What Is Virtual Mediation in British Columbia?

 Virtual mediation in British Columbia is a family mediation process conducted online (typically over Zoom) rather than in person. It allows separating spouses and parents to resolve family law issues from anywhere in BC without attending a physical office.

Virtual mediation follows the same legal and professional standards as in-person mediation and is commonly used for family matters under the Family Law Act (BC).

What issues can be resolved through virtual mediation in BC?

Virtual family mediation can be used to address all the same issues as in-person family mediation, including:

• parenting arrangements and parenting time
• child support and spousal support
• division of family property and debt
• income determination and financial disclosure
• separation planning and future arrangements

How does virtual mediation work?

In a typical BC virtual mediation:

• the mediator meets with both parties by video conference
• documents, including financial disclosure, are shared electronically in advance
• joint sessions and private breakout meetings can be used, just as they would be in person
• documents, calculations, and draft agreements can all be shared in real time using a shared screen
• any agreements reached are later documented and reviewed by lawyers before signing

Is virtual mediation legally valid in British Columbia?

Yes.
Virtual mediation is widely accepted and used by family mediators and family lawyers across British Columbia. Any resulting separation agreement can be legally binding once properly drafted and signed with independent legal advice.

Is virtual mediation right for your separation?

Virtual mediation may be a good fit if:

• you and the other party live in different communities in BC
• one or both of you travel frequently or have limited availability
• you prefer a lower-conflict, more flexible process
• you want to avoid the time and expense of in-person meetings
• your lawyer is located in a different region that you are

Do you still need legal advice?

Yes.
Even when mediating virtually, participants should obtain independent legal advice before starting mediation and again before signing a separation agreement. Virtual mediation does not replace the need for legal advice—it works alongside it.

Virtual family mediation in British Columbia

 At Duncan Allen Law LLP, Laura Allen and Tannis Baradziej provide virtual family mediation services across British Columbia. They are particularly adept at harnessing the power of technology to create an efficient, comfortable, and effective mediation.

If you are considering virtual mediation in BC and would like to learn whether it may be a good fit for your situation, you are welcome to book a complimentary 15-minute call with one of our mediators.