In order to obtain this accreditation, Cléa took 80 hours of approved mediation training. This training included mediation theory, the statutory framework for mediation, training in family dynamics and participation in mediation role-playing scenarios. She also took 14 hours of training in how to evaluate and deal with family violence and how to identify and deal with potential family violence issues and power imbalances in the mediation setting. In addition Cléa had to confirm for the Law Society that she had sufficient knowledge, skills and experience in the field of family law dispute resolution to be able to undertake and conduct family law mediations in a fair and competent manner.
Cléa is very excited about her new accreditation and looks forward to using the mediation process in her family law dispute resolution practice as she believes that mediation is a useful process which can be of great benefit to many families and their children.
Queer Separation in British ColumbiaUnder British Columbia’s Family Law Act (“FLA”) (and the Divorce Act), Queer couples enjoy the same legal rights as heterosexual couples. This means that the processes for separation, including obtaining orders or agreements on parenting arrangements, child support, spousal support, property division, and divorce, are the same for all families in British Columbia.
Pets under the Family Law ActOn January 24, 2024, amendments (changes) were made to the Family Law Act (FLA) to reflect the long-held sentiment that pets are members of the family. It is no wonder why animals can become part of the dispute during a separation; the prospect of a person being separated from their pet can cause fear and distress for individuals.
Red Dress DayOn May 5, 2024, BC observed Red Dress Day in honour of the Murdered Missing Indigenous Women (“MMIW”) also referred to by many as “Stolen Sisters”. For many, this day of observance can be painful for loved ones of a Stolen Sister as many of these cases (reported and unreported) are left without answers.