FAMILY MEDIATION
In mediation, families work with a neutral third-party professional to guide them in identifying the issues, facilitating effective communication and reaching flexible, balanced and personalized solutions. Mediation is an excellent alternative to Court for families experiencing separation and divorce.
OUR PROCESS
Separation and divorce are some of the most stressful life events that people experience. Mediation is an informal, confidential process that is less expensive and less time consuming than going to Court. In mediation, resolution comes as a result of the parties’ mutual agreement. The advantages of mediation are extensive and include control over the outcome, an emphasis on privacy and confidentiality, and the ability to engage a legal professional cost-effectively to reach and document a mutually-beneficial resolution without hostile and time-consuming litigation.
-
If you aren’t sure what mediation is or whether it is right for you, schedule a free, no obligation, 15 minute phone call to ask questions about the process, the cost, the timeline and the involvement of your family lawyer.
-
Once you and your former spouse decide that you would like to use mediation as an out-of-court dispute resolution alternative, complete the client intake forms that our office provides and schedule your individual interview with the mediator. Mediators are required to interview each party separately prior to mediating, in order to ensure a fair and safe process for all the parties.
-
In mediation, families collaborate with a neutral third-party professional to identify and resolve issues, improve communication, and find personalised solutions, offering a favourable alternative to court for separation and divorce. The timeline of your mediation varies based on issues, family lawyer involvement, and available information. Success is enhanced with honesty, transparency, and full participation from both parties.
-
Your mediator will prepare a separation agreement for you to review with your family lawyer. It is crucial that you receive independent legal advice on the content of the separation agreement, as it is your lawyer’s responsibility to advise you on your rights and responsibilities. Signing the separation agreement with independent legal advice will help ensure its binding and enforceable nature.
Is family mediation the service for you?
I need help with a parenting plan.
I need help with calculating child support.
I need help with guardianship and parental decision-making.
I need help with the division of property.
I need help with calculating spousal support.
I need help with a separation agreement
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Yes, mediation is available whether you are recently separated or have been separated for a long period of time.
-
Yes. You will need access to legal advice throughout the process in order to ensure that you are fully informed of your rights and responsibilities. Your lawyer does not need to attend mediation with you, but does need to provide you with independent legal advice on the separation agreement before it is signed.
-
No. Mediation is often a very effective mechanism to avoid ongoing litigation. Sometimes parties are most motivated to settle if they have an upcoming court date.
-
Yes. An agreement reached at mediation will be final and binding so long as the parties have received independent legal advice and entered the agreement without duress or undue influence.
