Family Mediation Barrie
Family Mediation for Barrie Families
When you are separating, finding the right person to guide a difficult conversation matters. Forward Family Mediation helps Barrie families discuss parenting, support and property issues through a voluntary, structured process. Laura Ferguson offers virtual appointments, so you can participate from a private space without arranging travel to a joint meeting.
Book your free introductory call to speak about the issues you want to address.
Work with Laura Ferguson
Laura is an Accredited Family Mediator with the Ontario Association for Family Mediation and the founder of Forward Family Mediation. Her professional background includes more than 20 years as a family law clerk, together with mediation training through Riverdale Mediation and Insightful Mediation.
Her approach is practical and child-focused. She helps participants organize concerns, listen to each other's priorities and explore options without taking sides. Meet Laura to learn more about her experience.
Mediation for the decisions in front of you
Some Barrie families begin with a single parenting question. Others need to discuss several aspects of a separation. We can help you identify where to start and which information is needed.
A parenting plan can address school routines, handovers, holidays and decision-making. Separation and divorce mediation can bring connected topics into a structured conversation, including support, housing and property. You remain responsible for deciding whether proposed terms work for you, with advice from your own lawyer.
If you and the other parent have different work schedules, start by describing the routine your children already know. You can then discuss how a proposed arrangement would work on ordinary weekdays and during school breaks. The focus is a plan your family can use, rather than a standard schedule chosen in advance.
Virtual appointments around family responsibilities
Our online family mediation service is available to families in Barrie and across Ontario. Participants do not need to join from the same home. Each person needs privacy, a suitable device and a reliable connection.
Flexible scheduling, including evenings and weekends, can be discussed when booking. Let us know about technology, accessibility or privacy concerns before your appointment. This page describes virtual service for Barrie residents. Contact us to discuss the arrangements currently available.
Your first steps
Begin with a free introductory call. If you wish to explore mediation, Laura meets privately with each participant for intake and screening. That includes discussion of safety, pressure and suitability. Where mediation is appropriate, the next steps, fees and confidentiality arrangements are explained before sessions begin.
A mediation summary records the discussions and any understandings reached. Each person should take proposed terms to their own lawyer for independent legal advice and finalization. Mediation is not legal representation and does not issue a divorce order.
Questions from Barrie families
Do we need a court case to contact you
No. You can ask about private mediation before starting a court case. If proceedings are already underway, tell us and speak with your lawyer about how mediation fits with any deadlines or orders.
Can we meet in separate online rooms
That may be appropriate in some situations and can be discussed during intake. Separate rooms do not replace safety screening or make mediation suitable for every circumstance.
Is this a free court mediation service
Your introductory call with Forward Family Mediation is free. Our private services have their own fees and arrangements. Ontario also provides information about court-connected mediation and legal assistance through its public programs. Visit our resources for families to explore those options.
Start with one conversation
Book your free introductory call or call 249-733-9587. Tell us what you are trying to resolve and we will explain how mediation may fit your next steps.