Family Mediation

In all Saskatchewan court jurisdictions (effective July 1, 2022) family law matters that come to family court will be required to attempt a family dispute resolution process by the close of pleadings before they may continue with any further court proceedings.

If you would like to find a recognized family mediator, a contact list is available. (If you experience problems opening this document, please download or open with Internet Explorer.)

Recognized family mediators, family arbitrators, parenting coordinators and collaborative lawyers set their own processes and fees. You may inquire with a service provider of your choice to discuss whether they provide reduced rate or pro bono services. Please note that the Dispute Resolution Office with the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General has low-cost mediation options available. For more information, contact:

1-866-257-0927 / DROfamily@gov.sk.ca.

Sometimes families going through the transition of separation and divorce are able to work out an agreement that divides family property and makes parenting and support arrangements. However, many families need someone to help them come to an agreement.

Family mediation is a process in which a family mediator helps parties work through and resolve family issues. The mediator assists the parties through a process that focuses on finding a solution that best meets their needs.

The family mediator's role is to help parties communicate with each other better. The mediator will not take sides or make decisions for the parties. During mediation, the mediator will work with parties to define the issues, clarify concerns, develop, understand and evaluate solutions and then reach practical and mutually beneficial agreements.

This approach is generally less time-consuming, less stressful and less expensive than going to court. Working towards an agreement can improve parents' communication and problem solving skills. It helps to establish an effective co-parenting relationship, resulting in better outcomes for children and families.

If you would like to find a recognized family mediator, a contact list is available. (If you experience problems opening this document, please download or open with Internet Explorer.)

In all Saskatchewan court jurisdictions (effective July 1, 2022), family law matters that come to family court will be required to attempt a family dispute resolution process by the close of pleadings before they may continue with any further court proceedings. People can apply with the court for an exemption if there has been interpersonal violence, a parent has abducted a child from the other parent, or there is some other urgency.

Information for Professionals Interested in Becoming a Recognized Family Mediator

If you are interested in being recognized as a family mediator that can provide family mediation under Section 7-4 of The King's Bench Act, 2023, please submit a completed copy of this application form. Include supporting documentation for all of the training you reference in your application. (If you experience problems opening this form, please download, open with Internet Explorer, or contact the Early Family Resolution Office.)

As set out in Section 3-1 of The King's Bench Regulations, to be recognized as a family mediator, you must be a member in good standing of one of the following organizations:

• Law Society of Saskatchewan, or a law society of another Canadian jurisdiction;
• ADR Institute of Saskatchewan, an ADR organization in another Canadian jurisdiction, or the ADR Institute of Canada;
• Family Mediation Canada;
• Mediate BC;
• Family Dispute Resolution Institute of Ontario; or
• Ontario Association for Family Mediation.

You must hold professional liability insurance that covers your practice as a mediator.

You are required to have:

1. at least two years of experience in family-related practice and have led at least two family-related mediations under the supervision of a recognized family mediator; or
2. at least five years of experience in family-related practice and have facilitated at least 10 family-related mediations; and
3. 80 hours of mediation theory and skills training, including:

• 21 hours on family dynamics in separation and divorce;
• seven hours on financial issues related to separation and divorce;
• seven hours on ethical issues related to the mediation process; and
• seven hours on drafting meeting summaries or memorandums of understanding.

In addition to mediation training, you must have at least:

• 14 hours of family violence training, including training in identifying, assessing and managing family violence and power dynamics in relation to family dispute resolution; and
• 21 hours of family law training (if you are not a lawyer) and an understanding of Saskatchewan family law.

If you are recognized as a family mediator under this legislation, you will be required to:

• complete at least six hours of continuing professional development applicable to family dispute resolution each year;
• remain a member in good standing of your professional organization; and
• maintain professional liability insurance that provides coverage for your practice as a family mediator.