Transparent answers about how family mediation works, legal enforceability, costs, and what to expect throughout our process.
Process, Legality & Legal Advice
Mediation itself does not produce a binding court order. All tentative agreements reached in our sessions are compiled into a comprehensive draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Each participant takes this draft to their separate family lawyer for Independent Legal Advice (ILA). Once reviewed, your lawyers translate the MOU into a legally binding Separation Agreement.
Yes. As your mediator, I manage a neutral, fair process and provide legal information ("rules of the road"), but I never provide legal advice or advocate for either person. Retaining independent family counsel ensures that you fully understand your statutory rights and that your final agreement survives legal scrutiny.
Family mediation is entirely voluntary; no one can be forced into the room. If the other person is hesitant, you can encourage them to review our 8-step roadmap or attend their own brief consult to understand that mediation is not court. If they refuse to participate, mediation cannot proceed, and you will need to discuss traditional legal avenues with your lawyer.
Safety, Privacy & Screening
Separate intake and screening is an ethical requirement mandated by professional practice standards. It gives each person a safe, private space to discuss communication patterns, history, and concerns without fear of immediate conflict or reprisal, allowing me to evaluate power imbalances and design appropriate procedural safeguards.
Mediation is not limited to couples who get along well. If direct conversation creates severe emotional distress or intimidation, we can use shuttle mediation (meeting separately where I carry proposals back and forth). However, if active coercion or unmanaged violence makes informed consent impossible, I will terminate the file neutrally and refer you to safety resources.
Virtual Sessions & Financial Expectations
Virtual sessions take place via secure Zoom. Both participants must be in private rooms where they cannot be overheard. Screen recording, screenshots, and unauthorized third parties are strictly prohibited to preserve confidentiality and psychological safety.
No. In Ontario family law, informed consent requires complete, honest disclosure of income, assets, and debts (including CRA Notices of Assessment). Any agreement reached without disclosure is vulnerable to being set aside by a court later.
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