Julie Ralhan, B.A., LL.B., LL.M., Accredited Family Mediator Certified Elder Mediator (Advanced). Specializing in Mediation of Caregiver Conflict, Apology Guidance and Restorative Peacemaking

Services Offered by Julie Ralhan

Mediation of Caregiver Conflict Between Adult Siblings/Family Members Regarding Elder Care Issues.
Facilitation of Family & Group Meetings to Proactively Prevent Conflict Before it Arises.
Apology Guidance and Restorative Peacemaking, including General Peacemaking Education.

About Julie Ralhan, B.A., LL.B., LL.M., Accredited Family Mediator, Certified Elder Mediator (Advanced)

Julie Ralhan obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from York University in 1999, a Bachelor of Laws from Osgoode Hall Law School in 2002, and was called to the Bar of Ontario in 2003. Julie then practiced family law with a focus on child-related issues for two decades in various contexts, including as legal counsel for the Children’s Aid Society of Hamilton, and subsequently as a lawyer for parents, grandparents and other family members in Children’s Aid Society cases. Julie also obtained a (part-time) Master of Laws in family law from Osgoode Hall Law School in 2009, while working full-time as legal counsel for the Hamilton Children’s Aid Society. Additionally, Julie has had the opportunity to engage in special projects and contractual arrangements during her time as a lawyer, including being outside counsel to the Motherisk Commission, which was established by the Ontario government to examine the reliability of drug testing in child protection cases. Julie is accredited as a family mediator and an intergenerational (elder) mediator through the Ontario Association for Family Mediation (OAFM), and is also accredited as a Certified Elder Mediator (Advanced) through Family Mediation Canada (FMC). Julie is a member of various legal and mediation associations, including the Elder Mediation International Network, the mission of which is to advance the practice of elder mediation as a distinct specialty, and ensure quality in the practice of elder mediation through the development of high standards of ethics, conduct, and education.

Julie’s approach and philosophy as a mediator is to recognize that conflict can be profoundly painful for all involved. Individuals may be experiencing stress, grief and fear in relation to the issues with which they are being confronted. Historical family/relational dynamics and grievances may also exacerbate the conflict. Julie believes in speaking the truth with dignity, and seeks to equip and encourage individuals to find new ways to meaningfully redeem and resolve conflict.

Summary of the Mediation/Peacemaking Process

The following is a general summary of the steps in the mediation/peacemaking process:

Step 1 – Intake and Screening: The first step involves an initial intake session to screen for power imbalances and to determine whether mediation/peacemaking is appropriate for the parties. Additional issues such as who should participate in the process, and the nature of the participation will also be canvassed. The session is approximately an hour per person and takes place with each party separately.

Step 2 – Signing of the Agreement: If the file is deemed suitable for mediation/peacemaking, and the parties wish to move forward, the next step is the signing of the Agreement to Mediate/Peacemaking Services Agreement.

Step 3 – Joint Mediation/Peacemaking Sessions: The joint mediation/peacemaking sessions are then scheduled with all of the parties. The number of joint sessions depends on the nature of the case/issues involved.

Step 4 – The Mediation Report/Peacemaking Summary/Elder Care Plan: The parties are provided with a Mediation Report/Peacemaking Summary/Elder Care Plan, outlining the outcome of the process.

To learn more about the mediation/peacemaking process, please email info@julieralhan.com or call 647-904-5849.