Is There Free Family Mediation in British Columbia?
This answer covers the law of British Columbia.
Yes, some family mediation in British Columbia is free. Family justice counsellors' services are free, and you do not have to start the court process to use them. They work as accredited mediators and help with guardianship, parenting arrangements, contact, and child and spousal support, though they do not provide legal advice.
If you are filing in a Provincial Court Early Resolution Registry, the early resolution services are free. You complete an individual needs assessment with a family justice counsellor, and a consensual dispute resolution session if appropriate. That session is not required if a needs assessor finds you cannot access these services or that taking part is not appropriate. A Justice Access Centre or Family Justice Centre may refer you to a private mediator if a counsellor is not trained to mediate your issue, and services are available in over 220 languages.
Private mediation costs depend on the mediator you choose. In the Notice to Mediate process, mediator fees are generally split equally among the parties unless they agree otherwise. Whether you qualify for a particular service depends on your situation, so confirm with a lawyer.
Key takeaways
- Family justice counsellor services are free, and you do not have to start the court process to use them.
- Family justice counsellors work as accredited mediators but do not provide legal advice.
- Early resolution services in Provincial Court Early Resolution Registries are free.
- Private mediation costs depend on the mediator you choose, and in the Notice to Mediate process fees are generally split equally unless you agree otherwise.