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).
Family mediation is a safe place to have difficult conversations about parenting your children, settling child and spousal support and dividing your property.
Why Mediate?
Many people go to court because they don’t know where else to turn. But court can take years, is stressful and requires time away from work and family. You have no control over what a judge might decide.
Mediation allows you a chance to work out an agreement with your former partner, one that both of you can live with. Mediation is a confidential and affordable way for you and the other party to negotiate an agreement and settle your family law issues.
If you have a court case, mediation is free on the date of your first appearance, motion, case conference, pre-trial or trial.
And whether you have a court case or not, mediation is subsidized for up to 8 hours of mediation at fees low as $5 an hour.
Mediation is not the right process for everyone; some people need the authority and accountability of the court process. Our mediators are trained to help assess whether mediation can be helpful to you and safe for your family.
*Note: to negotiate for what you want, we will need both parties to participate!
This was a better solution than a lengthy court process. The mediator was patient, kind and understanding.
I feel more informed as a parent with respect to parental values and agreements.
Good opportunity to bring forth concerns in a comfortable and open way. Overall a great experience.
We can mediate
- child support
- spousal support
- custody and access
- moving school or home
- changing or ending support
- support arrears
- income determination
- financial statement and disclosure issues
- property division
- grandparent access
- family disputes impacted by culture, gender, same-sex, transgender and multiple parent issues.
- elder family disputes
Frequently Asked Questions
“How do I know if mediation is right for me?”
Mediation is an opportunity to try to settle your case. In most cases, we are able to help parties have productive conversations with the mediator. But it is not right for everyone. If you and the other party are both willing to try to reach an agreement rather than have the court decide for you, we suggest you submit your intake forms and schedule separate intake meetings. This will help you and us decide if mediation is suitable in your case. Even if you do not proceed with mediation, you will both receive good information and supportive referrals.
“Do I have to be in the same room as the other person?”
No, you do not. We offer our services both online and in-person. We can have people in the same room, or in different rooms with the mediator going back and forth between them. Either way, you do not need to be in the same physical or virtual room as the other person to attend mediation.
“How long will on-site mediation take?”
Your intake meeting will last about one hour. The mediation will last between 1-3 hours depending on the circumstances.
“Is everyone eligible?”
If you have a court case at one of the courts we serve, you are eligible for on-site mediation. There is no financial eligibility test for on-site mediation.
“How much does on-site mediation cost?”
Our on-site mediation services are totally free.
“Who will be my mediator?”
Your mediator will be assigned to you based on the information provided in your intake forms. All our mediators are approved by the Ministry of the Attorney General and are experienced and dedicated to helping our clients succeed in mediation.
Our Staff, Mediators and IRCs
Our mediators and Information and Referral Coordinators (IRCs) are trained and insured professionals.
All of our mediators are certified by a professional body, and most are specialists in either child or financial issues, or both.
Our IRCs are supportive triage specialists who specialize in knowing community resources and dispute resolution options.
Meet our Team!
Our free and subsidized mediation is:
Easy to access
We have safe and confidential mediation spaces in each court, and also offer mediation online.
Voluntary
No one can order you to negotiate with another person
Quick
Same day mediation for all court matters
Child-focused
We take the views and preferences of your children into account
Balanced
We meet with each of you first to assess whether mediation can be safe and effective
Easy to access
We are centrally located and you can start the process online
Affordable
Mediation is free if in court and subsidized for everyone whether they are in court or not, view our fee schedule
Supportive
We work closely with other court services and agencies to support the entire family
It is important for parties to remember that family mediators do not provide legal or other advice. Both parties in mediation should have all necessary advice, legal and otherwise, before making decisions. The mediator, or the Information Referral Coordinator, can direct you to the available legal and community resources. You may qualify for free advice from the duty counsel or the advice counsel in the Family Court. See also Options for Independent Legal Advice.
Family Law Information Centres (FLIC)
416-250-6161
