediators must be certified as mediators with the Law Society of British Columbia. Lawyer mediators often draft the Agreement reached by opposing parties through mediation and ensure that each party has had independent legal advice on the Agreement so that the final written Agreement is legally enforceable.

At Resolution Place we offer mediation services for employment disputes, construction disputes and disputes that arise within a family, such as when adult children cannot agree whether to place an elderly parent in care, or how to divide an estate to the satisfaction of all beneficiaries.

You can call Resolution Place to make an appointment for an initial consultation to explore with a lawyer whether your case is suitable for mediation.