Frequently Asked Questions
What is family mediation?
Family mediation is a collaborative way of resolving disputes between people with the guidance of a mediator or an impartial third party. It provides a safe and informal place for individuals to have an open and honest discussion, as well as the opportunity to work together to come up with mutually agreeable solutions.
Why would you choose mediation?
Mediation can save you time and money. It is confidential and provides you with the change to explore a wide range of possible solutions. It also allows individuals to make their own decision and retain control of the outcome.
Is family mediation voluntary?
Yes, family mediation is generally entered into on a voluntary basis.
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Is family mediation right for you?
Family mediation may not be appropriate for families that are experiencing issues of violence, neglect or chronic alcohol/drug use.
What issues can be discussed in mediation?
Issues involving parenting, communication, child support, division of property, and spousal support can all be discussed in family mediation with respect to separation and divorce and general family situations.
Family Business mediation includes all issues that may arise in the operation and succession planning inherent in a family business.
Parental mediations include issues such as: daily routines and parenting schedule; parenting time-sharing arrangements — for example, holidays, summer vacations; discipline issues; childcare/babysitting; transportation and exchange of children (drop off/pick up); medical, dental, vision care, and other medical issues; psychological counselling; testing and assessment; extracurricular activities and special events; and education, for example, school choice, tutoring, special needs issues, etc.
What is the role of the mediator?
A mediator is an impartial third party whose role is to facilitate communication between individuals and assist them in negotiating a voluntary resolution of their issues based on open and honest discussion between them. The mediator is neutral and unbiased and does not provide legal advice.
What is your role in the mediation?
Your role in the mediation is to have an effective conversation with the other person, to be clear about your concerns and needs, and to be open to listen to the other person's concerns and needs. Your goal is to work together to come up with solutions that you both agree on.
Where and when does mediation take place?
Mediation can take place in a neutral environment that is considered safe and comfortable for all individuals involved. It can take place during the day, the evening, or on the weekends, whichever is most suitable for all people involved.
How long will the mediation take?
An individual mediation may take anywhere from two to three hours and one to several mediations may be required depending on the number of issues that need to be resolved. Many disputes are resolved in one or two mediations.
Is mediation private and confidential?
Conversations taking place during mediation are private. Generally, it is only the individuals involved in the dispute that attend the mediation (see below). Also, the decision as to whether these conversations will be confidential or will be shared outside the mediation and with whom they are shared with may be decided by the participants. The mediator does not share any of the information discussed in the mediation outside of this forum.
Can other people attend the mediation with you?
Generally, it is only the people involved in the dispute that attend mediation; however, on occasion, you may have another individual such as your lawyer, or another support person attend the mediation with you. This may occur as long as all people involved in the mediation agree upon who will be in the mediation room ahead of time.
