So You’ve Been Told to Complete ADR. What Now?
If you’ve been asked or required to complete Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) as part of your separation or divorce, you’re not alone.
Recent changes in both the Alberta Court of Justice and the Court of King’s Bench mean that many families are now expected to attempt resolution outside of court before moving forward.
For many people, the first reaction is:
What exactly is ADR?
What am I supposed to do next?
Do I need a lawyer?
What “Mandatory ADR” Actually Means
ADR is a broad term that includes different ways of resolving disputes outside of court, such as:
mediation
arbitration
collaborative processes
In many cases, mediation is the first and most appropriate step.
It allows both people to work through decisions together with a neutral third party, rather than moving immediately into a legal process.
You Still Have Choices
Being told to complete ADR doesn’t mean there is only one path. You still have flexibility in:
the type of process you choose
who you work with
how structured or supported the process is
For many families, starting with mediation alone is enough to resolve most or all issues.
Why Many People Start With Mediation
Mediation is often the most straightforward and accessible form of ADR.
It can help you:
understand your options clearly
reduce conflict early
avoid unnecessary legal escalation
create workable, practical agreements
It is also typically:
more affordable
more flexible
faster than court-based processes
The Value of a Mental Health–Informed Mediator
One of the most important — and often overlooked — factors in mediation is who you work with.
A mediator with a background in mental health brings additional expertise in:
communication and conflict dynamics
attachment and family relationships
child development and transitions
emotional regulation during difficult conversations
This can make a significant difference in:
how productive conversations are
how decisions are made
how sustainable agreements become
Do Mediators Need to Be Lawyers?
You may hear that mediators should be lawyers. In reality, mediators come from a variety of professional backgrounds including law, psychology, and conflict resolution.
A legal background can be helpful in some cases…but mediation is not about arguing legal positions, it’s about facilitating decisions and communication.
Many people find that a mediator with strong skills in:
communication
conflict resolution
family dynamics
is better suited to guiding the process effectively. Legal advice can still be included separately, when needed.
Where Arbitration Fits (and Why You May Not Need It)
Arbitration is another form of ADR, but it is more formal and closer to a legal decision-making process. In many situations, it is not necessary — especially if decisions can be reached through mediation. Starting with mediation allows you to:
maintain more control
keep the process collaborative
avoid unnecessary complexity
What to Do Next
If you’ve been told to complete ADR, the most helpful next step is simply:
Start with a conversation.
You don’t need to commit to a full process immediately.
You just need clarity on your options and what makes sense for your situation.
Not sure how to move forward?
Or book a consult to talk through your options.