Looking for a better way to manage the stress of divorce or separation?
Mediation helps you find solutions all parties can agree on.
- Who gets custody of the kids?
- How will visitation work?
- How do we divide our assets fairly?
- How much child and spousal support will I have to pay?
- Do I need to hire a divorce lawyer?
Resolving conflict with mediation
Divorce and separation can feel overwhelming. Mediation offers an easier path towards solutions for everyone involved.
A mediator, while not a substitute for legal counsel, acts as an impartial third party, listening to both sides and suggesting possible solutions. Mediation ends with an agreement you can file in court together.
About Alasdair Mackinnon
I understand that individuals need to have their voices heard and to be respected. I also understand that people need to have as much control as possible in resolving their conflicts in a calm and safe environment. As a result of my training, knowledge and experience, I founded MacKinnon Communications in 2006.
Experience
I worked over 20 years with the RCMP and am trained as an interest-based negotiator. Through my interactions with people and families in high-stress situations I’ve discovered that many people don’t have the communication or conflict mitigation tools to effectively deal with conflict in a healthy or sustainable way.
I’ve completed over 1,500 mediations, arbitrations, negotiations, and facilitations. In addition to my family mediation services, I conduct customised skill-building training and provide strategic planning services to corporate clients, businesses, organisations, and government entities of all sizes across western Canada.
Expertise
I have worked in the field of mediation, negotiation, arbitration, and corporate training for over 35 years. I have a Certificate in Conflict Resolution specialising in Mediation and Negotiation and a Certificate in Arbitration. I hold the nationally-recognized designations of Chartered Mediator (CM), Registered Family Mediator (RFM ), and Qualified Arbitrator (QArb).
Education
My Bachelor of Arts degree is from Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick, and I earned a Master of Education degree specialising in Adult Learning from Yorkville University in Fredericton, New Brunswick. I also have a Certificate in Environmental Management from the University of Calgary.
What mediation offers
Our mediation process
1
Initial Call
During the initial call, we assess the immediate concerns, discuss the overall direction for mediation and create a plan for successful mediation .
2
Mediation Sessions
Mediation session offer a safe place for all parties to express concerns and feel heard. Through a series of 2 - 3 sessions (5 - 6 hours) we will work through difficult conversations and uncover solutions for all parties.
3
Outcomes
Once decisions have been made and everyone feels comfortable with the solutions, your mediator will draft an agreement that can be signed, and later filed in court when both parties agree.
Frequently asked questions
Is mediation a substitute for using a lawyer?
MacKinnon Communications is not a law firm, and we’ll never give you legal advice. In fact, we encourage each of our clients to work with a lawyer who specializes in family law. This is the best way to educate yourself about the legal requirements of divorce and separation. Including custody arrangements, child support payments, alimony, etc.
Is the final agreement a legal document?
No. It’s not. It’s a set of guidelines that both parties in the separation or divorce agree to. It should represent a way of moving forward that everyone is happy with.
If you want to make this agreement your final settlement, you’ll need to have a legal professional file it with the courts.
How much will mediation cost?
The initial call is free. Beyond that costs vary based on how complex your situation is. We can give you a cost estimate after the initial consultation.
How long will the mediation process take?
The mediation process usually takes two or three meetings or a total of five to six hours. Meetings can be scheduled close together or spread out depending on your schedules.
How is mediation different from couples counselling or couples therapy?
Couples counselling or therapy focuses on resolving the conflict in a relationship in hopes of preserving it. Mediation seeks to find common ground for the temporary or permanent dissolution of a legal relationship.
Mediation for employers
When employment conflict impacts business growth, MacKinnon’s workplace training expertise can help.