Family mediation in Ontario is a good voluntary way of resolving disputes with your partner or another party. A family mediation lawyer helps both parties of relatively equal bargaining positions resolve problems regarding family issues.

If you are considering a mediation method, you should speak to your lawyer before getting a mediator. Your lawyer can give you ideas about the law, including your rights and obligations, before proceeding to mediation.

Also, if you are considering mediation to resolve a family law matter, you can choose between two options. You can decide whether to choose open or closed mediation. Regarding the differences between open and closed mediation, you can ask a mediator for more information. But each form of family mediation will require specific payments from you. Keep reading to find out how much you may have to pay for family mediation in Canada. 

Who are the Mediators?

Usually, mediators are lawyers, psychologists, social workers, or other professionals who have expertise in mediation. Generally, a family mediator helps both parties reach an agreement on different family matters or family disputes. It can be about custody of and access to the children, finance matters, property division, or any other family-related issues. 

How Does Family Mediation in Ontario Work?

Before you proceed to mediation, both parties should sign an agreement to mediate. Both of you must also sign a mediation contract that decides whether the mediation will be open or closed. 

Also, both parties must review any agreement reached during the mediation process with their lawyers before signing. One of the good benefits of family mediation is they do not take sides nor make decisions for the parties. They cannot give legal advice as well.

Family mediation in Ontario has two types. Under closed mediation, all discussions between the two parties are confidential and cannot be used as evidence against either party. But there are very few exceptions to this. Also, the mediator will not report to the lawyers or even the court about the mediation’s progress. The progress will only be reported to the parties themselves.

On the other hand, open mediation means that the entire mediation process is not confidential. With open mediation, the mediation contracts or agreement to mediate may also authorize the mediator to make a report once it’s done.

How Much Does Family Mediation Cost?

The cost of family mediation varies according to individual mediation services. Some family mediators charge per hour, while some are per session. Sometimes they may offer a fixed fee package or apply ‘sliding scales.’ But to give you an idea, the average cost of a mediation settlement is under $5000. 

Family Mediation in Ontario offers onsite funding, offsite funding and private family mediation, which you can choose from. These mediation types have a different policy. Thus they have their own pricing.

Onsite Mediation

If you proceed to court, the government may fund you by giving free mediation on the day you are in court. It is known as ‘onsite’ mediation. Usually, it is available in the Family Law Information Centres in the courts. The government-regulated service mediators provide this type of mediation.

Offsite Mediation

On the other hand, offsite mediation costs are government-subsidized. Typically, this is based on each party’s income, including the number of dependents. The rate is as low as $5 per hour for those under $14,999 annual income. 

If you have a yearly income of between $59,000-$59,999 and no dependents, expect to pay $105 per hour. Moreover, those with an annual income above $59,999 and no dependents can negotiate the rates.

Private family mediation

A private family mediation lawyer charges rates on an hourly basis. Sometimes they offer a flat rate, and both parties can share the fees. Some mediators also require up-front deposits, while others do not. Besides, each mediator makes their billing arrangements with the parties.

What are the Advantages of Family Mediation?

Some might think that mediation is only for divorce, but it’s wrong. One of the main benefits of family mediation is it can be a solution to different types of family disputes. It involves using a facilitated process to resolve disputes. 

With mediation, open and honest communication is promoted between you and your family members. If your family is experiencing a severe disagreement, family mediation in Ontario could be the right solution.

• Children are always one of the main priorities.
• It promotes good communication and cooperation skills.
• It has a neutral third-party that encourages discussion and negotiation. The mediator helps to create solutions that both parties can agree on.
• Reduces tensions and eliminates the adversarial atmosphere.
• Improves family relationships by supporting both parties involved to work through hostility. 
• Family mediation empowers disputants to communicate and determine the outcome directly.
• More cost-effective than court proceedings.
• Shorter and more straightforward than court proceedings.

Final Thoughts

Family mediation in Ontario services include mediation of all legal issues that intersect with family matters. It addresses child custody, access, financial concern, support, and equalization of net family property. Maybe the cost of family mediation is a bit expensive, but getting it is a good opportunity to resolve family disputes without tension and frustration.

If you want to seek legal advice from a family lawyer about mediation, you can visit Lichtblau Law. We offer family mediation services to help you resolve disagreements regarding family matters. Feel free to give us a call at 416-633-2465 or email us for an appointment.