Frequently Asked Questions
General
You do not need a referral from a lawyer. If your business or organization would benefit from the help of a mediator, facilitator or investigator, you can arrange these services directly.
If the matter involves a legal dispute, the mediator will recommend that the parties get legal advice on their situation before or after the mediation in order to make sure the parties understand their legal rights and obligations. If you are represented by a lawyer already, it is a good idea to talk to the lawyer about how to pursue mediation.
Mediation is not a substitute for legal advice. A mediator cannot and will not give you legal advice on your situation. If your situation involves legal issues, you should get legal advice from a lawyer, so that you understand your rights and obligations, as well as the potential risks of your situation. If parties make an agreement at mediation, there may be certain aspects of the agreement that require independent legal advice. The parties to a mediated agreement may want their lawyers to write up the agreement in a legal format.
Find a B.C. lawyer who specializes in the area of law you need.
Independent legal advice is advice you get from a lawyer on your specific situation. You can ask for a consultation meeting, in which you tell the lawyer information about your situation. The lawyer explains how the law works in your situation and gives you legal advice or a legal opinion on your rights, obligations and risks.
If you retain the lawyer to act on your behalf to start legal proceedings or take other steps, that is called legal representation. You can normally seek legal advice or a legal opinion about your situation without having to retain the lawyer to represent you.
About Knapp Resolutions
- workplaces and employment
- unions and collective agreements
- discrimination, human rights, accommodation
- procedural fairness
- conflict resolution frameworks and processes
- equity, diversity, inclusion
- bullying and harassment
- estates, powers of attorney, elder care
- business partner and shareholder disputes
- non-profit organizations and boards of directors
- breach of contract, commercial disputes
- real property, easements, home defects
- debtor/creditor, mortgages
- construction, contractors
- agriculture, farms
- commercial leases
At the outset, we work with you to design the right process and timing for your situation. It often takes weeks or months from start to finish. We start with confidential, preliminary meetings and build towards a joint meeting or exchange of information led by the facilitator. Joint meetings can take place in a half, full or multi-day sessions, or as a series of meetings over a period of weeks or months.
Cost depends on the service(s) required. Contact us to request a detailed fee sheet or estimate. Once we know more about the situation, we will recommend a process and outline the fees involved so you understand your financial commitment. Contact us to learn more.
Cancellation fees apply for legal dispute mediations cancelled 14 calendar days or less before the scheduled date. The fee sheet sets out the details.
Knapp Resolutions is located in the heart of Victoria, British Columbia. Our services are available in the greater Victoria area, Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, Metro Vancouver, throughout British Columbia, and across Canada.
Most of our services are provided remotely via video- or teleconferencing. We can also travel to your place of business or arrange another suitable meeting location.
The first step is a brief consultation conversation. We will ask some key questions to determine the kind of assistance you need, whether we are a good fit, and create a plan together. Call or email to get started.