Our Process
Step 1: Telephone Interview/consultation: (30 minutes)
This is the first contact the mediator has with you. This conversation is an opportunity for the mediator to ask you some basic questions and to answer any questions you may have regarding the mediation process. This telephone conversation/consultation can be done on an individual basis or can be done jointly with the two parties involved.
This step provides an opportunity for you to get to know your mediator but also for your mediator to get to know both of you as well. During the consultation the mediator will inquire about your specific situation, will ask what your objectives are, and with your permission, will ask some questions regarding your specific situation in order to determine which package would best suit your needs. The mediator will then provide you with a brief description of the process and the cost of the different packages offered. With your permission, she will then email you a brief summary of the package she recommends. Once you confirm that you are interested in proceeding then the mediator will send you a Client Questionnaire and Agreement to mediate that you will each need to fill out and email back to her. Mediation will not begin until the Agreement to Mediate has been signed and payment has been received.
Step 2: Individual screening sessions (1 hour per individual)
The objective of this meeting is to ensure that your case is suitable for mediation (screening process) and also an opportunity for you and the Mediator to discuss in confidence your priorities, concerns, fears and issues. It also gives the Mediator the opportunity to review with you some of the information contained in your intake form and answer any questions you may have relating to the mediation process. This session is completely confidential.
Step 3: Joint mediation session (Parenting Plan, Financials which include Support calculations and Net Family Property Statement, Separation Agreement)
During joint sessions, the mediator helps both parties identify key issues, explore options, and make informed decisions about their future—especially those that reflect the best interests of their children. The goal is to promote understanding, encourage communication, and support the creation of an agreement both parties can accept and support.
Step 4: Review of the drafts
Once both parties have reviewed the drafts and provided their feedback, the mediator will finalize all documents and send them to the parties. This includes the Net Family Property calculations, Support calculations (Child and/or Spousal), Parenting Plan (if applicable), and *Separation Agreement. At this stage, parties are encouraged to seek Independent Legal Advice (ILA) before signing the Separation Agreement.
Step 5: Finalizing the Agreement
Once you have provided your sign off on all the documents and once you have obtained your *ILA if applicable, the mediator will provide you instructions on how to finalize everything. She will discuss with you what your next steps should be and will guide you as to where to obtain some of the information you will need to move forward.
*Separation agreement: A separation agreement is a written contract that you and your partner make that says how you will deal with your issues. As your mediator, I am there to guide you through these issues, document the terms you have agreed on which will then be included in your Separation Agreement. The production of your Separation Agreement is purely an administrative service and does not imply any legal advice. Please note that a separation agreement does not imply your are DIVORCED, you will still need to apply to the court to get a divorce.
Independent Legal and financial advice (ILA)
Although the Mediator can guide the parties through the various steps, financial disclosure, Decision-Making Responsibilities and Parenting Time, property division, the Mediator cannot give either party legal advice on his or her rights and obligations under the law nor should he/she provide financial expertise. To avoid costly mistakes, parties should obtain “Independent Legal Advice” and financial advice before finalizing any agreements discussed in mediation.
