Helping you move forward in your separation with family mediation services

A separation can be conflict-ridden, we’ll help you reduce the conflict through compassionate dialogue and a fair negotiation process

We understand you want everything to be fair and equitable

You feel overwhelmed and anxious by the enormity of the tasks ahead. ➡ We’ll walk you through a step-by-step process with details and agenda items so nothing is missed or forgotten. 

You feel confused and don’t even know where to begin. ➡ We will provide you with all the necessary legal information and processes and will help you collaborate with your spouse. 

You’re worried that you might not see your children as often and lose connection with them. ➡ In mediation, we will look at all the needs of your children and collaboratively problem-solve a fair parenting plan.

Our family mediation process can help make everything fair and equitable

What is family mediation?

Family Mediation is a non-adversarial form of dispute resolution involving a trained, impartial professional who helps the parties reach a voluntary, fair and reasonable settlement of their needs and interests relating to parenting, separation, and/or divorce.

A family mediator assists the parties to work together towards an agreement in ways that minimizes upset and disruption for the family, and keeps the power in the family, as opposed to decisions being made by other people such as lawyers and judges.

Family mediators do not provide legal advice or counseling. They are a neutral party who help facilitate a conversation between you in order to help each of you reach a fair settlement of the issues at hand.

Unbiased, Confidential, Detailed and in the Best Interest of the Child

Featured
60 minute assessment
60 minute assessment

We begin with a 60-minute confidential session with each party. In these individual assessment meetings, each party can freely discuss what brought them to mediation, what are some of the issues they would like to resolve, and what are some of their hopes for themselves and/or their family in the future.

Custom curated
Custom curated

This initial individual and confidential assessment will help the mediator to design a process that addresses the needs of the family, for example how many sessions are needed? And most importantly is mediation the best path of moving forward?

Agreement to mediate
Agreement to mediate

Once it is confirmed that mediation is the right way to move forward, and the dates for the joint-sessions are scheduled, the parties sign an agreement to mediate.

Conflict coaching sessions (optional and part of the custom curation)
Conflict coaching sessions (optional and part of the custom curation)

In some cases of high conflict, the mediator might recommend a 60-minute session on communication tools and skills in managing emotions and helping each party to understand their BATNA (Best Alternative To a Negotiated Agreement).

Joint meditation sessions
Joint meditation sessions

In each of these sessions, scheduled for 2-3 hours each, the mediator will facilitate a series of discussions that both parties have agreed to discuss and explore finding fair settlements on each issue.

These conversations can range from all the details of a parenting plan to the details of a financial settlement and the division of the property.

Mediation progress notes
Mediation progress notes

At the end of each mediation session, the mediation will send out a progress note detailing everything that the parties have agreed to during that mediation session. In addition, if appropriate, the mediator will outline any “homework”, such as gathering relevant documents and information, before the next session.

Mediation report
Mediation report

At the end of this process, the mediator will draft a mediation report which includes everything that the parties have agreed to and their details. The parties may take this report to their lawyers for further review and to turn it into the legal language of a Separation Agreement.

Meeting with lawyers for independent legal advice (optional and part of custom curation)
Meeting with lawyers for independent legal advice (optional and part of custom curation)

As part of your tailor-made package, the mediator might offer you to connect with the legal council on our team - for a discounted rate - to gain independent legal advice on your mediation agreement. The collaborative lawyers will work effectively with you and the other council to then turn the Mediation Report into a legally binding Separation Agreement.

What our clients say

“Thank you so much for your services. This process - family mediation was fairly pain free and we really appreciate the way you handled everything and how you walked us through different issues. I'm definitely happy that we chose this route!"

Why Mediation Works

Positive impact

Conflict when approached with collaboration, good will, reliability, and creativity, are more likely to foster positive consequences: heightened self-awareness, better decisions, strengthened relationships, and adaptation to change.

(Lweicki, Barry, & Saunders, 2010)

Time efficient

The length of time it takes for a dispute to be resolved through mediation is typically between 2 - 6 months, whereas lawyer-driven divorces can take between 18 months to 3 years.

(Paestsch, bertrand, & Boyd, 2017)

Wallet friendly

Mediation costs each party between $2,000-$10,000 whereas lawyer driven divorce can cost between $25,000 - $250,000 (especially if it goes to court).

(Paestsch, Bertrand, & Boyd, 2017)

Let us help you untangle your options and move you forward

The first step is a free consultation with our lead mediator.

The 20-minute free consultation is available to both spouses individually.

During our 20-minute consultation, I will listen to your story and ask you questions that will help me understand ‘what led to the moment that you decided to make this appointment?’ I will tell you more about the process, answer your questions and provide you with the next steps of moving forward in this process.