You can learn much more about available services, mediation, court process, separation, divorce and the law by visiting us at one of our Family Law Information Centres (FLIC).
Off-site Mediation
Anyone living in the GTA who is going through a separation can use off-site family mediation.
Q: What is off-site mediation?
A: Off-site mediation is a subsidized family mediation service funded by the Ontario government. It is intended to help separating couples resolve parenting and financial matters without going to court.
Q: What issues can I mediate?
A: All financial and parenting issues can be addressed, including parenting schedules, determining income and property values, child support, spousal support and division of property.
Q: Who will be my mediator?
A: Our accredited family mediators are mostly family lawyers or mental health professionals. We assign the most appropriate mediator to your file. See our roster here.
Q: How many hours of mediation are provided?
A: Off-site mediation is an 8-hour package that includes:
- One (free) hour for a private and confidential intake meeting for each party
- Up to six (6) hours of combined mediation, preparation, administration and drafting time, depending on the issues involved.
- Once you have used the 8 hours, you will be encouraged to continue to work with your mediator privately if you need more time.
Q: What are the fees?
A: Fees are based on your income from all sources and number of dependants. Here is the fee schedule set by the government.
Q: How do I pay?
A: Payment is made before each mediation session. We do not refund 30 minutes of time or less.
Q: How quickly can I get started?
A: There may be a wait list to get started, depending on how busy we are. Once your file is opened, the mediator will contact you to schedule your intake meetings within a week or two.
Q: Is mediation in person or online?
A: We offer both online and in-person mediation.
Q: How do I get started?
A: If both parties have agreed to use our service, each should complete an intake form found here and sign our Agreement to Mediate (found here).
Once we have received both intake forms, a mediator will contact you to schedule your intake meetings. There might be an intern present as well.
After intake meetings, if we and you feel that the mediation should proceed, the mediator will schedule your mediation times.
Q: What do I need to bring to the intake meeting?
A: You will need to provide proof of your income from all sources. Be prepared to show your mediator your last three income tax returns and notices of assessment, your last pay stub and anything else showing your present income from all sources. Your mediator will use this information to determine user fees.
Note: if you are self-employed, line 150 income on your tax return may not be the correct income to use for the purpose of mediation. Please have your Statement of Business Activities available to show your mediator.
Q: How is it decided whether my case is appropriate for off-site mediation?
A: Not all matters are suitable for mediation, and not all separating couples are ready to mediate at the same time. We will discuss any concerns about mediation at your private and confidential intake meeting to help decide whether mediation is appropriate in your case.
Q: What documents are required for mediation?
A: The mediator will discuss disclosure at your intake meeting. If there are financial issues you should be prepared to complete a financial statement (Form 13 or 13.1) and provide the supporting documents required by it.
Q: Do you provide us with a separation agreement?
A: No. Mediators draft a Mediation Summary Report (“MSR”) which summarizes the agreements made at mediation. Binding agreements must be made outside of mediation unless both parties have lawyers with them to finalize an agreement at the mediation.
Q: Do I need a lawyer?
A: You do not need to have a lawyer. We strongly advise both parties to seek independent legal advice before, during and after the mediation. We will recommend legal services and resources for those who do not have a lawyer.
Q: Who can I contact for more information?
A: Our Program Coordinator can answer your questions or refer you to one of our mediators: [email protected] or 416-593-5393.
Very valuable service on many levels. Highly recommended.
Great experience, talked about real issues for the first time in years. Thank you.
[Our mediator] was empathetic, insightful, helpful, creative, facilitated a fair and balanced solution that was in the best interest of the children.
Our assigned mediator was particularly effective in helping reach a solution.
What lawyers say
We had an extremely positive experience in mediation today… We were addressing child and spousal support and equalization. The support issues were difficult… we were not optimistic going in. In his quiet manner, with the right degree of humour, our mediator got us through to a resolution on all the issues. Everyone left with smiles!
I want to thank [our mediator] and [the intern] for conducting the mediation session so wonderfully. Things have gotten better between the two of us since we filed for divorce. We are feeling a relief that comes after being on battle ground so long. Now we can relax and move forward.
Family Law Information Centres (FLIC)
416-250-6161
