Family Mediation

Mediation is a voluntary process that enables participants to reach their own agreement through the skillful guidance of an experienced mediator.

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When our home life becomes conflicted the consequences can affect every aspect of our lives. It’s at this me we particularly need support and care we can trust and rely on.

What is Family Mediation?

Family mediation services can be utilized at either the beginning or the ending of a relationship. At the beginning, a “pre-nup” (the commonly used term for either a cohabitation agreement, or a marriage contract) is strongly advisable for couples embarking on a life together. When a relationship comes to an end, a separation agreement should be negotiated and finalized.

How does it work when a relationship ends?

Step 1

Both participants need to contact our office independently. Each will speak with Graeme

Step 2

An initial intake meeting occurs between Graeme and each participant individually. More

Step 3

The first joint meeting with Graeme and both participants follows. The Retainer Agreeme

Step 4

The number of subsequent meetings can vary, depending on each couple’s needs, desires

Step 5

Once the agreement is prepared, the participants meet with Graeme to review it. Copies

Step 6

The final stage involves each party obtaining independent legal advice (ILA) with respe

Step 1

Both participants need to contact our office independently. Each will speak with Graeme Fraser in an initial telephone call. He will request introductory, family-related information from you, and your reason(s) for inquiring about his services.

Step 2

An initial intake meeting occurs between Graeme and each participant individually. More detailed family background information is obtained, and each party can express privately to Graeme their major concerns and interests desired. A written Retainer Agreement is provided to each party to take home and review.

Step 3

The first joint meeting with Graeme and both participants follows. The Retainer Agreement is reviewed and signed.  All major concerns, issues and interests of both persons are canvassed, and prioritized.  Financial disclosure forms are provided to both participants to take home, complete and return.  Potential parenting plans are discussed.

Step 4

The number of subsequent meetings can vary, depending on each couple’s needs, desires, and complexity. Once all relevant feedback, parenting plan and financial disclosure is provided, Graeme will draft the agreement sought.

Step 5

Once the agreement is prepared, the participants meet with Graeme to review it. Copies are provided, for signature elsewhere. The agreement is not signed with the Mediator.

Step 6

The final stage involves each party obtaining independent legal advice (ILA) with respect to the agreement, and its final execution. While ILA  is not absolutely essential to the validity of a final agreement, it is strongly recommended, and Graeme will inform both participants of the likely pitfalls to be expected if ILA is not obtained.

Our Approach to Family Mediation

Family mediation is usually the best process for resolving disputes and reaching agreements, but also the cheapest. Please contact our office to discuss costs for our family mediation services, as well as the process and timing for providing payment.

Family Mediation Services

A significant advantage to mediation is that both participants divide the costs, either equally, or on some other mutually agreed upon basis. Our services include:

  • Pre-Nuptial Agreements
  • Co-Habitation Agreements
  • Marriage Contracts
  • Separation Agreements
  • Parenting Plans
  • Property Division
  • Financial Separation
  • Spousal Support
  • Divorce
  • Life Insurance
  • Child Support
  • Benefit Plans

Frequently asked questions

Family mediation services can be utilized at either the beginning or the ending of a relationship. At the beginning, a “pre-nup” (the commonly used term for either a cohabitation agreement, or a marriage contract) is strongly advisable for couples embarking on a life together. While not essential that this agreement be finalized at the very beginning of a relationship, the earlier the better. Some couples may decide to take this step after being together for a period of time, and even after marriage, so it is never too late to consider. When a relationship comes to an end, a separation agreement should be negotiated and finalized.

For more details, please read The Best Way to Come Up With a Marriage Contract or Co-habitation Agreement.

A significant advantage to mediation is that both participants divide the costs, either equally, or on some other mutually-agreed upon basis.  Not only is this usually the best process to resolving disputes, and reaching agreements, but also the cheapest. Please contact our office to discuss costs for our family mediation services, as well as the process and timing for providing payment.

As a couple, the most important step in preparing for mediation is to both freely and voluntarily agree to use this process. Come to the table with an open mind, in good faith, prepared to compromise, considering your partner’s interests, as well as your own. Remember, you will control the result, together, rather than an outside party – that is, a judge, or adjudicator – deciding for you. The strength and holding power of your agreement will be directly related to the respect shown by each participant towards the other, and in abiding by your mediator’s direction throughout the process. In the end, you will be pleased with the result, and your mutual contribution to achieving it.

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