Introducing Lisa Sirlin, Family Mediator...

Over 60% of families in British Columbia will somehow be affected by Separation and Divorce, but how each family experiences this reality varies with some significance. For most, the road ahead looks daunting, particularly when children are involved.  The cost of divorce, both emotionally and financially are immeasurable.

First thing – you are not alone. 

You will find that if you start ‘polling’, everyone will have a "divorce story" for you, either their own or some one else's unpleasant experience. People will give you advise and tell you how to handle yourself and your  situation: leave the house, don’t leave the house, get a tough lawyer, file papers, change the locks, empty the accounts, and the list goes on.

The reality is that there is no one situation that parallels yours.  Relationships are varied -- no two are alike.  There is no such a thing as a ‘normal’ divorce; “normal is a setting on a dryer”. 

Only you know the situation, only you know your partner, only you know your children, only you know your financial picture and really, only you know why the relationship ended and only you know what you need and want - moving forward. 
There are Laws that surrounds you and a framework within which you must operate, but it is ultimately you and your partner who, if cool heads prevail, can come up with an Agreement that suits your own particular needs and circumstances.

I began this blog in the hope that I can impart on you the true benefit of Family Mediation.  From both a personal and a professional point of view, I firmly believe that if separating couples can enter into the process of mediation, the result will be a mutually satisfactory Agreement that takes into account the uniqueness of your own family. 

As a divorced mother of 3, who did not have the opportunity to mediate, I acknowledge that sitting in a room with a soon to be ‘ex’, is not for everyone.  However, if you and your partner have the ability to sit in a room with one another, listen to each other, flush out emotions, brainstorm and put your children first - Mediation will lead to resolution and ultimately, satisfaction in knowing that you 'created' the solution.
As a quick introduction, let me say that I am a recently remarried mother with three children, ages 12, 14, and 16.  I have spent most of their life single parenting and I understand the woes of divorce like no others. 

I have been working in the area of family law for over 8 years. In addition to a Law Degree from the University of British Columbia, I am currently a Family Mediator and a member of Family Mediation Canada.   I have successfully worked with many separating and divorcing couples and have assisted them in navigating through the process.   There is no greater professional satisfaction then watching couples bridge their gaps and resolve matters in the most cost effective ways.

If you have questions about mediation, and about the divorce process, I am here to guide you.  Please do not hesitate to call or email me.