At Gale Law, mediation is led by Kim Gale, an experienced estate litigation lawyer and accredited mediator who holds a Master of Laws in Dispute Resolution from Osgoode Hall Law School. With a background in handling complex estate matters—like will challenges, power of attorney disputes, and dependent support claims—Kim brings both legal depth and a calm, practical approach to conflict resolution. Her passion for estate law began over a decade ago and has since evolved into a practice built on empathy, strategy, and results.
Mediation with Gale Law offers clients a more cost-effective, less stressful alternative to going to court. In Toronto, estate mediation is a mandatory step in the litigation process—so working with someone who understands both the legal and emotional landscape is key. Kim’s specialized knowledge, formal training, and years of hands-on experience allow her to guide parties toward resolution efficiently and respectfully. With Gale Law, you don’t just check a legal box—you gain a thoughtful partner in solving difficult disputes.
There are many reasons as to why estate mediation is so beneficial to all parties involved in a dispute.
To learn more about Ontario’s mandatory mediation process, click here.
Collaborative Law is a modern, family-focused approach to resolving estate disputes without the stress, expense, or conflict of court. Instead of relying on adversarial litigation, each party works with their own collaboratively trained lawyer to negotiate solutions through open communication, full transparency, and respectful dialogue. The goal is simple: reach a fair and lasting agreement while preserving family relationships whenever possible.
This process is especially valuable when a dispute unfolds within a family, such as siblings settling an estate, spouses or partners navigating inheritance issues, or loved ones addressing concerns about wills, gifts, or estate administration. Traditional litigation can deepen emotional wounds and permanently damage relationships. Collaborative Law instead focuses on reducing conflict and helping families move forward in a healthier, more constructive way.
For clients, lawyers, and professionals who want a deeper understanding of how collaborative principles apply specifically to estate disputes, Kim Gale has authored Collaborative Law for Estate Lawyers!
This is a comprehensive resource that includes:
Ready to take the next step? Use the e-calendar below to tentatively schedule your next mediation with us.
*Please note that after booking, payment and a conflict search is required. We note that your mediation is not booked until a member of our team reaches out to you to discuss next steps. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us at info@galelaw.ca or 416-868-3263.
Estate mediation is a process where a neutral third party (the mediator) helps people involved in an estate dispute reach a fair and mutually acceptable resolution. Instead of a judge deciding the outcome, the parties work collaboratively to find solutions.
In Toronto, mediation is a mandatory step in the estate litigation process before a case can proceed to a final hearing. This requirement helps reduce court backlogs, encourages settlement, and saves both time and money for the parties involved.
Mediation can be used for a wide range of estate issues, including:
• Will challenges
• Powers of attorney disputes
• Dependent support claims
• Estate administration disagreements
• Passing of accounts
Essentially, any dispute that arises in estate litigation can benefit from mediation.
Mediation offers several advantages:
• Lower legal costs compared to full litigation
• A less formal, less stressful process
• More control over the outcome
• Faster resolutions
• Confidential proceedings (not public like court cases)
• Creative, customized solutions tailored to the parties' needs
• Potential to preserve family relationships
Kim Gale, founder of Gale Law, is a qualified mediator with a Master of Laws in Dispute Resolution (Mediation) from Osgoode Hall Law School. With years of estate litigation experience, she combines legal expertise with mediation skills to help parties reach effective settlements.
Litigation involves presenting arguments in court and having a judge impose a decision. Mediation, on the other hand, is collaborative. The mediator facilitates communication and negotiation, but the parties themselves decide the outcome. This often leads to solutions that are more practical and acceptable to everyone involved.
Yes, if the parties reach an agreement during mediation, it can be put into writing and signed as a legally binding settlement. This agreement can then be enforced like any other contract.
The length of mediation depends on the complexity of the issues and the willingness of the parties to cooperate. Some mediations may be resolved in a single day, while others may require multiple sessions.
Mediation is private and confidential. Unlike court proceedings, which are public, discussions and agreements made in mediation remain between the parties and the mediator. This ensures sensitive family or financial matters stay private.
Gale Law combines deep estate litigation experience with advanced mediation training. Kim Gale understands the unique challenges of estate disputes and uses proven mediation techniques to promote communication, reduce conflict, and guide parties toward practical, cost-effective solutions.
