How does Family Mediation work?
A professionally trained, impartial third party called a mediator assists you and other family members in defining new relationships, roles and responsibilities as a consequence of separation or divorce. This is not a therapy, but an effective means of resolving family issues. Mediation provides you with an opportunity to face each other without risk and resolve conflicts that get in the way of negotiating a successful agreement. The goals of mediation are specific to your needs and will help you to:
- Let go of the past and concentrate on the all-important role of parenting for your children's future
- Develop a comprehensive annual plan which addresses your particular family's needs
- Make appropriate personal decisions
- Reduce the stress and and conflict associated with litigation
- Ensure private and confidential resolution
What are the issues?
Where as most families have a number of issues in common, each family will have its own unique issues and needs. These may include how and when to separate, parenting plans, support plans, equalization of assets and debts and written memorandum of understanding. After information is gathered and all perspectives considered, an agreement is reached that works for your family. The 'right' choice may be a compromise with some give and take from both parties - but it will be one arrived at together, in consultation with lawyers. When children are involved, it will be a plan that both parents can live with and, most importantly, is in the best interests of your children.
Separating or Divorcing? Mediation can help you to...
- Determine how and when to separate
- Let go of the past and concentrate on the all-important role of parenting for your children’s future
- Develop a comprehensive parenting plan which addresses your particular family’s needs
- Address and Resolve the difficult financial issues including the matrimonial home, child and/or spousal support and division of property
- Make appropriate personal decisions
- Reduce the cost, conflict and the threat associated with litigation.
- Promotes improved respectful communications
- Ensure private and confidential resolution
- Co-author a written "Memorandum of Understanding", outlining the terms of your agreement, which may then be legally finalized by your lawyers
How long will it take?
Overall, mediation is a timesaving method of resolving conflict because it is direct and involves less second and third-party consultations. If your issues are strictly substantive, usually about six 90-minute sessions are required, depending on the complexity of the issues.How much does it cost?
There is an hourly fee for mediation sessions, and a separate fee for processing the draft memorandum agreement. Costs are shared between mediating participants. Keep in mind that mediations is less costly, both financially and emotionally, than litigation. Cheques and Visa are accepted. For an estimate, contact Joan.Co-Mediation: Joan does provide comprehensive family mediation, i.e. both parenting plan and financial issues. When finances may be extremely complex, Joan can provide services that coordinate with a financial mediator (lawyer or accountant).
Mediation Team
In addition to Joan as an experienced and fully qualified mediator, should the complexity of the issues dictate, Joan utilizes her mediation team, comprised of professionals in legal and/or financial matters.What about our lawyers?
The goal of mediation is to gradually move towards an agreement which can be legally finalized by the participants' lawyers. Participants are supported to consult with their lawyers at anytime during the process, ensuring that the interests of each family member are being represented.When making a referral to mediation:
Professionals, including lawyers, clergy, social workers or psychologists can help their clients deal with the overwhelming transition which separation can be, by introducing them to family mediation. during this brief intervention your client will likely benefit from your continuing involvement.