How Much Does Family Mediation Cost in British Columbia?

Most people asking about mediation costs want a number. Private mediators set their own fees, so there is no single price for the province, and the total depends mostly on how many sessions you need and how well prepared you are.

This article explains what drives the cost, how fees are commonly shared, and which services do not charge. It is general information, so confirm figures directly with any mediator you are considering.

This article covers the law of British Columbia.

Why there is no standard price

Only a mediator qualified as a family dispute resolution professional may conduct a mediation in a family law dispute. A mediator can qualify as a member in good standing of the Law Society of British Columbia who meets its training and practice requirements, or by meeting other listed qualifications, including at least 14 hours of family violence training. Beyond those qualification requirements, what a mediator charges and how they bill is something to confirm directly with each mediator before you commit.

Ask each mediator how they charge: by the hour, by the session, or a flat fee for a package. Ask what is included, such as preparation time, drafting a summary of what you agreed, and any intake meetings.

What affects the total

• The number of issues: parenting, child support, spousal support and property each take time.
• How much you already agree on. A narrow dispute usually needs fewer sessions.
• Disclosure. Each party must give the other full and true information to resolve the dispute, and gathering it takes time.
• Safety screening. In the Notice to Mediate (Family) process, each party attends a separate pre-mediation meeting, where the mediator screens for power imbalance, domestic violence and abuse. A family dispute resolution professional you consult must also assess whether family violence may be present.
• Lawyers. In the Notice to Mediate (Family) process, each party pays its own lawyer if it has one at the mediation. Outside that process, who pays for a lawyer depends on your arrangements, so it is worth confirming in advance.
• Drafting. Turning a deal into a signed written agreement may involve more time or legal help.

How mediation costs are usually shared

There is no single rule for private mediation, so the split is something you agree with the other person and the mediator before you begin. Put it in writing.

Under the Notice to Mediate (Family) process, mediator fees are generally split equally among the parties unless they agree otherwise, and each party pays its own lawyer if it has one at the mediation. Outside that process, how fees are shared depends on what you and the mediator agree, so it is worth confirming the arrangement in writing before the first session.

Lower-cost and free routes

Family justice counsellors help people reach agreements on guardianship, parenting arrangements, contact, and child and spousal support, and they also work as accredited mediators. Their services are free, and you do not have to start the court process to use them. They do not provide legal advice.

If you use an Early Resolution Registry in the Provincial Court, the early resolution services are free. A counsellor may refer you to a private mediator if the issue is not a family law dispute or is one a counsellor is not trained to mediate. In that case, the private mediator's fees would apply.

Where court processes meet mediation

In an Early Resolution Registry, parties must try to resolve the matter through at least one consensual dispute resolution session. That session is not required if a needs assessor finds the parties cannot access these services, or if a needs assessor or dispute resolution professional finds participation is not appropriate.

In the Supreme Court, the Rules do not make mediation mandatory, but at a judicial case conference the judge may mediate any issue. The judge may also refer the parties to a family justice counsellor or, with consent, to another family dispute resolution professional.

Under the Notice to Mediate (Family) process, any party may serve a notice between 90 days after the first response to family claim is filed and 90 days before trial. The parties must agree on a mediator within 14 days of delivery, and mediation must take place within 60 days of the mediator's appointment and no later than 14 days before trial, unless all parties agree to a later date or the court orders one. The notice can generally be used only once per proceeding unless the court orders otherwise.

Which of these steps applies, and what it could cost you, depends on your court, your stage and your situation, so it is worth confirming with a lawyer.

What to do next

• Start with a family justice counsellor to see whether a free service fits your dispute.
• If you choose a private mediator, get the rate, billing method and cancellation terms in writing.
• Agree on how the fee will be shared before the first session.
• Gather your financial documents ahead of time to save paid hours.
• Ask a lawyer whether you should have the final agreement reviewed before you sign.

Frequently asked questions