Navigating family transitions can be overwhelming.
As a dedicated family law mediator with a compassionate approach, I am here to help you find a peaceful path forward. With extensive experience in family law and alternative dispute resolution, I specialize in supporting families through mediation, ensuring each voice is heard and valued.
Compassionate Guidance: I’m here to support you with empathy and understanding, making the process as smooth as possible.
Collaborative Solutions: My goal is to help families reach agreements that minimize conflict and prioritize well-being.
Expert Family Law Experience: With years of experience in family law, I bring a thorough knowledge of the legal landscape to each mediation.
Trauma-Informed Approach: I understand the impact trauma can have and prioritize creating a safe, supportive space for all parties, ensuring the process is approached with empathy and care.
Supporting You Through Every Step
Facilitating respectful discussions to help you reach a fair, mutually beneficial resolution on the following issues
Why Choose Mediation?
Mediation offers a respectful, non-adversarial alternative to court proceedings, allowing families to control the outcomes of their own disputes. By focusing on collaborative solutions, mediation often reduces costs, shortens the process, and minimizes emotional stress, providing a more positive environment for everyone involved.
Self-Represented Mediation
For those seeking a more affordable and hands-on approach, mediation welcomes self-represented participants. Self-rep mediation allows you to engage directly in resolving your dispute without the added cost of legal representation. A neutral mediator facilitates discussions, ensuring a fair and respectful process while empowering both parties to find solutions that work best for their unique situation.
Counsel-Assisted Mediation
If you prefer additional support, mediation also works seamlessly with legal counsel. In counsel-assisted mediation, you and your lawyer collaborate during the mediation process to ensure your rights are protected while working toward a mutually agreeable solution. This option combines the benefits of mediation with the reassurance of legal guidance, offering the best of both worlds.
My Approach
“As a family law mediator, I am committed to facilitating conversations that prioritize understanding and cooperation. I create a safe space for families to explore options and build agreements that reflect their unique needs.”
What my client's say about me
Jana de Waal was fantastic and I would recommend her for anyone looking for a mediator. TBH, I was skeptical how helpful a mediator could be in high conflict separations, but this was money WELL spent. We achieved more in 3 hours than the previous 3 months trying to negotiate things on our own. I fully intend to return to Jana when/if needed and have already recommended her to my friends/colleagues. Thank you so much Jana!
Tracy J.
I had such a wonderful experience working with Jana. She was professional and extremely knowledgeable. She ensured that I understood every step and component of the work that she was doing for me. Jana made me feel comfortable, listened to my full story, and collaborated to create a document that aligned fully with what I needed. I am so grateful to have had Jana as my lawyer. I would have her represent me again in a heartbeat.
Krissie E.
I cannot thank Jana enough for her exceptional legal representation in my parenting and custody case. From the moment I hired her, she has gone above and beyond to fight for my rights as a parent. Jana's dedication, knowledge, and expertise have been invaluable throughout this difficult process. She truly cares about her clients and their well-being, and it shows in the personalized attention she gives to each case. I highly recommend Jana to anyone in need of a compassionate and skilled attorney for family law matters.
Stefani A.
I have had a good experience with Jana. The communication is easy and productive. The billing is very detailed and understandable. I feel that I have been well represented by these down to earth professionals.
Jade K.
Jana has been such a great partner to have throughout my family law matters. She is a very competent lawyer and has been timely and reliable throughout the process. I recommend Jana.
Samantha M.
I am extremely pleased with the service that Jana has provided for me. She has been very professional in all of my interactions with her and is very knowledgeable in the law. I would be comfortable recommending her services to anyone.
Stephen N.
I am extremely grateful for the exceptional legal advice and support I received from Jana during my mediation. Thanks to her expertise and guidance, I felt well-prepared and confident throughout the process. She took the time to understand my needs and goals, and her advice was instrumental in helping me achieve exactly what I wanted. I highly recommend her services to anyone in need of a knowledgeable and dedicated lawyer!
Lisa B.
Jana is a lifesaver, helping us navigate a family matter. Her knowledge, guidance and expertise helped tremendously. I highly recommend her services.
Moji G.
Really enjoyed working with Jana de Waal - approachable with great expertise in family law
Sandi M.
MORE ABOUT ME
I was born in Cape Town, South Africa, and I immigrated to Canada with my family at a young age. I pursued an undergraduate degree in Journalism and achieved first-class combined honors in Political Science at the University of King’s College in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Post-graduation, I ventured back to South Africa, finding my footing as a Junior Policy Officer for the Canadian High Commission in Johannesburg. Transitioning into the realm of Public Relations, I honed my skills as an Account Executive before founding my own non-profit organization, driven by a passion for social impact.
In 2016, I relocated to Calgary to pursue the Juris Doctor degree at the University of Calgary. Following my legal education, I worked at Alberta Justice, immersing myself in the intricacies of family law by navigating the complexities of the legal system on behalf of Child and Family Services, Maintenance and Enforcement, and Child Support Services. Then I started working in the private family law sphere.
My journey led me to serve as a Crown Prosecutor, where I confronted legal challenges head-on, navigating the nuances of criminal trials. This diverse experience equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of criminal legal matters, enabling me to offer unique support to my clients.
Motivated by a desire to guide individuals through life's most challenging moments, I channel my passion for advocacy into my current role at Stokes Law. Specializing in all facets of family law, including divorce, child support, spousal support, parenting disputes, guardianship applications and property division, I approach each case with compassion and resolve. Dedicated to fostering collaborative solutions and minimizing conflict, I remain steadfast in my commitment to achieving positive outcomes for my clients, particularly through alternative dispute resolution mechanisms such as mediation, four-way settlement meetings and arbitration. I'm also a recent editor of the Legal Education Society of Alberta Family Law Practice Manual, and I'm currently obtaining a Masters of Law degree in Dispute Resolution.
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Book a consultation to see how mediation can work for your family.
Community Involvement & Ongoing Education
My dedication to family law goes beyond my practice. As an editor for Alberta’s Family Law Practice Manual and a current Master of Law candidate specializing in Dispute Resolution, I am deeply committed to my field and to the well-being of my clients.