As mediators with a background in family law, we sit down with both parties to guide you towards resolution of your family law matter. Together, we can work through issues surrounding guardianship, parenting, child support, spousal support, and property division.
The final goal in our work together is to reach an enduring agreement, but it is also our hope that through the mediation process, all parties will develop confidence in their ability to work through future conflicts and challenges on their own.
The mediation process is favourable as it can:
Move at a pace that is comfortable for all parties, which is generally a lot faster than the court process,
Be very cost-effective as the mediator’s hourly rate is shared between all parties,
Offer more certainty and control as we can take advantage of creative options that wouldn’t be available through the court process, and
Ensure confidentiality.
Our Process
We strive to create a safe environment that is dynamic and conducive to settlement and resolving disputes.
You can expect the following to get the process started:
A conflict check requiring each party’s full legal name.
If there is no conflict, each party will be given an Intake Sheet to fill out and an hour initial meeting between the mediator and each party will be scheduled for the mediator to determine the suitability of mediation, explain the mediation process, and answer questions the parties may have regarding mediation. This initial meeting is optional if the parties are represented by lawyers.
If you would like to proceed with retaining the mediator, all parties will be sent the Mediation Agreement to sign, as well as instructions to make the Retainer Fee payment.
All parties will be asked to seek Independent Legal Advice from a family lawyer in preparation for the mediation, if they are not attending mediation with a lawyer.
A pre-mediation meeting will be scheduled between the mediator and each party separately, where the mediator will seek to gain in-dept insight into the parties’ situation and confirm that the parties are suitable and prepared for the mediation session(s).
Once a final resolution has been reached, the mediator will prepare the Agreement. If the parties do not attend mediation with lawyers, they will then need to return to their respective lawyers for independent legal advice on the agreement and to sign with their lawyer.
Is your Family Matter Appropriate for Mediation?
Situations that may be appropriate for mediation include:
Two people who need help working out the terms of a Marriage or Cohabitation Agreement (sometimes known as a prenuptial agreement)
Families who need assistance working towards a comprehensive Parenting Plan
Parties who have complicated financial circumstances or incomes
Parties who have oversea assets
Parties who have interest in corporations
If you are unsure whether mediation is suitable in your situation, contact us and schedule a brief phone call with Nancy or Rena.