What is Family Mediation?

Mediation is a voluntary, consensual process in which a neutral person (the mediator) helps clients discuss and resolve disputes. The more popular uses of the mediation process are disputes in labour, business, small claims court and family and marital separation disputes. Examples of the application and goals of family mediation include:

1. When there is a marriage/cohabitation breakdown, a mediator will help couples negotiate a separation agreement providing for financial and property matters, and/or a parenting plan for any children.
2. When considering living with or marrying someone, a mediator will help negotiate a marriage or cohabitation contract dealing with financial matters while living together, on death and on separation. 
3. When family/intergenerational conflicts arise between children and parents, helping establish an understanding of issues and helping the family create the means to their resolution. 
4. In business disputes between family members, helping the family members create a partnership agreement, reach an informal understanding of how the business will be run, or establish terms for the dissolution or sale of the business.