Divorce or family mediation is a voluntary process in which couples who have separated/divorced or who are in the process of separation/divorce, meet with a neutral and non-judgmental third party to negotiate details including division of property, support payments, and parenting issues.

There are many benefits to choosing mediation over litigation including the fact that it is almost always less costly and less stressful. A skilled mediator can help you and your ex discuss issues of concern and in the area of family mediation, you can be assured that the mediator will always act in the best interests of the child.

I begin by holding a joint consultation followed by individual interviews with each party. The next step is a joint meeting to negotiate an arrangement and once this is concluded I will draft a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to be signed by each party.

Every mediation and every couple is unique, but on average the process takes 2-3 months.

Depending on the complexity of the case, the cost of mediation typically ranges between $500 and $3000. In cases where there is an extremely high degree of conflict or that have complex financial issues, the cost may be higher.

Mediation can help you and your ex resolve a wide range of issues including:

• Parenting arrangements
• Spousal and child support
• Division of property
• Access to grandparents
• Special expenses for child
• Changes or exceptions to existing court agreement
• Communication issues
• Another other issue you wish to resolve

The role of the mediator is not to replace that of a lawyer. It is recommended that each individual have their own lawyer to advise them on legal matters.

A Separation Agreement is a legally binding document that sets out the details of your separation including, division of property, support issues and parenting issues.