Family disputes do not all require a trial. Depending on safety, power balance, disclosure and the issues involved, parties may use negotiation or structured dispute-resolution processes. Some services are private and others are connected to an active Family Division case.
Sources checked September 29, 2026.
Negotiation
Parties can negotiate directly or through counsel, subject to informed decision-making and adequate disclosure.
- offers and proposals
- legal advice
- written settlement
Mediation
A neutral mediator helps parties identify issues and explore agreement but does not impose a decision.
- pre-mediation screening
- confidential process
- mediated agreement
Conciliation
Family Division court officers use conciliation to identify issues, review required documents and assist with settlement where appropriate.
- court officer
- document readiness
- referral to next process
Collaborative family law
Collaborative practice uses specially structured lawyer-assisted negotiation aimed at settlement outside adversarial litigation.
- participation agreement
- team process
- settlement focus
Settlement conferences
A judge-led settlement conference can help parties explore resolution without having the judge impose a settlement.
- voluntary participation
- judge facilitation
- consent resolution
Official sources
- Nova Scotia Family Law — Family Dispute Resolution
- Nova Scotia Family Law — Mediation
- Nova Scotia Courts — Family Division