Separation
Clear, balanced conversations about the path forward.
- Separation arrangements
- Parenting time and parental responsibilities
- Communication and practical next steps
Virtual Mediation · Anywhere in the Okanagan
Virtual family mediation, anywhere in the Okanagan.
With Jana de Waal as a neutral lawyer-mediator, separating couples can meet online from anywhere in the Okanagan and work out parenting, support and property — including business interests — privately, without handing the decision to a judge.
- Lawyer-led and neutral
- 100% virtual — no travel needed
- $350 + GST / hour
Our office
460 Doyle Ave, Downtown KelownaKelowna, British Columbia V1Y 0C2 · 8:30 am – 4:30 pm PT, Mon–Thu
Proudly serving the Okanagan
- Kelowna
- West Kelowna
- Lake Country
- Peachland
- Vernon
- Penticton
- Summerland
- Salmon Arm
Mediation is fully virtual — join from anywhere in the Okanagan Valley.
Why mediate
Faster, more private and usually less costly than court.
Mediation lets you and your former partner shape your own agreement. Sessions are virtual and confidential, scheduled around your lives and focused on the issues that matter — not on court procedure.
Because Jana is a family lawyer, she can explain the legal framework — the Family Law Act, the Federal Child Support Guidelines and the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines — so discussions stay realistic. She stays neutral and does not give either party individual legal advice.
Mediation works especially well for business owners who want to protect the privacy and continuity of their company while resolving support and property fairly.
Tailored virtual mediation services
Child Support
Support discussions grounded in the Federal Child Support Guidelines.
- Income disclosure
- Parenting arrangements and table support
- Special and extraordinary expenses
Spousal Support
Explore support options with relevant legal context.
- Entitlement and financial disclosure
- Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines
- Amount, duration and review terms
Property & Debt Division
Structured discussions about assets and liabilities.
- Family property, debt and excluded property
- Corporate interests and pensions
- Digital assets and financial disclosure
Business & Self-Employed Families
A private setting to work through support and property when a company is involved.
- Guideline income from business and corporate sources
- Options for dividing or buying out a business
- Keeping the business confidential and operating
Parenting Plans
Practical schedules built around children's needs and parents' work.
- Regular, holiday and travel schedules
- Decision-making and communication
- Plans that can adapt as children grow
From first call to a clearer agreement
01
A conversation first
Intake confirms suitability, safety and both parties' willingness to participate.
02
A shared picture
Questionnaires, income disclosure, asset statements and parenting schedules identify the issues.
03
Room for resolution
Jana guides a productive virtual conversation, with neutral legal context and space to explore options.
04
Clarity on the outcome
Agreed points are recorded in a Memorandum of Understanding. Each party should seek independent legal advice before signing a binding agreement.
Mediation with Jana
$350 + GST / hour
This mediation rate is separate from Jana's legal representation rate. It covers billable preparation, document review, sessions and documentation. A retainer and estimate are discussed during intake; unused funds are refunded.
View all rates →Come prepared. Stay open.
Bring complete disclosure, realistic priorities and a willingness to listen. Mediation is voluntary, and safety is assessed before any session.
Ready to explore virtual mediation?
Tell us a little about your situation and we will confirm suitability and scheduling.
Mediation guides & reading
All insights →Guide
What is mediation?
How family mediation works in BC, the mediator's role and what to expect.
Read →Guide
Tips for a successful mediation
How to prepare, what to bring and how to keep discussions productive.
Read →Parenting
Family Law and the Winter Holidays: Parenting Schedules, Travel and Passports
Holiday parenting schedules, international travel consent letters and passport exchanges — how Kelowna families can plan ahead for the 2026–2027 winter break.
Read article →Parenting
Can Children Have a Voice in Family Law Proceedings? Views of the Child in the Okanagan
How Okanagan courts hear from children in parenting disputes — through Views of the Child Reports, Family Justice Counsellors, and, in rare cases, independent legal representation.
Read article →Mediation — common questions
What is family mediation?
Mediation is a voluntary process in which a neutral mediator helps people discuss parenting, support, separation and property issues and explore mutually acceptable agreements. The mediator does not decide the dispute or act as either party's lawyer.
Do I need my own lawyer?
You may participate with your lawyer or as a self-represented party. Jana provides legal context as a neutral mediator, not individual legal advice to either party. Independent legal advice is recommended before signing a final agreement.
How long does mediation take?
Many matters can be addressed in one to three sessions. The number and length of sessions depend on the issues, disclosure and willingness to negotiate; complex files may need longer. Scheduling and scope are discussed during intake.
How much does mediation cost?
Mediation with Jana is $350 + GST per hour, separate from her legal representation rate. Billable work includes preparation, document review, sessions and documentation. The retainer and estimated scope are discussed before mediation, and any unused balance is refunded.
Is mediation virtual?
Yes. All mediation sessions are virtual, so participants can join from anywhere in the Okanagan. Availability and scheduling are confirmed during intake.
What if we do not reach a full agreement?
Partial agreements can still narrow the dispute. Unresolved issues may be addressed through further negotiation or other processes. Confidentiality and its legal exceptions are explained in the mediation agreement; it is not an absolute guarantee.
Is mediation suitable where there is family violence?
Suitability and safety are assessed before mediation. Family violence, coercive control or a serious power imbalance may make mediation inappropriate or require safeguards. Participation must be informed and voluntary.
How do we start?
Request mediation through our contact form. The team will discuss suitability, the other party's willingness to participate, financial disclosure and scheduling before substantive discussions begin.
Request Mediation
Start a conversation about mediation.
Tell us who is involved and which issues you would like to address. Our team will discuss suitability and next steps.