Meet Our Divorce Mediators

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What issues can we address in mediation?

Our Ottawa divorce mediators assist with parenting agreements (including decision making and parenting time, previously known as custody and access), parenting decisions, property issues (including equalization and common law separation), child support, sharing children’s expenses, and spousal support.

They can also mediate marriage contracts (e.g. prenuptial and postnuptial agreements) and cohabitation agreements.

Q: What information do we have to provide?

If you are discussing support, you will need to provide proof of your past and present income. This typically includes income tax documents for the past three years and your current paystub. If there are property issues, you will need to provide information about your assets and debts on the date of marriage/cohabitation and separation. You may have to provide more information depending on the facts of your specific case.

Q: We already reached an agreement on most issues. Why should we attend mediation?

Mediation can help you resolve any remaining issues; can provide you with education on issues you may not have considered; and ensure your agreement is documented properly.

Q: Where do you mediate? Do you provide virtual mediation services?

We meet with clients in-person in Ottawa, Perth, and Toronto.

Our Ontario divorce mediators also meets with client throughout the province of Ontario via Zoom. If you don’t live in Ottawa, Perth, or Toronto - or if virtual mediation is better for you - we offer online mediation services.

Q: Do you offer services in French? Offrez-vous des services en français?

Yes! Karine is fluent in French and happy to offer mediation in French.

Oui! Karine parle couramment le français et est heureuse de proposer une médiation en français.

Q: Do I have to be in the same room as my spouse?

No. You can choose “shuttle mediation” both in-person and virtually. The mediator moves between rooms and you and your spouse can be in separate rooms for some or all of the mediation session.

Q: Do I have to hire a lawyer? If I have a lawyer, can they attend?

You have a right to obtain independent legal advice and it is recommended, but you do have not have a lawyer. If you do have a lawyer, they may be able to attend mediation with you.

Q: How long does mediation take?

This depends on the complexity of your situation and the amount of conflict. Each mediation session is approximately three hours and the number of sessions you will need depends on your situation. Generally mediation dates are available much faster than court dates, so even if you need a few sessions, you will likely resolve your issues faster than going to court.

Q: Do we receive a legally binding Separation Agreement?

Our mediators are licensed lawyer. This means they can incorporate your settlement into a legally binding Separation Agreement. Mediators who are not licensed lawyers cannot offer this service.

Studies also show that agreements reached in mediation are more likely to be followed by both parties. They are more durable because both parties had a hand in creating the agreement.

Q: Can our children be involved?

When discussing parenting, your children and their best interests will be at the forefront of the conversation. You may opt to have a professional prepare a “Voice of the Child Report” to learn more about what your children want. Your children do not attend the mediation sessions.

Q: My spouse or I already started a court proceeding. Can we still go to mediation?

Yes! Mediation can help you resolve issues on an interim or final basis. You can then file your agreement with the court.

Q: How much does it cost?

Fresh Legal offers flat rate mediation packages so your costs will be predictable. Generally the cost is split equally with your spouse. Mediation is not cheap, but it can be significantly less expensive than other options.

Q: What if we can’t reach an agreement?

Mediation is a voluntary process. If you cannot reach an agreement and either party wants to stop mediation, it will end. The mediator can provide information about your other options, including court and arbitration.

Q: How do we get started?

The first step is a call with a mediator on our team to discuss your situation as well as the process and costs. Use this link to request a call today.