Family and Divorce Mediation, No Divorce Lawyers

Family mediation, informally known as divorce mediaiton is a process for creating an agreement and resolving conflicts during a separation leading to divorce. During the process parties in dispute meet with an agreed upon mediator who helps them to negotiate an agreed upon resolution resulting in a legal agreement regarding matters pertaining to a divorce.  

Compass Family and Divorce mediation is a service which we provide to help separating or separated couples and parents whose relationship has broken down to negotiate their own agreement.  The couple communicate facilitated by a trained mediator, and negotiate their own terms of settlement.  

Through mediation you will be assisted in making your own decisions that suit your circumstances. 

After all, you are the expert on your own needs.  

Mediation is not relationship counselling and does not pursue the goal of reunification of the couple.  

In undertaking mediation, both of you will meet with a professionally trained mediator who will not take sides. 

Compass mediators are there to help you both to reach an agreement.  

It is important for you to know that any discussions you have with a mediator are confidential.

There are a number of significant benefits of mediation. Some of the benefits of mediation include:

Avoid Court. Mediation clients typically do not go to court. The mediator or a lawyer usually prepares the documents once an agreement is reached and files it with the court. A judge will then review and sign your judgment. 

Faster Agreements. Litigated cases can take as little as six months and as long as several years.  Mediation, by comparison, occurs on the participants’ timeline. Cases often resolve in a few months (sometimes less) because mediation is an inherently efficient process.

Mediation is Convenient. Mediation clients work with the mediator to schedule a time that works well for everyone. In litigation, the court schedules hearings, trial dates, etc., with little (if any) input from the clients.

Voluntary Process. Mediation is a voluntary process. Any participant can discontinue mediation at any time and for any reason. In Ontario the courts mandate mediation even if you elect to use the services of lawyers. Voluntary mediation through a chosen mediator has been repeatedly shown to create better outcomes for all parties involved.

Client Control. Mediation clients decide the terms of their own agreement. The mediator facilitates the negotiation, but the clients make the decisions. There is no final agreement unless both clients agree to it. Participants are able to make sure that a third party who doesn’t know them or their family (a judge) makes a decision they may disagree with.  

Reduced Cost. Traditional litigation is very expensive and the total cost is highly unpredictable. Litigation clients run the risk of having to pay the other side’s attorney fees. Mediation is far less expensive because you spend your time actively working on resolving your case rather than filing motions, etc. Mediation costs are fairly predictable because you are present for most (if not all) of the time the mediator spends on your case. Avoid the need for a costly divorce lawyer. Servicing London Kitchener Stratford