Mediation Vs. Restorative Justice: Which is Better for Family Conflicts? | Kolinsky Law
                     Mediation vs. 
Restorative Justice
Which approach is better for resolving family conflicts?
The Challenge of Family Conflict
Family conflicts involving divorce, custody, or long-standing 
disputes are emotionally draining and expensive. Traditional 
court processes can take months or years, leaving families 
exhausted.
Alternative dispute resolution methods offer a different path—
one that prioritizes communication, understanding, and 
practical solutions outside the courtroom.
What is Mediation?
Neutral Facilitation Future-Focused Written Agreements
A neutral third party guides Emphasizes creating parenting Results in mutually acceptable, 
discussions without making plans, custody schedules, and enforceable agreements that give 
decisions, helping both sides financial agreements rather than parents control over outcomes.
communicate effectively. revisiting past issues.
What is Restorative Justice?
Healing Through Understanding
Restorative justice addresses harm by bringing affected parties 
together to discuss what happened, how each person was 
impacted, and what can repair the damage.
Guided by a trained facilitator, it promotes accountability and 
rebuilds trust where relationships have broken down—particularly 
valuable when emotional harm prevents families from moving 
forward.
Key Differences
Focus Timeframe
Mediation is solution-driven, while restorative Mediation concentrates on current and future 
justice is relationship-driven. issues; restorative justice looks backward to 
address past harms.
Outcome Best For
Mediation produces written agreements; Mediation suits practical resolutions; restorative 
restorative justice creates personal or emotional justice works when emotional issues block 
commitments. dialogue.
When to Choose Mediation
Practical Disputes Time-Sensitive Good Faith
Custody schedules, property division, Need quick, efficient resolution Both parties willing to negotiate fairly
financial arrangements
When to 
Choose 
Restorative 
JuDesep Etmoitiocnal Hearm
Long-standing resentment or broken trust preventing cooperation
Communication Breakdown
Parties unable to have constructive dialogue about practical issues
Relationship Repair
Need emotional healing before addressing logistics
Making the Right Choice
The right approach depends on your family's unique 
circumstances. Consider the nature of your conflict, desired 
outcomes, and whether practical or emotional issues are the 
primary barrier.
Neither method is universally "better." An experienced 
family lawyer can assess your situation and recommend the 
process that best protects your interests and your children's 
well-being.
Both methods require honest engagement from all 
parties. If cooperation isn't possible, court 
intervention may be necessary.
Expert Guidance Matters
Legal Expertise Compassionate Support Future-Focused
Understanding Alberta's family law Navigating emotional challenges Creating solutions that preserve 
framework and how each process fits while protecting your legal rights relationships and prioritize children's 
your case well-being
Ready to Find Your Path Forward?
Kolinsky Law
David Kolinsky and our team bring extensive experience in 
mediation and collaborative law to help Edmonton families find respectful, 
out-of-court solutions.
Don't navigate this alone. Whether you need mediation for practical 
agreements or restorative justice for emotional healing, we provide expert 
guidance tailored to your family's needs.
Visit Us: 212A – 10807 Castle Downs RoadEdmonton, AB T5X 3N7