The Mediation Centre

Family Mediators will work with the parties to ensure that the discussions, which take place in mediation, are conducted in an atmosphere free of threats and intimidation. Mediation is completely voluntary and confidential. Either party is free to withdraw from mediation at any time. In fact, the mediator may terminate the process when he or she feels the process is not useful or appropriate for the parties.

In every case, an accredited mediator will meet privately with each of you to screen for imbalances and determine if mediation is right for your family situation. Cases that are not appropriate for mediation are those in which there are severe power imbalances which impair the ability of the parties to negotiate fairly with each other.

Issues

Separating couples can resolve a wide variety of issues through the mediation process. These include ongoing arrangements for the care, control and parenting of their children; support of dependent spouses and children; possession of the matrimonial home; and division of their property.

Even partners who already have a separation agreement or court order can mediate when they wish to vary certain terms in the previous agreement or order.

The mediator is not a judge. They will not decide for the parties how the issues brought to mediation should be resolved. The mediator is a facilitator that helps the parties negotiate their own terms of agreement. They do not take sides of have any personal interest in the outcome. Although the mediator may be a lawyer, they will not act as legal counsel.

Confidentiality

In mediation, the parties seek to reach a settlement based on full and frank disclosure of all relevant information between them. Therefore, it is important that all discussions take place ‘off the record’ or ‘without prejudice’.

Legal Advice

Legal advice should be obtained concerning the rights and entitlement of each party and the implications of the draft agreement. It is preferable for parties to be represented throughout the mediation process. If not, it is recommended that the parties seek independent legal advice with respect to their legal rights in order to make informed choices during mediation.

Lawyers play an important role in the mediation process. It can be helpful when they give you the ‘best and worst’ case scenario - so that you have a clear range with which to negotiate. Lawyers can be a great support for you, answer legal questions, coach you through the process, review any draft reports and formalize the final agreement.

Benefits

Mediation is convenient, cost effective, completely confidential, voluntary and timely.  It works; our stats show an average of 75% success rate!

Process

We need completed intake forms from both parties before we can open a file.  Once completed, the executive director will assign the file to a mediator best suited to your issues (parenting, financial etc). You will then receive a call from the Centre to set up your private individual appointment with the mediator.

Please go to our process for detailed information.

Fees

Subsidized

The Mediation Centre in conjunction with the Ontario Government provides a ‘user fee’ program for family mediation in Simcoe County and Muskoka. If you qualify, your fees for mediation will be determined by a sliding scale based on your income and number of dependents. The Director will assign a mediator from our roster suited to your issues and who can take on new files. There is no charge for your individual interview.

More details on how subsidized mediation works please go to our process. You will also find the online intake form.»

Private

If both parties live outside of Simcoe County or the District of Muskoka you will not qualify for the subsidized program.

Some clients prefer to pay private fees so they can pick the mediator of their choice.

Mediation rates are minimum $150/hr per family for parenting specialists and up to $350/hr per family for financial. (rates vary based on the individual mediator – see profiles

 Complete the intake form to begin the process of working with our team of trained professionals.