We have established a reputation as leaders in the advancement and use of practical and creative strategies to resolve disputed matters.

We offer three types of creative alternatives to the traditional litigation and court-based model of dispute resolution: collaborative family law, mediation, and arbitration. Our alternative dispute resolution services help parties resolve their disputes in quicker, more cost-effective, and less adversarial ways. With the assistance of our ADR professionals, clients can achieve results with a higher rate of satisfaction that are more likely to ensure long-term compliance with agreements and orders. DBB offers mediation and arbitration for family law, civil, and estate disputes.

Our firm offers several experienced lawyers who are trained in providing high-quality alternative dispute resolution services.

Our team consistently strives to increase their knowledge and training in alternative dispute resolution. Patricia Blocksom, KC, A.O.E. provided mediation training for the Legal Education Society of Alberta. Sandy Vander Ziel and Aaron Martens, KC are Registered Collaborative Family Lawyers, mediators, arbitrators, and Dispute Resolution Officers with the Court of King’s Bench. Gord Sterchi, Jason Wilkins, Khatera Haidery, Madison Brush also provided mediation and/or arbitration services. Several of our other partners at DBB Law also provide mediation and arbitration services. We have an ongoing training and mentoring program for our mediators that enables us to deliver high-quality, effective and cost-efficient mediation services.

Mandatory family law ADR in Alberta

As of December 2023, family law matters in Edmonton and Calgary must meet four requirements before they can be brought before the courts, subject to certain exceptions. Before proceeding to Court, the parties must:

  1. Complete the online Parenting After Separation Course, if applicable;
  2. Meet with a Family Court Counsellor (if a party is self-represented and has dependent children);
  3. Provide full financial disclosure; and
  4. Participate in an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process.

These four requirements can only be waived by the Court in limited circumstances.

DBB Law has experienced ADR lawyers who can assist parties in completing the ADR requirement. Please contact us to determine which requirements apply to your situation and how our skilled and knowledgeable family law team can assist.

Our alternative dispute resolution services include:

  • Mediation
  • Arbitration
  • Mediation/Arbitration (Med/Arb)
  • Collaborative Family Law