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Part of Parenting after separation

Family Mediation

People who qualify can register online for a free family mediation program.

Do you qualify

Parents, grandparents, guardians or others who have a significant role in a child’s life and are in dispute can register for this program.

This program is free. It is available if all these things apply:

  1. You have disagreements and you are going through:
  • separation or
  • divorce
  1. One parent has a gross income of $60,000 or less per year.
  2. There is agreement to participate in mediation.
  3. There is at least one dependent child who is either:
  • under 18
  • 18 or older and eligible for continued child support

Work together for your children

Mediation can help you resolve disagreements about issues like:

  • communication
  • parenting plans
  • guardianship
  • child support
  • spousal support
  • some property matters

Any agreements you make:

  • focus on the best interests of your child or children
  • help you avoid going to court

Before mediation

Prepare for mediation

Take the online Parenting After Separation course. It is a starting place for making a parenting plan.

Use online information and courses to understand your responsibilities and obligations during separation or divorce:

You may need to talk to a lawyer if you need legal advice.

Calgary and Edmonton requirements

If you plan to make an application about a Family Law dispute in Calgary or Edmonton:

Financial disclosure

If you want to discuss any financial matters at mediation, including child support, you must exchange financial information with the other parent:

Mediator contacts you

The mediator talks to each person one-on-one to:

  • hear more about what you want to resolve
  • make sure you have all the information you need
  • identify any safety concerns

The mediator will help decide if mediation is right for your situation.

The mediator must report any perceived threat to the safety of any person to the appropriate authorities.

What happens in mediation

The mediator does not:

  • make decisions for you
  • give legal advice

A mediation session is:

  • informal
  • confidential – the mediator does not share what was talked about
  • 2 or 3 hours long:
    • most people need 1 or 2 sessions

Usually, only the 2 people trying to reach an agreement go to the mediation. Other people can attend if:

  • both parents agree
  • the person’s role is made clear ahead of time – like:
    • a support person
    • an interpreter
    • a lawyer

After mediation

The mediator writes down what you agree on and sends you both a copy:

  • this mediation summary is not legally binding
  • it is up to both parents to follow through on their decisions

Ask the mediator about what to do if you want to make the agreement legally binding.

Before you register

Both parents

  • have to agree to take part in mediation
  • need to be in contact to share information about mediation

Children’s Services

Does your family currently have a Children’s Services case worker? You may be referred to the Children's Services Mediation Program instead.

Court order preventing contact

Is there a court order to prevent contact between you and the other parent?

If yes:

  • check if the court order allows you to meet in mediation or
  • you may need to have the court order changed to allow this

We will need a copy of the court order before scheduling an appointment.

Register for family mediation

Each parent must fill out and submit the form below.

Lawyers should not fill out this registration form.

Both parents need to register within 2 weeks of each other. The mediator will be in contact with each parent after both parents have registered.

It may take 2 to 3 weeks after registration for you to be contacted.

Family Mediation Program registration

Parents should register directly for this program using this online registration form. Lawyers are not able to register on your behalf.

All fields are required unless otherwise indicated.

Your information
One of the parties must have a gross income of $60,000 or less per year.
Is Children's Services currently involved with your family and you have a case worker?
Are there any court orders preventing contact between you and the other parent (for example Emergency Protection Order, No Contact Order, Conditions)?
Children
Other parent's information

Other options

There are other options if:

  • you do not qualify for our program
  • the other person does not want to attend mediation
  • you do not resolve all of the issues in mediation

You may need to talk to a lawyer if you need legal advice.

Hire a mediator

You can hire a family mediator who works in private practice.

Family resolution hub

Use the Family Resolution Hub to understand your options, including how to get a divorce, and get a summary of the steps you can take.

If you do not have a lawyer, contact Information Services to start a court process or get information about divorce.

Resources for lawyers

Family mediation program: Guidelines for lawyers

Locations

Calgary

Suite 706-S, Calgary Courts Centre
601 5 Street SW
Calgary, Alberta  T2P 5P7

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:15 am to 4 pm
Phone: 403-297-6981

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Edmonton

Suite 8077, John E. Brownlee Building
10365 97 Street NW
Edmonton, Alberta  T5J 3W7

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:15 am to 4 pm
Phone: 780-427-8329

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Elsewhere in Alberta

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:15 am to 4 pm
Phone: 403-355-2414