Amy Robertson’s Blog
The Top 3 Questions People Ask a Family Mediator at a Cocktail Party
Some people, when they find out what I do for a living, start looking for the nearest exit—almost as if divorce is contagious. Most, however, are curious and take the opportunity to ask questions…
The Financial Advisor’s Guide to Supporting Clients Through Divorce: Why Mediation Matters
Here are five key reasons why financial advisors should consider family mediation as an important recommendation for their clients.
Real Client Experiences of Family Mediation in Victoria and Across BC
We resolved issues relating to children, property, investments, excluded property, a business and support. These clients left feeling lighter and ready to start their next chapter and left me with some very kind words.
5 Benefits of Family Mediation in British Columbia
As you consider your options, remember that mediation offers a path to a more peaceful and respectful resolution, ensuring that both spouses can move forward with dignity and hope for the future.
A Mediator’s Take on AI, Humanity and Tom Petty
I believe that better days are coming, yet during this time of stress and change, I am mindful that providing them with a “human-like,” or AI-generated process is not the same as a process guided by an actual human.
Separated? Consider the Butterfly Effect
A division supported by the legal system is stressful, expensive, and prolonged; if you have children, it will impact them either immediately or downstream.
Why Family Mediation is like Climbing a Mountain
I often use the analogy of climbing a mountain. The separation agreement that both spouses need is at the top of the mountain and they both have to reach the summit to get one.
How Can You Support Someone Experiencing Grief and Loss
If you are trying to help someone important in your life with grief or loss I think it is helpful to start small and slow. You do not need to make an assumption about what your child, spouse, co-parent or friend needs – ask them what they need.
Is Your Separation Complicated?
I have found that when my mediation process applies these three principles that we move closer and closer to the hoop. I do not need to throw up a ball from centre court and cross my fingers, I just need to move us all closer over time so that the easy layup is right in front of us.
How you Approach a Disagreement Matters
In my role as a mediator I am continually impressed with how resilient the people I work with are and to bring out their creativity and resourcefulness is really important.
How to choose a Divorce Mediator
This is when my ability as a mediator to really understand you is paramount and why I do not have online in take forms – so that I can see how you respond to these questions and have a dialogue with you, not just capture data.
Do You Have to be a Lawyer to Draft a Separation Agreement?
I have spent a considerable amount of time working on an Access to Justice (A2J) initiative in BC with professionals from a variety of backgrounds (e.g., judges, lawyers, mediators, counsellors and government). I know that decreasing costs and supporting people to resolve their disputes are two key elements of A2J.
What Online Mediation Looks Like
Another benefit of Zoom is that you can join our online meetings from your computer, tablet or smartphone. It is easy and I will help you get comfortable based on your set up. That said, some technical frustration is to be expected and we will manage it together if needed.
Four Ways to Sidestep Conflict and Enjoy your Turkey
When your interaction with someone is infrequent and limited then sidestepping the conflict can be a very reasonable course of action. Avoiding conflict with someone you see regularly or work closely with is a different story.
While someone’s circumstance does not condone poor behaviour, it can help another party to understand a situation differently.
It Ain’t My Fault: How Best to Manage Workplace Conflict
All relationships have their challenges and it is common to find conflict in a project team or working group, between colleagues or between a manager and an employee. How you choose to handle the conflict going forward is what really counts.
Eat, Drink & Remarry: How to Get a Divorce Worth Celebrating
It is important for all couples that come to an end to be aware that the decisions made today have immediate and future impacts, intended or otherwise. Separating parents benefit from thinking about what kind of legacy they want to leave for their children and future grandchildren.
5 Ways to Wrap Up Conflict for the Holidays
Last December a parent gave their family members the gift of mediation. An adult child had so much hurt built up with another family member they could no longer communicate or be in a room together.
Separation: Do it Better than “The Simpsons”
Mediators can help provide you with the information you need to become financially separate, as well as when you may need other professionals to provide legal advice or fully understand the tax implications of a possible agreement.
While leaving a violent relationship may be your best choice, leaving without a safety plan can lead to the worst case scenario.