Our Core Philosophy
Resolutions with Integrity
Our Core Mission
Informed Choice and objective decision making
Mediation Services
Our Approach
Christine N. (Little) Shepherd
Family law lawyer with over ten years of experience helping people. I’m now shifting my focus to mediation because I believe deeply in the power of respectful, practical resolutions.
Why Choose Christine for Your Mediator?
My favorite part of this work is speaking with clients, learning their stories, and hearing about their families. Every family is unique, and every dispute deserves a solution that reflects that. I take the time to listen and understand before helping parties craft agreements that are practical, respectful, and tailored to their real lives.
At the end of a relationship people need solutions, not more conflict. Mediation is about moving forward successfully. I help parties identify what matters most and work toward agreements that reflect those priorities. I’m known for my focus on finding concrete, practical resolutions that work. I want to help people reach a settlement that is cost-efficient, effective, and grounded in reality. Legal disputes can be overwhelming, especially when emotions are high. Mediation often requires tough conversations and a mediator that can listen but also guide the conversation to a productive outcome. I have been described as being down-to-earth and approachable which makes it easier for people to confront their own fears of discussing hard topics that matter the most. I want every client to feel empowered and heard.
If you’re looking for a mediator who combines legal skill with empathy and clarity, I would be honoured to work with you.
Kelly Elizabeth Smith
I am a straight shooter. I pride myself on telling it like it is and achieving practical and no non-sense results for our clients and as a mediator and arbitrator.
What’s Kelly Like as a Mediator?
If you’re looking for a mediator who is direct, practical, and focused on solutions, that’s exactly my approach. I believe mediation should help families move forward; not drag on for hours with stories that don’t relate to the legal issues at hand.
- To the Point: I cut through unnecessary details and keep discussions focused on what matters legally and practically.
- Tell It Like It Is: I’m honest and straightforward about what’s realistic under Alberta family law. You’ll always know where you stand.
- Efficient Process: My goal is to help you reach an agreement quickly and fairly, without wasting time or money.
- Respectful but Firm: I create a professional environment where both parties feel heard but I won’t let the process get sidetracked.
Why does this matter?
Families deserve clarity and progress, not endless sessions that go nowhere. My mediation style is designed to save you time, reduce stress, and help you reach a resolution that works.
Why Choose Our Mediation Services?
When you come to us for mediation, you’re not just meeting a court requirement – you’re giving yourself a real chance to resolve your file and avoid court altogether.
- 1
Deep Family Law Experience
Both Christine and Kelly have extensive practical family law experience having each practiced primarily or exclusively in family law for over 10 years.
- 2
Direct and Efficient
No endless storytelling or wasted hours. We focus on what matters legally and practically.
- 3
Solutions That Work
We guide you toward agreements that are fair, realistic, and legally sound.
Is Your Matter Right for Mediation?
Many people wonder whether their family matter is suitable for mediation. In our view, virtually any family dispute can be mediated, even those considered “high-conflict.”
With the right support and appropriate safety measures in place, every case deserves the opportunity to reach a resolution crafted by the people who are most affected.
Choosing mediation means choosing to retain control over the outcome. In litigation, you are handing over the most important decisions about your family to someone who does not know you or your children. While decision-makers strive to make well-reasoned judgments, the reality is that they work with limited information. They may receive general details about your children’s schedules or interests, but any parent knows these are constantly evolving as children grow up.
Mediation provides the time and space to explore differing views. It allows individuals to express their perspectives, consider their own unique needs and those of their children, and work toward solutions that reflect the realities of their lives. Unlike trials or hearings, mediation can accommodate nuance, flexibility, and creativity – qualities that are essential in resolving family matters.
FAQs About Mediation
How to Prepare for Mediation
Mediation is not about winning; it’s about resolving. With preparation and a collaborative mindset, you can turn a conflict into a constructive conversation and potentially avoid the cost and stress of litigation. The responsibility for resolving your matter lies with you.
Preparation is key. This means that all relevant information must have already been exchanged between the people involved and accessible during the mediation. This allows for efficient communication and ensures that everyone has the knowledge required to make informed decisions.
Focus on the future. It can be tempting to revert to discussions of what went wrong in the relationship and who’s to blame for its end. Everyone has their own version of past events but it isn’t helpful to assign blame. Rather, mediation works best when people focus on finding an acceptable path forward, regardless of how an issue arose.
Prepare emotionally. Estranged spouses and former partners know how to push each other’s buttons. Even if not on purpose, there will be times in the mediation when people feel triggered or there are sensitive and emotional topics discussed. It can be helpful to learn techniques to calm yourself in the moment to stay focused on reaching a resolution.
