Integrated Dispute Resoluion Options for Family Law Matters
Southern Alberta Mediation Arbitration (SAMA), a division of HDP Law, provides private mediation and arbitration services for family law matters across Alberta.
SAMA’s services are designed to support families and counsel both where parties are proceeding under the Court of King’s Bench Family Focused Protocol and where parties wish to resolve their disputes entirely outside of the court process.
These options are not mutually exclusive. Counsel may design a tailored dispute resolution pathway — including hybrid approaches such as med-arb — based on the issues, complexity, and procedural posture of the matter.
Interest-Based Mediation
A facilitated, interest-focused mediation process led by a neutral mediator. This process emphasizes communication, collaboration, and creative problem-solving. It is particularly suitable for parenting, decision-making, financial, and restructuring issues where negotiated outcomes are appropriate.
Interest-based mediation may be used:
to support compliance with mandatory ADR participation under the Family Focused Protocol, or
as a standalone private process for families seeking to resolve matters without court involvement.
Key features:
Non-binding
Private and confidential
Counsel-assisted or party-assisted
Half-day or full-day formats available
Evaluative Resolution Sessions
A non-binding evaluative process in which a neutral reviews filed materials, meets with counsel and clients, and provides candid feedback on the issues, risk, and potential outcomes.
This process provides a practical “reality check” and promotes informed settlement discussions. It is comparable in function to a Judicial Dispute Resolution (JDR), but conducted privately and on counsel-defined timelines.
Evaluative Resolution Sessions may be used to:
narrow issues prior to court conferences, or
assist parties in reaching resolution without proceeding further through the court process.
Key features:
Non-binding evaluative feedback
Review of materials in advance
Suitable for narrowing issues or resolving impasses
May be paired with arbitration for binding outcomes
Arbitration Chambers
Regularly scheduled, streamlined arbitration sittings intended for interlocutory family law matters.
Arbitration Chambers are designed to provide efficient, predictable decision-making with limited materials and submissions. Matters are reviewed in advance and may be referred to standard arbitration if found to be sufficiently complex.
This process may be used:
to efficiently resolve interlocutory disputes arising within court-connected files, or
as part of a private arbitration framework outside of court.
Key features:
Interlocutory applications only
Pre-scheduled weekly sittings
Limited materials and submissions
Oral decision day-of; written decision typically within 7-10 days
Flat-fee pricing
Standard Arbitration (Half-Day / Full-Day)
A more detailed arbitration process suitable for complex or time-sensitive disputes requiring binding outcomes.
This process includes written submissions, affidavits, and extended hearing time. It allows for a more fulsome presentation of issues while maintaining efficiency and proportionality.
Key features:
Binding decision
Written submissions and affidavits
Half-day or full-day hearings
Written decision typically within 14 days
Comprehensive Arbitration (Trial-Style)
A full trial-style arbitration designed for complex or high-value family law matters requiring procedural robustness and finality.
This process includes pre-trial procedures, disclosure, questioning, undertakings, witness evidence, counsel submissions, and a written decision.
Key features:
Binding, final determination
Procedurally robust
Suitable for complex or high-conflict matters
Written decision typically within 30 days.
Process Design and Suitability
SAMA’s services are designed to be flexible and proportionate. Counsel are encouraged to contact SAMA early to:
Assess the suitability of available processes
Design an Integrated Dispute Resolution Plan
Confirm availability and timelines
Manage scope and anticipated costs
Contact Us
Please complete the form to inquire about mediation, arbitration, or integrated dispute resolution options. This form is intended for use by family law counsel seeking information regarding availability, timelines, or process design.
