WHEN LIFE'S STORMS COME YOUR WAY
TRY MEDIATION TO RESOLVE YOUR CONFLICT
Find Out More
THE VERDICT IS IN
MEDIATION WORKS
Finf Out How
THINKING OF SEPARATING OR ENDING YOUR RELATIONSHIP?
DON’T GO TO COURT…TRY MEDIATION
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Professional & Caring Family Mediation Services

Conflict is inevitable. How we handle it determines whether the relationship will end up strengthened or damaged. Allow me to help you keep those relationships in tact so you can all get on living your best lives. – Shirley Selski, Owner of Kamloops Family Mediation
I OFFER HELP WITH

Separation And Divorce

When couples separate parenting can become very challenging. Let me help you agree on a parenting plan where everyone agrees. The plan can include everything you and your ex agree on. For example, it can include child support payments, spousal support, property division, parenting time (custody and access) and parenting responsibilities. We can plan for holidays and even include time with extended family members. You and your ex decide on the agreement and I document it. During the mediation process I may ask you to seek out legal advice before making certain decisions. For example, if you are separating and want to work out your ex spouse’s pension, I will ask that you seek out legal advice and/or a pension administrator before including it in your agreement. This way, your mediation plan will be more successful even several years later.
I INTERVENE IN

Parental Crises

Unfortunately, temporary crises happen in families and this can have such a negative impact on families. A family member may have a serious illness, may need rehabilitation or treatment for a substance problem, or need a break from parenting due to personal reasons. I will facilitate a meeting with the significant family members and guide the conversation so a realistic plan can be created in a safe, non-biased atmosphere where all opinions and thoughts are listened to equally. Your family creates the plan after hearing everyone’s ideas.
I ADDRESS

Elder Worries

Each family is unique and has their own values and beliefs. Let me assist your family to ensure all members are heard respectfully and all ideas are explored to help your loved ones. Most elderly parents have a lot of pride and do not take kindly to their children making decisions for them. Allow me to be the neutral third party and encourage courageous conversations in a safe, respectful environment. You all have a voice in planning for the future.
I ASSIST WITH

Parent Teen Worries

Parenting teenagers can be very challenging and if conflict is not addressed, damage can occur to the relationship. It is very important to keep the lines of communication open and to have courageous conversations together. I can help you do this in a safe environment where there is no yelling, no name calling but rather reframed in a positive, nurturing manner so that understanding can be created. After this understanding is created, a plan regarding house rules can be easily agreed to.
I am also a child interviewer for BC Hear the Child Society and can prepare reports for the courts or for parent who are having difficulties making decisions for their children. Children have a right to have their thoughts heard and often are powerful catalysts to impact current family dynamics. Children know what currently works in their family and can identify their own worries or concerns. Parents who listen to their children’s voices are often more successful in planning their legal separation and/or divorce. I offer years of experience interviewing children and am skilled at listening to what children have to say. The report is non-evaluative, meaning I do not interpret or critically analyze what the children say. I simply document their thoughts so parents can better understand how the separation can include the needs of their children. The report is usually completed within two weeks of interviewing the children, so it can be very useful for court purposes. Check out the link at www.hearthechild.ca for further details. Legal aid rates available!

MY PROFILE

About Shirley Selski

PROFESSIONAL MEDIATOR

Shirley Selski

I became a Social Worker in 2004 and in 2012 I completed the Family Mediation Certificate at the Justice Institute of BC. I decided to open my own small business in 2013 with the goal of helping families through conflict so relationships can be maintained and cultivated. In 2014 I was accepted as a member of the Mediate BC Family Roster.
More About Me

Mediation Works

Professional & Caring Family Mediation Services In Kamloops

Conflict is inevitable.  How we handle it determines whether the relationship will end up strengthened or damaged. Allow me to help you keep those relationships intact so you can all get on living your best lives. – Shirley Selski, Owner of Kamloops Family Mediation.

Kamloops Family Mediation owner Shirley Selski
Shirley Selski: Owner of Kamloops Family Mediation

Professional Affiliations

Shirley Selski

Professional Mediator

I became a Social Worker in 2004 and in 2012 I completed the Family Mediation Certificate at the Justice Institute of BC. I decided to open my own small business in 2013 with the goal of helping families through conflict so relationships can be maintained and cultivated. In 2014 I was accepted as a member of the Mediate BC Family Roster.

couple-arguing-in-kitchen

I OFFER HELP WITH

Separation And Divorce

When couples separate parenting can become very challenging. Let me help you agree on a parenting plan where everyone agrees.

I ADDRESS

Elder Worries

Each family is unique and has their own values and beliefs. Let me assist your family to ensure all members are heard respectfully and all ideas.

I ASSIST WITH

Parent Teen Worries

Parenting teenagers can be very challenging and if conflict is not addressed, damage can occur to the relationship. Let me help prevent any damage through mediation.

What Does A Mediation Process Look Like?

An abstract woman with colorful wavy hair.
Learn more about the mediation process.

Pre-Mediation Meeting

Pre-mediation discussion over the phone with each party so I can hear the topics/issues, screen for violence, and ensure both parties are willing to participate. There is no charge for the initial consultation.

Establishing Willingness

If mediation is not appropriate or one of the parties is not willing to participate, there is no charge. A referral to another more appropriate process will be discussed.

Mediation Meeting

Parties come together over the platform Zoom to mediate for a maximum of two hours and fees are paid at the end of each session. All mediations are conducted over Zoom and I have found them all to be very effective. You don’t have to leave the comfort of your home.

Reaching Agreement

Your agreement is always evolving and so if all topics have not been resolved at the first session, I email a summary to each party verifying what was agreed to. Once all the issues have been agreed upon I document it in a typewritten Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and each party will receive a copy. If you want the MOU to become a legally binding agreement, you will need to file it with the courts.

Legal Advice

Legal advice is pertinent to ensuring you get your rights upheld as well as ensure your agreement will be in your best interest. In fact, you may find I will request you seek legal advice and then come back to mediation to continue the work on creating the agreed upon plan. Mediation gets the grunt work done but legal advice is still required at specific times, especially if you are dividing your family property.

Revisiting Mediation

It may take more than one mediation session before an agreement is reached, depending on the complexity of the topics. If you are mediating financial aspects, this process can take longer and you may need a few sessions before you reach resolution on everything.
HOW I DO WHAT I DO

What Does The Mediation Session Look Like?

STEP 1

Pre-Mediation Meeting

Pre-mediation discussion over the phone with each party so I can hear the topics/issues, screen for violence, and ensure both parties are willing to participate. There is no charge for the initial consultation.
STEP 2

Establishing Willingness

If mediation is not appropriate or one of the parties is not willing to participate, there is no charge. A referral to another more appropriate process will be discussed.
STEP 3

Mediation Meeting

Parties come together over the platform Zoom to mediate for a maximum of two hours and fees are paid at the end of each session. All mediations are conducted over Zoom and I have found them all to be very effective. You don’t have to leave the comfort of your home.
STEP 4

Reaching Agreement

Your agreement is always evolving and so if all topics have not been resolved at the first session, I email a summary to each party verifying what was agreed to. Once all the issues have been agreed upon I document it in a typewritten Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and each party will receive a copy. If you want the MOU to become a legally binding agreement, you will need to file it with the courts.

STEP 5

Legal Advice

Pre-mediation discussion over the phone with each party so I can hear the topics/issues, screen for violence, and ensure both parties are willing to participate. There is no charge for the initial consultation.
STEP 6

Revisiting Mediation

It may take more than one mediation session before an agreement is reached, depending on the complexity of the topics. If you are mediating financial aspects, this process can take longer and you may need a few sessions before you reach resolution on everything.

Mediation Client Testimonials

CONTACT

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