Mediation is an alternative dispute resolution process where a third-party mediator assists you in reaching a resolution to your disputes.
Family Mediation Lawyers Toronto
You can resolve your family law issues without mediation and without the courts however, if there are areas where you and your former spouse or partner are unable to reach an agreement, then it may be helpful to get the assistance of a mediator to facilitate your settlement.
Mediation is completely voluntary. Both parties have to be willing to participate in the process and to work with the mediator in resolving their disputes. The mediator cannot order either party to do anything. The mediator’s role is to help the parties reach an agreement on their issues.
Mediators have various styles in helping parties seeking to resolve their disputes. These styles/methods are characterized as:
- 1. Facilitative
- 2. Evaluative
- 3. Transformative
We use a combination of these methods to help our mediation clients reach a resolution.
At AP Lawyers our mediators are also experienced lawyers with extensive experience however, when acting in the capacity of a mediator, our role is to help the parties reach a settlement. We do not take sides or pressure you into deciding one way or another.
What do we do as your mediators?
- 1. Identify the issues that need to be addressed as a result of your separation.
- 2. Help you explore possible solutions
- 3. Help facilitate a conversation between the parties
- 4. Help you understand your best alternatives to a negotiated settlement
- 5. Help you narrow the issues
- 6. Help parties better understand each other, thereby preserving goodwill
- 7. Ensure that you feel heard
- 8. Put you in control of the outcome of your matter
No one understands your family situation better than you. With mediation, you can put in the time and effort to come up with a parenting plan that is truly in the best interest of your children. You can craft creative property settlement solutions or structure support payments that are fair and reasonable in your situation.
Our mediation sessions are completely confidential.
Mediation can be a more cost effective and quicker process than court however, mediation is not always appropriate. Mediation is not for you if either party:
- Is afraid of violence
- Not willing to negotiate and compromise
- Not willing to listen
- Has substance abuse issues
- Suffers from a mental illness
For most people, mediation is the better option to resolve your disputes. The courts recognize this and encourage mediation as much as possible.
Shuttle Mediation
With shuttle mediation, the parties are placed in separate rooms and do not have to be together in the same room whether physically or virtually. The mediator shuffles between the rooms, from one party to the next. The parties communicate and negotiate, through the mediator.
This can be effective for parties who do not want to speak directly to each other, but who want to take advantage of all the benefits mediation offers. If the parties are high conflict, shuttle mediation may be preferrable. The mediator is able to communicate the message in a tone and manner that the parties might be unable to. In the end, the parties still negotiate and craft the settlement they want, without being derailed by the animosity that may currently exist between them.
Online Mediation
Online mediation offers all the positive aspects of mediation but has even more benefits because you can attend from the comfort of your home, office, boat or trailer.
You do not have to worry about travel time to our offices and if you prefer to not be in the same physical space with the other side, then online mediation is definitely the best option for you.
Online mediation can more cost effective as well, as we find that parties are more focused. Online mediation also helps mitigate against safety concerns and can help persons who are concerned for their safety feel safer and take advantage of the mediation process.
Whether you choose online or in-person mediation, our process remains confidential and our role remains the same – to take a neutral role in facilitating a mutually acceptable solution to your dispute, so you can avoid court proceedings.
With online mediation, we can work with you wherever you are, and this allows issues to be resolved even faster.
We can also offer shuttle mediation sessions online by utilizing separate virtual rooms.
Thank you AP for helping me through this phase of my life. I really can’t tell you how appreciative I am and glad that I chose you to. Very professional and knowledgeable in what you do!
- Lawrish
AP Lawyers made an uncomfortable situation very comfortable for our family. Thank you to all the staff @ AP Lawyers. You all made us feel at ease. We will recommend this law firm to anyone who needs this service.
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AP Lawyers were a pleasure to deal with from the get go. Sharaya was my first point of contact and she was very welcoming and helpful with all my queries. I had a phone consolation with Angela, she was very professional, honest and knowledgeable. I went to the office and met with Shireen Abdi and I would defiantly recommend her again and again, she is kind, knowledgeable, genuine and sharp at what she does. Thank you!
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