Family Law Mediation
Let’s work together to create solutions that support your family’s future.
Our Family Law Mediation Services
Family matters can be emotionally complex and legally challenging, especially when they involve parenting, financial support, or the reorganization of household responsibilities.
At Mather & Company, we offer Family Law Mediation as a collaborative and respectful alternative to litigation—one that empowers families to work through their differences in a way that protects relationships and supports long-term well-being.
Led by Gavin Mather, a certified family law mediator and accredited Family Law Dispute Resolution Professional, our practice provides both in-person and virtual mediation services to clients throughout Comox, Courtenay, and the surrounding communities in the Comox Valley.
Whether you’re seeking help to resolve a current conflict or want to avoid future disputes, we offer a thoughtful, solution-focused process that prioritizes your family’s unique needs.
What Is Family Law Mediation?
Family law mediation is a voluntary, confidential process where a neutral mediator helps family members communicate and resolve disputes outside of the courtroom. It is especially helpful for co-parents, separating spouses, and extended family members who need to reach agreements on parenting, finances, or property—without escalating conflict through litigation.
The role of the mediator is to facilitate productive dialogue, clarify issues, and support all parties in finding practical and fair solutions. Unlike a judge, the mediator does not make decisions. Instead, the process gives participants control over the outcome while reducing the stress, time, and expense associated with court proceedings.
At Mather & Company, our mediation sessions can be conducted either in person at our Comox office or virtually for your convenience. We welcome clients with or without legal representation and strive to create a space that feels safe, balanced, and respectful.
Common Issues Addressed in Family Law Mediation
Family law mediation can be used to resolve a wide range of issues, including but not limited to:
- Parenting arrangements
- Child support and ongoing care obligations
- Spousal support
- Decision-making responsibility for children’s education, health care, or religious upbringing
- Communication protocols between separated co-parents
- Grandparent access or extended family concerns
- Property division
Whether you’re separating, already separated, or simply trying to improve how your family handles shared responsibilities, mediation can help you reach durable agreements that meet everyone’s best interests—especially those of any children involved.
Why Choose Mediation Over Court?
Going to court can be expensive, time-consuming, and emotionally exhausting. Mediation offers families a more flexible and cooperative approach to resolving conflict.
Focus on Cooperation
Mediation encourages open dialogue and shared problem-solving. This often leads to better long-term outcomes—especially when children are involved.
More Affordable
Court battles are costly. Mediation is typically much more affordable, especially when working through issues like support or parenting over multiple sessions.
Faster Resolutions
Litigation can take months or even years. Mediation can often resolve matters in a matter of weeks, depending on the complexity of the situation and the willingness of both parties to engage.
Tailored Solutions
You and your family get to craft solutions that work for your specific circumstances, rather than having a judge impose a generic ruling.
Private and Confidential
Unlike court proceedings, mediation is private. Agreements are made confidentially and respectfully, helping to preserve dignity and reduce animosity.
How Family Law Mediation Works at Mather & Company
When you choose Mather & Company for family law mediation, you’re choosing a process grounded in experience, empathy, and professionalism. Gavin Mather brings years of family law experience and specialized mediation training to every session. His approach is calm, neutral, and designed to keep the conversation moving toward practical outcomes.
Our process typically includes:
- Initial Consultation: We meet with both parties to explain the mediation process, review the issues, and assess whether mediation is appropriate for your situation.
- Mediation Sessions: We schedule joint sessions (either in-person or virtual) to discuss and resolve the issues at hand. These sessions are structured and guided to ensure respectful communication and a balanced process.
- Drafting Agreements: Once agreements are reached, we provide a written summary or draft that can be reviewed by legal counsel and, if appropriate, turned into a legally binding separation agreement or parenting plan.
We are also happy to work with lawyers, financial professionals, or other advisors if your situation requires additional support.
Who Should Consider Family Law Mediation?
Mediation is a suitable option for:
- Parents or guardians seeking to resolve disputes over parenting time or child support
- Former spouses or common-law partners aiming to create or update a parenting plan
- Family members experiencing conflict around caregiving roles, financial obligations, or shared decision-making
- Couples who want to avoid the adversarial court process and preserve their co-parenting relationship
Even if communication has been difficult in the past, mediation provides a structured setting where new understanding and agreements can be achieved.
Ready to Begin?
If you’re facing a family law conflict or planning for a separation and want a respectful, efficient way to work through your issues, family law mediation may be the right choice. At Mather & Company, we are committed to helping families move forward with clarity and confidence—through a process that promotes dignity, collaboration, and fairness.