What kinds of disputes?
You might consider mediation when there is conflict, tension or ongoing issues between:
- Interpersonal disputes and conflicts between family members (eg. siblings over care arrangements for parents)
- Extended family disputes (in-laws, blended families)
- Close friends whose relationship has fractured (misunderstandings, betrayal, boundary issues)
- Any tension threatening the relationship
- NOTE – Sage does not currently offer mediation between separated couples as this mediation needs to be conducted by a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner. Alicia is a Nationally Registered Mediator but is not a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner in terms of mediating children custody arrangements and property settlements between separated couples.
What to expect in a family/friends mediation
- Initial intake / assessment
We will meet (individually) to gather each person’s perspective, understand the history,
issues, needs, and decide whether mediation is appropriate. - Preparation & ground rules
Together, we define how sessions will run: respectful communication guidelines,
confidentiality, safety, timing. - Joint mediation sessions
In a neutral, controlled environment, we bring parties together to explore issues, listen to
each other, and negotiate. The mediator facilitates, asks probing questions, helps
reframe, and guides toward options. - Agreement & follow-up
If consensus is reached, we document the agreement (whether formal or informal). We
may schedule check-ins or booster sessions to support implementation or adjust terms
over time.
Benefits of family/friend mediation
- Enables repair of relationships with a neutral third party
- Provides a chance to voice emotions and feel heard
- Empowers parties to craft their own solutions
- Less adversarial, less costly, and typically faster than court processes
- Offers greater privacy and confidentiality
- Preserves dignity and reduces post-conflict trauma
