Litigation services, mediation, and alternative dispute resolution in every area of family law

“Marcus provided mediation for me and my ex and we were able to come to a resolution that worked for both of us. I highly recommend Marcus and the team at Crossroads Law.” - B.S

Holiday Parenting Made Simple

Manage School Breaks

School breaks add another layer to consider in parenting plans, especially since December holidays often come with extended breaks.

FREE 30-MINUTE CONSULTATION

Our Calgary mediators and arbitrators are available in-person or by videoconference. Contact us to determine which practitioner is right for you.

Whether you are deciding how to divide up family assets and debts at separation, or even negotiating a prenuptial agreement at the beginning of a relationship, family law can be a difficult journey. Our family law and divorce lawyers are here to help.

Suite #1850
639 5th Avenue SW
Calgary, AB, T2P 0M9
Canada

1-800-466-1838

CALGARY OFFICE

"The gang at Crossroads Law helped in so many ways I can't even begin to count. They made the process as stress-free as a divorce can be and walked through everything, every step of the way. I can't express just how amazing they are. I will always recommend them for collaborative proceedings."

In Alberta, Marcus Sixta Professional Corporation carries on business as Crossroads Law. In British Columbia, Marcus M. Sixta Professional Law Corporation carries on business as Crossroads Law.

WE ARE MEMBERS OF

Prioritize Your Child's Needs

Existing traditions can provide a sense of continuity for children, particularly in the wake of family changes such as divorce or separation.

Mediation

There are many paths to the resolution of a family law case after separation or divorce. One very effective way to resolve disputes is through family mediation.

“Marcus was thorough, understanding and a great mediator. Both the lawyers we used as independent counsel commented on the high quality of Marcus’ work.” - B

“Mat is very knowledgeable about the law. He is very good at getting to the heart of the issues and I would not hesitate to recommend him.“ - H.M

Alberta Expedited Summer Parenting Mediation & Arbitration Services  

We'd love to hear from you. Please feel free to fill out the form below.

info@crossroadslaw.ca

© 2020 - 2023 All Rights Reserved. Crossroads Law  

 We provide family law services in Urdu, Hindi, Swedish and Hebrew.

WE UNDERSTAND FAMILY LAW

Crossroads Law provides litigation services, mediation, and alternative dispute resolution in every area of family law including:

Child Support

The amount of child support to be paid depends on the incomes of the parties, the number of children, and the parenting arrangements in place.

Spousal Support

Child Custody, Access and Parenting Time

High Net-Worth Separation

Divorce and Separation

Matrimonial Property Division and Family Property Division

Fertility Law

Mediation

Cohabitation and Prenuptial Agreements

The primary factor in custody or parenting time is what is in the best interests of the children. The court is not going to give consideration to the needs or preferences of the parents.

Spousal support, or alimony, is money paid by one spouse to the other to help them meet their needs or to compensate them for sacrificing their own career or financial well-being during the relationship.

Splitting up the assets and debts after separation can be one a most confusing things for separating spouses.

Spouses in Canada can get divorced if they have been separated for one year, if there has been adultery or, if there has been physical or mental cruelty.

High net-worth cases provide a unique set of challenges that require family law lawyers who are experienced in this area.

When entering a new relationship it is common for people to have concerns about how to protect their assets.

There are many paths to the resolution of a family law case after separation or divorce. One very effective way to resolve disputes is through family mediation.

Crossroads Law Vancouver is excited to be able to provide surrogacy agreements and compassionate legal assistance in the area of fertility law. 

OUR  TEAM

“As a seasoned family lawyer, I've found that courtrooms rarely serve as the best setting for resolving parenting disputes—even in high-conflict cases. Mediation offers parents more control over their own schedules and decisions. If an agreement can't be reached, I'm also available to serve as an arbitrator, ensuring a fair resolution without the stress and unpredictability of court.” 

- Mat Wirove

"The gang at Crossroads Law helped in so many ways I can't even begin to count. They made the process as stress-free as a divorce can be and walked through everything, every step of the way. I can't express just how amazing they are. I will always recommend them for collaborative proceedings."

Prioritize the Child's Needs

Whether you primarily reside in British Columbia or Alberta, the respective Family Law Acts govern parenting time and emphasize the best interests of the child(ren) as a paramount consideration in determining parenting arrangements. Keeping the best interests of your child at the forefront not only fulfills legal obligations but also shields them from unnecessary stress, allowing them to fully enjoy the holiday season.

Children are perceptive and can sense tension between their parents. When creating any parenting plan, the focus should always be on minimizing stress and conflict, particularly during times meant for celebration and family. While no plan will satisfy every party in every detail, a fair, flexible, and child-centred approach to holiday scheduling can create positive memories for everyone involved.

Existing traditions can provide a sense of continuity for children, particularly in the wake of family changes such as divorce or separation. For instance, if a child has always spent Christmas day at their grandmother's house, it might be beneficial to maintain this tradition, especially soon after the separation.

That said, the introduction of new traditions can be equally important. It allows children to adapt and thrive in their new family dynamic. Flexibility in planning enables both parents to participate in special days, making the occasion more enjoyable for the child.

Addressing Holiday-Specific Concerns

The holidays often come with a unique set of challenges. Parents may place different levels of importance on certain days, creating potential for conflict. A well-thought-out plan can mitigate this. Objective third-party intervention can often illuminate the best path forward, making the planning process smoother and more equitable for everyone involved. For example, while one parent may want to spend the entirety of a holiday like Christmas or Hanukkah with the child, the child might actually find joy in celebrating the occasion twice — once with each parent.

Manage School Breaks

School breaks add another layer to consider in parenting plans, especially since December holidays often come with extended breaks. Sorting out the logistics well in advance of school eliminates eleventh-hour stress, providing children with a clear, stable schedule to look forward to. Parents have different options for managing this time, from splitting the break at the halfway point to having an "even or odd" year arrangement where one parent gets to spend the whole break with the children every alternate year.

“In both my roles as a social worker and family lawyer, I've witnessed how mediation can transform family dynamics. It not only reduces conflict and saves money but also generates solutions tailored to each family's needs. This is why I'm passionate about mediation, it enables lasting, positive change for families navigating separation and divorce.” 

- Marcus Sixta

“As a seasoned family lawyer, I've found that courtrooms rarely serve as the best setting for resolving parenting disputes—even in high-conflict cases. Mediation offers parents more control over their own schedules and decisions. If an agreement can't be reached, I'm also available to serve as an arbitrator, ensuring a fair resolution without the stress and unpredictability of court.” 

- Mat Wirove

Expedited Summer Parenting Mediation Services

What’s included: 

• Single, 2-Hour Mediation Session – focused solely on resolving summer parenting time.
• Flexibility to attend in-person* or remotely via MS Teams – whatever your preference, we can accommodate you.
• Minutes of Settlement – within 1-week after your mediation session, parties will receive the minutes of settlement, which summarizes the agreements reached. These minutes can be converted into an enforceable written agreement or court order at an additional cost, based on the mediator’s hourly rate.

* In-person sessions only available at our Calgary or Vancouver offices.

Preparation: Before the mediation session, and to ensure that the sessions can be done within the allotted 2-hour time, each party must submit their proposed summer parenting plan outlining their preferred arrangements. A convenient template for this will be provided upon booking.

Counsel Attendance

Parents can attend with or without their own counsel – provided both parties are agreeable.

DISCLAIMER

Please note that due to the collaborative and voluntary nature of mediation, we cannot guarantee that an agreement will be reached during your mediation session. Mediation is designed to facilitate conversation and empower parties to come to a mutual agreement; however, the outcome depends on the willingness of all parties to collaborate and come to mutually beneficial agreements.

If an agreement cannot be reached within the initial expedited session, additional mediation sessions can be scheduled. Please be advised that these subsequent sessions will not qualify for the flat-rate fee associated with our summer parenting mediation services.

Service Snapshot: What's Included and What's Not

What we can do:

• A single, 2-hour mediation session - OR - A single, arbitration session 
• In-person*  or remote attendance via MS Teams. 
• Within 1 week, provide Minutes of Settlement – OR – Arbitration Award with limited reasons
• Offer a Template for Proposed Parenting Plans 
• Allow counsel attendance if both parties agree

What we can’t do:

• Guarantee an agreement will be reached for those participating in mediation**
• For expedited mediations, extend beyond the 2-hour time limit without additional costs 
• For expedited arbitrations, extend beyond the single session without additional costs 
• Cover issues beyond summer parenting time 
• Waive costs for additional sessions

* In-person sessions only available at our Calgary or Vancouver offices

** While we can't guarantee an agreement will be reached in a mediation-only setting, opting for our Med-Arb or Arbitration services ensures that a binding decision will be made pursuant to the Arbitration Act.

Want to know more?  Schedule a FREE consultation today to take the first step toward a peaceful resolution for your family. Spaces are limited so book your consult today.

Standard Mediation & Arbitration Services

When expedited services aren't enough or your family situation demands a more nuanced approach, rest assured—Crossroads Law has you covered. Whether you’re dealing with multifaceted parenting challenges or have more than just custody issues on the table, our tailored mediation and arbitration services are designed to meet your specific needs. 

Why Choose Mediation or Arbitration?

Why roll the dice on expensive and prolonged litigation that may escalate conflicts? Mediation offers a more collaborative approach, while arbitration ensures a binding resolution. Both are cost-effective alternatives to court proceedings. With costs usually divided between parties, it's not just a smart financial decision, it’s a strategy that empowers you to resolve conflicts on your terms. 

How much will it cost?

Don't compromise the future well-being of your family by cutting corners. Our seasoned mediators and arbitrators offer competitive hourly rates: 

• Mat Wirove - $350 / hour
• Marcus Sixta - $400 / hour 

Duration – It’s Up to You!

The length of your mediation or arbitration session is as flexible as you need it to be. Both methods are generally faster and more cost-effective than other forms of dispute resolution.

FLAT RATE FEE OF $1,500 + GST

Spaces are limited. 

Book your free 30-minute consultation with our intake coordinator today!

FLAT RATE FEE OF $1,500 + GST

Spaces are limited. 

Book your free 30-minute consultation with our intake coordinator today!

“In both my roles as a social worker and family lawyer, I've witnessed how mediation can transform family dynamics. It not only reduces conflict and saves money but also generates solutions tailored to each family's needs. This is why I'm passionate about mediation, it enables lasting, positive change for families navigating separation and divorce.” 

- Marcus Sixta

Expedited Summer Parenting Mediation Services

What’s included: 

• Single, 2-Hour Mediation Session – focused solely on resolving summer parenting time.
• Flexibility to attend in-person* or remotely via MS Teams – whatever your preference, we can accommodate you.
• Minutes of Settlement – within 1-week after your mediation session, parties will receive the minutes of settlement, which summarizes the agreements reached. These minutes can be converted into an enforceable written agreement or court order at an additional cost, based on the mediator’s hourly rate.

* In-person sessions only available at our Calgary or Vancouver offices.

Preparation: Before the mediation session, and to ensure that the sessions can be done within the allotted 2-hour time, each party must submit their proposed summer parenting plan outlining their preferred arrangements. A convenient template for this will be provided upon booking.

Counsel Attendance

Parents can attend with or without their own counsel – provided both parties are agreeable.

DISCLAIMER

Please note that due to the collaborative and voluntary nature of mediation, we cannot guarantee that an agreement will be reached during your mediation session.

 Mediation is designed to facilitate conversation and empower parties to come to a mutual agreement; however, the outcome depends on the willingness of all parties to collaborate and come to mutually beneficial agreements.

If an agreement cannot be reached within the initial session, additional mediation sessions can be scheduled. Please be advised that these subsequent sessions will not qualify for the flat-rate fee associated with our expedited summer parenting mediation services.

Service Snapshot: What's Included and What's Not

What we can do:

• A single, 2-hour mediation session - OR - A single, arbitration session 
• In-person*  or remote attendance via MS Teams
• Within 1 week, provide Minutes of Settlement – OR – Arbitration Award with limited reasons
• Offer a Template for Proposed Parenting Plans 
• Allow Counsel Attendance if Both Parties Agree

What we can’t do:

• Guarantee an agreement will be reached for those participating in mediation**
• For expedited mediations, extend beyond the 2-hour time limit without additional costs 
• For expedited arbitrations, extend beyond the single session without additional costs 
• Cover issues beyond summer parenting time 
• Waive costs for additional sessions

* In-person sessions only available at our Calgary or Vancouver offices

** While we can't guarantee an agreement will be reached in a mediation-only setting, opting for our Med-Arb or Arbitration services ensures that a binding decision will be made pursuant to the Arbitration Act.

Seamless Transition to Med-Arb: Don't Leave it to Chance! 

Stuck in mediation without a clear path forward? No worries! You have the option to easily switch to arbitration. By doing so, you take the guesswork out of dispute resolution, ensuring a decision is finalized, no matter what. 

Intrigued? Reach out today and let's discuss how this could be the game-changing solution you've been searching for.

What’s included in our Expedited Arbitration Services

• Limited Evidence – parties may choose between 3-pages of Affidavit evidence with 20 pages of Exhibits OR 20-minutes of oral evidence. Cross-examinations will not be permitted. 
• Single, Expedited Hearing – each party (or their lawyer) will be allotted 10-minutes for oral arguments. 
• Decisions – an arbitration award with limited reasons will be provided within 1 week, along with a draft summer parenting order reflecting that decision.  

Preparation: Before either the mediation or arbitration session, and to ensure that the sessions can be done within the allotted time, each party must submit their proposed summer parenting plan outlining their preferred arrangements. A convenient template for this will be provided upon booking. 

Counsel Attendance

Parents can attend either mediation or arbitration with or without their own counsel – provided both parties are agreeable. 

Seamless Transition to Med-Arb: Don't Leave it to Chance!

Stuck in mediation without a clear path forward? No worries! You have the option to easily switch to arbitration. By doing so, you take the guesswork out of dispute resolution, ensuring a decision is finalized, no matter what. 

Intrigued? Reach out today and let's discuss how this could be the game-changing solution you've been searching for!

What’s included in our Expedited Arbitration Services

• Limited Evidence – parties may choose between 3-pages of Affidavit evidence with 20 pages of Exhibits OR 20-minutes of oral evidence. Cross-examinations will not be permitted. 
• Single, Expedited Hearing – each party (or their lawyer) will be allotted 10-minutes for oral arguments. 
• Decisions – an arbitration award with limited reasons will be provided within 1 week, along with a draft summer parenting order reflecting that decision.  

Preparation: Before either the mediation or arbitration session, and to ensure that the sessions can be done within the allotted time, each party must submit their proposed summer parenting plan outlining their preferred arrangements. A convenient template for this will be provided upon booking. 

Counsel Attendance

Parents can attend either mediation or arbitration with or without their own counsel – provided both parties are agreeable.