Collaborative DivorceFamily mediation is a popular and highly successful method of achieving a negotiated agreement with your partner without going to court.  It works this way:

You and your partner will meet with your mediator around a boardroom table. You will be assisted in your discussions of all of the issues facing you, in an atmosphere that is respectful, confidential and safe.  As a neutral and impartial third party, the mediator will do their best to understand what is important to each of you, without judgment, and will help you to communicate this information to each other.  Your mediator will help you collect and exchange information on all of the relevant questions that need to be addressed.   Topics that are typically covered in sessions of family mediation include child custody and visitation schedules, parenting plans, child support, spousal support, division of assets and debts, special circumstances, and others.   From the list of possible outcomes that we will develop together, I will help you identify those that best serve you, you partner and your children.  No one loses; mediation can help you achieve “win-win” solutions to all of the issues you are facing in your divorce.

In the Province of Quebec, the government subsidizes the first 5 hours of family mediation for couples with children who are going through separation or divorce.  If more time is needed, the mediator bills the clients privately, at the same government rate.  At the end of the mediation, the mediator provides the clients with a document called a Summary of Mediated Agreements.  

Over time things may change, and you or your former spouse may feel that the original agreement needs to be reviewed.  If you qualify, the government of Quebec will again subsidize 2 ½ hours of mediation to review an existing judgment.  You and your partner will again meet with your mediator, who will help you identify and choose the best possible scenarios under the circumstances, and when a new settlement is reached, will provide you with a new Summary of Mediated Agreements.

The advantages of opting for mediation to resolve family issues are numerous.  It is by far the most cost-effective way to resolve family disputes in our province.  In addition, it does not harm the relationship between the parents the way litigation does, and may even improve communication between co-parents.  Mediation lets you fine-tune your parenting plan, custody and visitation schedules, and every other aspect of your final divorce agreement, in a way that is not possible if you go to court.  In mediation, as in the collaborative process, you and your partner are in complete control of the pace of the negotiations, of the dynamics of the process, and of the outcome itself.

I have 30 years of experience in family law and a proven track record of success as a family mediator.  Once we have reached agreements in family mediation on all of the important issues in your divorce, I can “switch hats” to become your joint family attorney.  I can draft and file all of the necessary paperwork for you, so that you will not need to set foot in a court room at any time.  I will quote you a flat rate for this phase of your divorce, depending on the complexity of your file, so that there will be no hidden costs or surprises at the end of the process.

I invite you to call me to discuss whether this method of dispute resolution can benefit you. I can be reached at 514.288.9322.