WHAT IS FAMILY MEDIATION

Mediation is a process where an impartial third party assists you in resolving a conflict by using specialized communication and negotiation techniques. Mediation is voluntary, non-binding and confidential. The mediator guides you to reach an agreement on some or all issues brought forward, whether they are related to divorce, custody, dividing assets or any other family dispute.

THE PROCESS

Meetings are conducted online via Zoom. Each person will meet with the mediator separately for an initial intake session that lasts approximately one hour to discuss details and background of the family conflict and goals of mediation. Then both people will meet with the mediator in a joint session to reach agreement on the issues. Most joint sessions last one to two hours.

THE MEDIATOR’S ROLE

A mediator's role is to remain neutral and help people reach agreements that are acceptable to both of you. The mediator does not offer legal advice or make the decisions for you. Once agreements are reached, a mediation report will be drafted from your ideas and provided to you.

LEGAL ADVICE

It’s important that you both seek independent legal advice from a lawyer who can answer any legal questions and concerns you have prior to and during mediation. Only a lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and obligations and how the law may impact the issues you are hoping to mediate. A lawyer can turn the mediation report into a legally binding agreement.