What is family mediation?

When you are going through a separation or divorce, there a number of options available to help you resolve the outstanding issues.  Most are aware that you have the option to retain a lawyer to negotiate and prepare a separation agreement or retain a lawyer to commence a court application.

You may not know, is that there is third option available to assist you with negotiating and resolving all the issues from your separation.  Family Mediation is a form of Alternative Dispute Resolution and is a process that can be used at any stage of your separation.  Some people use mediation in the midst of a court application or start mediation after they have retained legal counsel.  For many, the most successful outcomes are for those who pursue mediation as a first step.

Unlike a court application or a lawyer negotiated separation agreement, Mediation is process that leaves the decision making power in you and former partners hands.  Mediation will encourage you to consider what is most important to you and to consider what plans and arrangements work in your personal circumstances.  There is no "one size fits all" arrangement.

The question remains, "What is Family Mediation".  Mediation is a process in which you retain a third party mediator who will assist you by facilitating negotiation and discussion about the issues from your separation.  A mediator is not your lawyer.  They will not give you legal advice but they will be able to explain the processes, explain how property division and support is calculated and explain how parenting plans work.    While your mediator can help generate ideas, their goal is to assist you in generating the ideas that work best in your circumstances.  A mediator is skilled in dealing with the conflict that arises in these discussions and will help you stay on task during those times it is most difficult.  Mediation is a more personal process and it a more cost effective manner in which to resolve the issues in your separation.

If you would like to have a no obligation, no cost consultation regarding mediation and whether it is right for you, please contact us to arrange a time to speak.  We conduct virtual  mediations across Ontario so your location is not a barrier.  Additionally, you can find further information on ourMediation services at simplymediation.ca.