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About

Family Mediation Services  Discover A Better Way Forward

Family mediation is a voluntary, confidential process where a neutral mediator helps you resolve family matters without going to court. It’s a cooperative approach that can save time, reduce costs, and preserve relationships — all while keeping the focus on practical solutions and, where applicable, the best interests of your children.

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Moving Families Forward One Conversation At A Time

Everything we do serves to create a safe, neutral space where respectful dialogue replaces courtroom conflict.

Experience the Difference Forward Family Mediation Can Make

  • We are neutral & compassionate – you remain in control; we guide the process with empathy.

  • We can customize the process – for special circumstances, you may bring a support person to assist you during sessions. In high-conflict situations, we offer shuttle mediation, where parties are in separate rooms (or virtual breakout rooms) and the mediator moves between them, ensuring comfort and safety.

  • We are solution‑focused – conversations focus on the practical steps that resolve parenting, support, and property issues.

  • We are child‑centered – every agreement considers children’s best interests, first.

  • We are confidential – most sessions are conducted as closed mediation, meaning discussions are always private.

  • We are flexible & accessible – province-wide virtual service across Ontario, with scheduling options that include evenings and weekends. We also offer in person services in selected areas

What We Can Help You Resolve

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Parenting & Children’s Matters

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  • Decision-Making Responsibility – Determine how important decisions about your child’s health care, schooling, religion, and activities will be made.

  • Parenting Time – Create a realistic, child-focused schedule that supports consistency and reflects each parent’s availability and the child’s needs.

  • Access – Set out fair and reasonable in-person visits, calls, and other contact so children maintain strong, healthy relationships with both parents and extended family.

  • Parenting Plans – Draft a comprehensive written plan for decision-making, parenting time, communication, and conflict resolution.

  • Holidays & Travel – Plan ahead for birthdays, religious observances, vacations, and special events to prevent future conflict.

  • Extended Family Access – Facilitate respectful dialogue so grandparents or other relatives can preserve meaningful relationships with the children.

Financial Matters

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  • Child and/or Spousal Support – Determine fair support payments based on full financial disclosure, the guidelines, and your unique circumstances.

  • Special & Extraordinary Expenses – Negotiate how to share costs for extracurriculars, tutoring, medical needs, or post-secondary education.

  • Division of Property – Work transparently to divide assets and debts — including bank accounts, investments, vehicles, pensions, and personal belongings.

  • Marital Equalization – Calculate and divide net family property fairly and amicably.

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Housing & Relocation

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  • Possession of the Matrimonial Home – Explore arrangements for occupying or selling the home, prioritizing children’s stability and financial realities.

  • Mobility & Relocation – Discuss proposed moves, explore the implications, and seek solutions that consider the child’s routine and relationships.

 

Updates & Changes

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  • Amendments to a Separation Agreement – Use mediation to make constructive changes when circumstances shift.

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A Typical Mediation Flow

✔   Private Intake Meetings – Meet individually with each party to understand concerns and screen for suitability.

✔   Joint Sessions – Facilitate structured, respectful discussions to explore options and work toward mutually acceptable solutions.

✔   Mediation Summary Report – Provide a written summary of the discussions and any understandings reached. This document can be taken to your lawyer, who can prepare or review a formal agreement for finalization.

✔   Optional Draft Agreement – At an additional cost, we can prepare a draft agreement based on the Mediation Summary Report. This draft can then be taken to your lawyer for independent legal advice and finalization. 

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Ready To Talk?

  âš  Important: Forward Family Mediation provides neutral mediation and administrative support only. We do not provide legal advice, legal representation, or legal drafting services. We do not complete or sign court forms on your behalf, file documents with the court, or act for you in any legal capacity. All documents and materials must be reviewed with your own lawyer through Independent Legal Advice (ILA) before filing or signing.  

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