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By: Mediator-In-Training Julia Tremain I have been a family law lawyer for more years than I care to remember, and as such I have had the benefit of participating in several mediations, both as counsel for a party and as counsel for the child or children.  I am happy to see that mediation and other…

Written By: IRC Alisha Cater   As an IRC I like to approach each day like an empty rice bowl. The empty rice bowl is a well-known Buddhist story reflecting a beginner’s mind; a fresh start. Where each grain of rice that fills your bowl illustrates a new interaction, a new perspective, new learning. I…

Written by: Sari Goldman, MSW, RSW, AccFM Having completed all required course work through Riverdale Mediation, there was no question I hoped for an internship with the organization. Through the courses I realized how aligned my background and interests were with Riverdale, especially with my background in mental health and intimate partner violence. As a…

By: Tobi Ajibolade As an Information and Resource Referral Coordinator, I was grateful to speak on the second day of the program held by the LSO while hearing various perspectives and practices in managing domestic violence in family law files. Domestic violence and abuse is a nuanced topic that can involves complex pieces such as;…

by Ildiko Moktassi This short workshop was an excellent introduction for mediators and a great refresher for family law lawyers regarding the different sources of income and how they may affect income calculation for support purposes. The presenter, family law lawyer and mediator, Angela Princewill, was knowledgeable, friendly and funny. She did an excellent job…

By: Toronto Family Mediation Services President Hilary Linton   We have come across an unreported decision from 2019 that we think all mediators should read. In Arbuckle v Arbuckle (2019 ONSC 7453), Ms. Arbuckle sought a copy of the mediator’s notes. She took the position that the parties had reached an agreement in mediation and that…

This post highlights some of the "pandemic trends" that Information and Referral Coordinator Meagan Bensadoun has noticed.…

Effective August 1, 2021, judges can combine mandatory conferences if the parties have tried mediation.…

By: TFMS Mediator Raheena Dahya This series is designed to provide you with some tips and activities to assist you in preparing for your family law mediation. Get To ‘Yes’ With Yourself William Ury, one of the most preeminent writers on negotiation theory and tactics, describes how to use negotiation tactics with yourself before you…

Hilary Linton, Toronto Family Mediation Services (mediate393) and Riverdale Mediation In a recent decision by Justice Kiteley on a motion by the Respondent for retroactive and ongoing child support inter alia,  several key principles emerged that are worth noting for mediators and lawyers alike. Aside from the fact that the case features a lawyer with…