Sibling & Extended Family Mediation

What Is Sibling & Extended Family Mediation?

Sibling and extended family mediation addresses disputes that arise within families beyond the separating couple – including conflicts between adult siblings over inheritance, the care of an aging parent, family business decisions, property, or longstanding interpersonal grievances.

This type of mediation recognizes that family systems are complex and that multiple parties with different relationships and interests may need to be involved in the same process. Elizabeth Evans is experienced in multi-party mediation and brings the skills to manage group dynamics, ensure all voices are heard, and keep discussions focused on practical resolution.

Elizabeth Evans – Accredited Family Law Mediator and Registered Social Worker – approaches these disputes with cultural sensitivity, an understanding of family systems, and a commitment to impartiality. She does not take sides, does not advocate for any family member, and does not make decisions for the family. Her role is to create the conditions for the family to reach its own durable agreements.

These sessions can involve two or more family members and may take place in person at TMHC’s Ontario office or virtually, accommodating participants in different locations. Elizabeth may conduct individual pre-mediation sessions with each participant to prepare them for the group process.

Who This Service Is For

Adult siblings in dispute over the division of a parent’s estate

Adult children disagreeing about care decisions for an aging or ill parent

Siblings with unresolved conflict stemming from childhood or a family event

Family members in dispute over shared property, a family business, or financial obligations

Grandparents seeking access to grandchildren following a parent’s separation

Blended families navigating role ambiguity, boundaries, and resource allocation

Family members who have had a serious falling out and wish to attempt reconciliation through structured dialogue

Families dealing with complex dynamics involving stepparents, half-siblings, or estranged relatives

Benefits of This Approach

Preserves Family Bonds

Litigation between family members rarely ends relationships on good terms. Mediation creates the possibility of resolution that preserves – or at least respects – the family relationship.

Manages Multiple Perspectives

Elizabeth is trained in multi-party mediation, ensuring that all participants have a voice and that complex group dynamics are managed fairly.

Private & Confidential

Family disputes resolved in mediation remain private. There is no public court record.

Culturally Responsive

Elizabeth’s practice recognizes that extended family dynamics are deeply shaped by cultural values, traditions, and obligations. She approaches each family on its own terms.

Cost-Effective

Estate litigation and family disputes in court are expensive and time-consuming. Mediation offers a faster and significantly more affordable path to resolution.

Durable Agreements

Because all parties participate in crafting the resolution, mediated agreements within families have high rates of compliance and durability.

The Mediation Process

1

Individual Pre-Mediation Sessions

Elizabeth meets separately with each participant to understand their perspective, explain the process, address concerns, and determine whether joint mediation is appropriate and safe.

2

Ground Rules & Process Agreement

In the first joint session, Elizabeth establishes ground rules for respectful communication, outlines the process, and obtains each participant’s agreement to participate in good faith.

3

Each Party Shares Their Perspective

All participants have uninterrupted time to explain their perspective and what they need from the process. Elizabeth ensures the conversation remains respectful and on-track.

4

Identifying Issues & Interests

Elizabeth helps the group identify the core issues in dispute and the underlying needs and interests of each party – moving from entrenched positions to what each person actually needs.

5

Generating & Evaluating Options

Together, the group generates possible solutions and evaluates each option against the interests of all parties, practical constraints, and any applicable legal considerations.

6

Agreement & Documentation

When agreement is reached, Elizabeth prepares a written summary of agreed terms. Depending on the nature of the dispute, parties may take this to independent legal counsel for formalization.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Family relationships are among the most important in our lives – and among the most complex. TMHC Mediation offers a professional, compassionate, and culturally responsive process to help extended families find resolution. Contact Elizabeth Evans to discuss your family’s situation.

Elizabeth Evans – Accredited FM, CP Med, RSW · Serving Ontario, Canada