Can I force my ex-partner to attend mediation with me?
Whether or not you can force your ex-partner to attend mediation with you depends on the laws and court rules in your jurisdiction.
Court-Ordered Mediation
In some cases, courts may order the parties to attend mediation as a prerequisite to filing a lawsuit, or going to trial. In Alberta and British Columbia there is a requirement from the courts to attend some form of dispute resolution prior to being able to book a trial.
Making Mediation More Appealing
However, even when mediation is not court-ordered, it is still possible to encourage your ex-partner to attend mediation with you. You can discuss the benefits of mediation, such as being a quicker and less expensive resolution process, as well as the potential to be less acrimonious and preserve some amicable relationship. You can also offer to split the cost of the mediation and make it clear that you are willing to negotiate and be open-minded.
In summary, whether you can force your ex-partner to attend mediation with you depends on the laws and court rules in your jurisdiction. But even when mediation is not court-ordered, it is still possible to encourage your ex-partner to attend mediation with you.
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