We Do It Differently
The divorce mediation programs, also available for common law separations, at Teryl Scott Lawyers Inc. empower you to complete your separation agreement with less conflict than traditional divorces. Divorces do not need to be so hostile, expensive or drawn out. We offer these timeline options for completion of your separation agreement:
- One-Week (no-conflict), you bring the terms and we draft the agreement
- Three-Week divorce mediation program (low-conflict), we help craft the full agreement when there is one major issue in disagreement
- Four-Week divorce mediation program (medium-conflict), we help craft the full agreement when there are multiple major issues in disagreement
- Four-Week divorce mediation program with court settlement (high-conflict), if necessary the judge will collaboratively order any remaining terms of the agreement that were not resolved in mediation
As industry leaders, our family lawyers in Halifax provide flat-fee services with short timelines– just some of the ongoing innovations we are making.
Better tools. Less conflict. Happier families.
Here are a few of the areas our separation and divorce mediation lawyers in Halifax assist with:
- Asset and debt division
- Child custody and parenting times
- Child support
- Separation agreements
- Spousal support (alimony)
Lisa Teryl
Co-founder of Teryl Scott Lawyers Inc.
Book Now
Our Halifax family mediation lawyers, who serve all of Nova Scotia, can see you within the week. Your first meeting can be by video, in person or by telephone.
Select your booking preference:
by phone (902-706-5030)
or through our on-line calendar
Our Services In Divorce Mediation
Option One: One-Week No Mediation Program (no-conflict)
The One-Week (no conflict) option involves the preparation of a separation agreement without family mediation. When the parties can agree on all issues without the help of a family mediator, they choose option one. With this option, we help the parties draft their separation agreement based on their mutual understanding.
If the parties have multiple debts or assets, an equalization spreadsheet also needs to be prepared. This is a list of assets and debts each party will be keeping, which also considers the tax implications for each asset. These calculations will determine exactly how much one party owes the other party to make the division of assets equal.
The cost to create the agreement is typically $1,250 (plus $75 admin fee and HST) per person, after the initial consultation. Preparation of the agreement is done with one party, or together with the parties, in one session (normally by video conference). If the equalization spreadsheet is required to divide assets, the cost is $900 (plus HST) per person.
Option Two: Three-Week Divorce Mediation Program (low-conflict)
Our Three-Week divorce mediations are for couples who can negotiate outside of the family mediation sessions and they have had assistance from the family mediator in understanding what is legally fair and reasonable.
The cost of the Three-Week divorce or separation mediation is $2,800 (plus $75 admin fee and HST) per person, after the initial consultation.
Option Three: Four-Week Divorce Mediation Program (medium conflict)
Our Four-Week divorce mediations, without court settlement, are for couples who have multiple major issues in disagreement.
The cost of the Four-Week divorce or separation mediation is $3,800 (plus $75 admin fee and HST) per person, after the initial consultation. This program is also for common law separations.
Option Four: Four-Week Divorce Mediation Program with Court Settlement Preparation (high-conflict)
Our Four-Week divorce or separation Mediation program with court settlement preparation is for high-conflict situations, meaning that the parties can no longer communicate directly with each other.
During the first three weeks, the mediator collaboratively prepares the family court application documents for the parties to allow a binding or non-binding settlement conference. This allows the judge to participate after the Four-Week Mediation has concluded. If it is a non-binding settlement conference the judge will make recommendations. If it is a binding settlement conference the judge will make a ruling on the outcome, saving the parties from having to go to trial.
During the four weeks, the mediator works separately with the parties to draft a separation agreement or consent order, which become the terms of the uncontested divorce.
If the parties selected a binding settlement conference, after the Four-Week program has concluded, a judge of the family court will order the outcome of any outstanding issues at the end of the settlement hearing. If the matter settles within the Four-Week Divorce Mediation program, the flat fee remains the same since the preparation of court documents has been completed in the first two to three weeks of the program.
The cost of this package is $4,900 plus $75 admin fee per person plus HST and disbursements (such as court filing fees), after the initial consultation. This program is also for common law separations.
Option Five: Divorce Legal Communication Program
This program is for if you feel that you would like to participate in family mediation for the benefits of privacy, financial savings and/or a quicker resolution, but are concerned there may be larger emotional issues which could prevent the success of the separation mediation. This Divorce Legal Communication Program involves the parties working with a legal facilitator to come to a fair and reasonable resolution for both parties. Our partners, specially trained high-conflict therapeutic counsellors, are available for additional fees if needed, to help work through some of the emotional barricades that can be part of high conflict divorces and separations.
Read more details about Divorce Legal Communication Program.
Call today and we will help you assess your situation and find a program that works best for you.
Our Testimonials
Lisa is extremely knowledgeable, professional and personable. She made the entire process as painless as possible and I felt very supported throughout. I would highly recommend Lisa’s services.
Lisa is a dedicated professional who cares about her clients needs and her friendly assistant Shannon keeps everyone on the same page. Because of the exceptional service and reasonable fee’s, I can only say to recommend her firm for anyone needing family law experts period!
I had a good experience with Teryl Scott through my mediation. Lisa did a great job of informing of the process of mediation across distant (Ontario & Nova Scotia) provinces. My file was quite complex given my financial situation; however, I thought Lisa did a good job of managing expectations throughout the process.
In hindsight, I would recommend we add additional mediation time for more complex situations (like mine), though, I recognize my situation was unique which created a bit of unnecessary rushing at the end. I’d highly recommend this firm and Lisa for any mediation! I would have liked to have more time to find a mutual solution.. But overall, I can move forward and “sleep at night” with this arrangement 🙂
DJM
