Family and Divorce Mediation Services in Victoria and Across BC

I help families navigate separation and divorce through a practical, child-focused family mediation process. I have extensive experience helping couples work through parenting, asset and debt division and support matters. My approach reduces stress and costs while helping you reach a timely, comprehensive separation agreement.

Why Choose Amy Robertson Mediation Services

Amy is a sought-after and experienced mediator with more than 1,300 mediations completed. She has developed a process that is affordable, practical, respectful and proportionate to the decisions you need to make. It is particularly well suited to couples who want to mediate together without lawyers present, while still having the option to involve lawyers if or when needed.

Amy has also designed and delivered mediation training for mediators and lawyers across Canada and is a Certified Advanced Comprehensive Family Mediator with Family Mediation Canada, the highest level of family mediation certification available in Canada.

A Client of Amy Robertson Mediation Services

Reduce Stress, Save Time, Save Money

Why Family Mediation Services in Victoria and Across BC can be Helpful

Mediation provides the opportunity to work collaboratively and for the participants to control the outcome. We will identify what is important to you and explore creative options for mutual satisfaction. By listening to my past client experiences, I have found four reasons why mediation can be helpful to you.

Voice

Mediation allows you the chance to talk about what is important to you, and your children.

Understanding

You gain a better understanding of the other’s point of view and what to do next.

Fairness

The majority of clients feel the process and outcome was fair because they were involved in all of the decisions.

Satisfaction

The majority of clients feel satisfied with their final outcome because they made informed decisions. Satisfaction increases acceptance and the endurability of agreements.

How Does Online Mediation with Amy Robertson Work

Working with me will follow the same steps and process whether we work together in person or online. Online mediation is an excellent option whether you prefer to mediate from the comfort of home, when both parents do not live in the same city, or if you live in an underserved community in BC.

Why Choose Mediation Before Considering Seeing a Lawyer

Many families choose mediation services because it equips them with the tools, knowledge and guidance required for their separation. In my experience, when both spouses receive legal information and are supported from the same unbiased person (a qualified mediator), the likelihood of the best possible outcome is much higher and the costs are significantly lower. The legal system is not designed to meet your family’s goals. Lawyers can be a very important part of your support during this process and can participate in a number of different ways at different times in the mediation process.

My Family Mediation Process

My client-centred approach is designed to minimize the cost and the amount of time it takes my clients to have a plan or agreement in place. Clients can then move forward in their lives with a process tailored to their unique circumstance. I have also adjusted my approach over the years in consideration of the increase in stress many of my clients are experiencing during this challenging time which can change how information is processed, as well as how decisions should be made.

The majority of my clients are self-represented or want to use lawyers strategically and hire them on a limited scope retainer and attend mediation without counsel. Over 80% of my family mediations are conducted without counsel participating in the mediation which is consistent with industry statistics. Please note that the process outlined below is adjusted when I am conducting a mediation with counsel present.

Steps in My Family Mediation Process

Step 1 — Consultation

Let’s determine if we are a fit. Most clients start out by sending me an email or giving me a phone call. Mediator fit is really important and this is best done over a conversation or consultation. Please note, I will only move to step 2 if both or all participants agree. Check out these two posts for more information: How to Choose a Divorce Mediator and Why Trust and Mediator Fit Matter in Family Mediation.

Step 2 — Pre-meeting

I meet with each person separately in a private and confidential meeting as required under the BC Family Law Act. I have several clear objectives for this meeting but ultimately it ensures we are all prepared for the mediation and I make sure I understand the context and background of your separation and any hopes or concerns you may have. We also start discussing the options for financial disclosure.

Step 3 — Mediation

I am here to support you and your former spouse to make all the decisions you need to make. I will provide you with legal information, child development information, options and resources if needed so that you both can make informed decisions. Most of my clients prefer a few half-day sessions with a few weeks in between so that they are not overwhelmed with homework and big decisions on their own or all in one day. They may want to get advice from their financial advisor, accountant, lawyer or their children before making final decisions.

Step 4 — Solution

I will draft an agreement that we will review together so that there is clarity on the entire agreement and so that we can discuss how you want to finalize your separation agreement. Transparency of options is important and so is consensus on what approach is preferred. This is a critical step that needs to be managed in order to avoid delays and extra costs. Read more information here: Do You Have to be a Lawyer to Draft a Separation Agreement.

" I have been helping a friend through some of the nitty gritty of his divorce and the ramifications of the separation agreement that was written for him and his ex. It has made me realize just how skilled you are in your work. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am very grateful for the care and attention you put into the important details that will have a large impact on the lives of my children. "

" Thank you so much for doing such an amazing job with [my former spouse] and myself. Thank you for making me feel comfortable through the process and for your knowledge that you shared with us when explaining various aspects of the process or answering my questions. You are very good at your job and I felt like I was in very knowledgeable and qualified hands. Thank you. "

" Thank you so much for providing [my former spouse] & me with mediation and guidance through the intricacies of the separation process. Your knowledge, personality and professionalism made this possible for us to come together in a collaborative and meaningful way allowing both of us to feel we have approached this ‘restructure’ of our family in the best possible way. "

" We appreciate the work you have done for us and I believe the service you provided was the best for our situation. You’re a good person and you care for the people that you’re working with. That was my feeling throughout the short process of our mediation sessions. "

“ To have the guidance, skill set and calming approach that Amy was able to provide was invaluable. Excellent communication skills in person, by phone and over email. The child focussed approach was appreciated and gave a voice to those that are also trying to adjust to a different life. Amy was able to break down the process step-by-step, leading with a gentle mix of compassion and practicality. ”

“Thank you for all your help over the last few months. I truly appreciate your efforts to keep us focused, on task and moving forward. I’m grateful we were able to have you guide us during this difficult time."

“ Thank you so very much for all of your hard work, patience, kindness and compassion. I truly appreciated it, and you got everything resolved for both of us. I especially am looking forward to a new future. I am so grateful for you. ”

Values that Guide My Family Mediation Practice

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Victoria BC Family Mediation Services Located in Oak Bay

Amy’s Victoria, BC office is located near the Oak Bay Village, with free parking available nearby for in-person appointments. For clients anywhere else in British Columbia, online family mediation is available so you can meet from wherever’s most comfortable.