Divorce Mediation Ontario
Recommended by Family Law Judges
"Mediation gives families a chance to solve conflict without destruction"
The Hon. Justice
Carolyn M. Ellsworth
Family Law Judge
IS MEDIATION RIGHT FOR US?
COST EFFECTIVE
Mediation is meant to reduce the conflict between the parties so that the focus can be on finding resolution and moving forward peacefully.
EFFICIENT
Mediation is meant to reduce the conflict between the parties so that the focus can be on finding resolution and moving forward peacefully.
CHILD FOCUSED
Mediation is meant to reduce the conflict between the parties so that the focus can be on finding resolution and moving forward peacefully.
LOW CONFLICT
Mediation is meant to reduce the conflict between the parties so that the focus can be on finding resolution and moving forward peacefully.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What Is the Main Purpose of Family Mediation?
The purpose of family mediation is to negotiate the elements of a separation agreement, such as child custody, property division, and financial arrangements. The mediator is a neutral third party who facilitates the negotiation by decreasing the conflict between the parties, ensuring everyone has the relevant information needed to make a decision and is in a comfortable and supportive environment.
Is Mediation Legally Binding?
Once agreements are reached in mediation, they can be made legally binding if they are recorded in a legally enforceable document, such as a consent order or a separation agreement.
How Long Does the Process Take?
On average, with our unique process, families are able to complete the entire mediation process and reach a separation agreement within about 6 weeks. This is considerably quicker then negotiating with lawyers which can take on average about 4-8 months and the court system, which on average takes 3 years.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
You can, but are not required to have a lawyer present witn you during the mediation process. At the end of the mediation process, you can the separation agreement we draft for you to a lawyer for independent legal advice.
Will the Mediator Make Decisions?
No. The mediator never makes the decisions on your behalf, rather it's both parties who make the decisions - the mediators just ensure that you have the relevant information, understand your rights and obligations and are in a supportive environment to make said decisions. You are never forced or pushed into something you don't want.
What Do I Need to Prepare in Advance of Mediation?
We will guide you through every step of our mediation process, including the preparation of the financial disclosure required by law. After we meet for your intakes (step 1), we will send you a list of documents to gather for your first mediation session. We know you're busy and have a lot on your plate, so we have designed our process to ensure every step is as easy as possible.