A Step-by-Step Guide to the Divorce Mediation Process in Calgary

Divorce can feel overwhelming, but the process doesn’t have to be. If you and your spouse are looking for a simpler, more respectful way to separate, divorce mediation might be the right path. 

At Divorce Easy, we offer low-cost mediation services in Calgary, Edmonton, and surrounding areas, helping families resolve their issues without the stress, cost, and time of going to court.

This guide walks you through how the divorce mediation process works in Alberta, what to expect, and how to prepare. 

1. What is Divorce Mediation?

Divorce mediation in Calgary is a voluntary process where a neutral third party (the mediator) helps you and your spouse reach agreements on important issues like parenting, finances, and property division. 

The mediator doesn’t make decisions for you—they guide the conversation and help you find fair, workable solutions together. You can learn more about family mediation options in Alberta from the official Alberta government website. 

2. Why Choose Mediation Over Court?

Mediation is a growing choice in Alberta because it offers flexibility, privacy, and lower costs.

Here’s why more people are turning to low-cost mediation services instead of court:

• You stay in control – You and your spouse make the decisions, not a judge.
• It’s more affordable – Mediation costs much less than hiring separate lawyers and going to court.
• It’s faster – Most cases resolve in weeks or a few months, not years.
• It’s private – Sessions are confidential, unlike court proceedings.
• It protects your family – Reducing conflict is better for everyone, especially children.

3. Step-by-Step: The Divorce Mediation Process

Here’s how it typically works:

Step 1: Intake and Consultation

Each spouse provides basic information and meets with the mediator (separately or together) to review the process, expectations, and concerns.

Step 2: Gather Information

You’ll collect important documents, such as income statements, property details, parenting schedules, and financial assets. This ensures a clear picture before negotiations begin.

Step 3: Mediation Sessions

Sessions are scheduled at your convenience (online or in-person). You’ll work through one issue at a time with the mediator helping guide the conversation. Most families resolve their matters within 1–3 sessions.

Step 4: Drafting the Agreement

Once both parties agree on terms, the mediator prepares a summary or formal agreement. You may choose to have this reviewed by a lawyer for added confidence.

Step 5: Legal Filing (If Applicable)

If you’re filing for an uncontested (desk) divorce, your agreement can be submitted to the court as part of the paperwork. We can assist with this step or direct you to independent legal advice if needed. 

4. What You’ll Need to Bring

To make the most of your sessions, come prepared with:

• Recent income statements or tax returns
• Details about assets and debts
• Any parenting plans or schedules you’re already following
• A list of concerns or questions you’d like to address

Being open and organized helps the process go smoothly and fairly.

5. Separation Agreements

Mediation is the ideal first step if you and your spouse still need to work through parenting time, finances, or property division. Once an agreement is reached during your mediation sessions, we can then help draft a legally binding separation agreement that reflects those decisions clearly and fairly. 

However, mediation may not be needed if both parties have already agreed on the key terms. In that case, we can skip straight to preparing your separation agreement—saving you time and money.

6. What Happens After Mediation?

If an agreement is reached, it can be used to finalize your separation or divorce. In uncontested situations, this is often filed as part of a desk divorce. If additional legal steps are needed, our team can refer you to trusted third-party lawyers for independent legal advice.

If some issues remain unresolved, mediation can still reduce the time and complexity of future legal steps. 

7. How Divorce Easy Makes It Simple

At Divorce Easy, we believe “breaking up is hard enough.” Our role is to make it easier.

We offer:

• Low-cost mediation services with transparent, fixed fees
• 48-hour consultation availability, so you’re not left waiting
• Virtual or in-person sessions across Calgary, Edmonton, and surrounding areas
• A clear, judgment-free process that keeps you in control

We also specialize in guiding both spouses together, so you don’t need to hire separate professionals unless absolutely necessary. 

8. Book Your Consultation

At Divorce Easy, our experienced mediators have over 20 years of expertise combined in financial planning, taxation, banking, separation, and parenting, helping families find fair and sustainable solutions. Our mediators are also mothers themselves and fully understand the nuances of family dynamics.   

Our mediator cannot give legal advice but can direct you to different Family Acts that apply to your specific situation, and refer you to a Family Law Lawyer if the need arises. 

If you’re considering divorce mediation in Calgary or Edmonton, we’re here to help you move forward calmly, affordably, and with clarity.