What is a family law/divorce mediation?

Family law mediation is a collaborative and confidential process that helps individuals resolve disputes related to divorce, child custody, support, and other family matters. It involves a neutral third party, the mediator, who facilitates communication and negotiation between the parties involved. The goal of mediation is to reach mutually acceptable agreements, allowing families to make important decisions without going to court. This process often leads to more efficient and less contentious resolutions compared to traditional litigation.

Why should you consider family law mediation?

Cost-Effective: Mediation is typically more affordable than litigation. It can save you significant legal fees and court costs.
Control and Empowerment: Mediation empowers you to make decisions that directly affect your family's future. It ensures that your voice is heard and that you play an active role in shaping the outcome.
Privacy and Confidentiality: Mediation is conducted in a confidential setting, unlike court proceedings, which are generally public. Your personal matters remain private.
Reduced Conflict: Mediation encourages cooperation and communication, reducing the emotional toll on all parties involved, especially children.
Faster Resolution: Mediation often leads to quicker resolutions, allowing you to move on with your life and reduce the stress and uncertainty associated with a lengthy court battle.

Key considerations for family law mediations

Selecting the Right Mediator: Choose a mediator with experience in family law and a style that matches your needs. An effective mediator is neutral, empathetic, and skilled in conflict resolution.
Open Communication: Be prepared to openly discuss your concerns, interests, and priorities. Honest communication is key to finding common ground.
Focus on the Future: In mediation, the focus is on creating future-oriented solutions. Avoid dwelling on past conflicts or grievances.
Flexibility: Mediation allows for creative, personalized solutions tailored to your family's unique circumstances, which is especially valuable in a multicultural and multifaceted city like Toronto.

Expert Family Law Mediator

Shelly Kalra

Family Mediator

As our managing partner and a distinguished family law mediator, Shelly Kalra brings over 15 years of extensive experience as a family lawyer to her role. This wealth of legal expertise uniquely positions her to excel as a mediator. With her remarkable background, Shelly combines creative strategic thinking and a deep understanding of family law to present her clients with fair, sustainable solutions that cater to the needs of all parties involved. Having spent years assisting families through the complexities of divorce, Shelly comprehends the emotional challenges experienced by both sides.

Shelly is known for her practical approach to reaching resolutions, while balancing each party's needs and minimizing costs for the family.

Within the scope of our mediation services, Shelly Kalra adeptly addresses a broad spectrum of issues, including parenting arrangements, financial matters, property division, child support, spousal support, and any other concerns related to family law. Shelly firmly believes in the efficacy of mediation as the optimal dispute resolution method for families. This approach grants couples greater control over their own case and encourages them to reach mutually beneficial agreements. Such agreements are more likely to be upheld, as they are tailored to the unique needs and circumstances of the family.

My Hourly bill rate for Mediations is $550

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Mediations FAQ

What is family law mediation?

Family law mediation is a voluntary, confidential process that helps individuals in family disputes, such as divorce, child custody, and asset division, to reach mutually acceptable agreements with the assistance of a trained neutral mediator.

How does mediation differ from litigation in family law cases?

Mediation promotes cooperation and communication, allowing parties to make their own decisions collaboratively, while litigation involves a court process where a judge makes the final decisions, which can be adversarial and costly.

Is mediation the right choice for my family situation?

Mediation is often a suitable option if you prefer more control over the resolution process, want to maintain privacy, and are open to working with your ex-spouse to find mutually beneficial solutions. It's advisable to consult with a mediator or attorney to determine if it's the best fit for your case.

How long does family law mediation typically take?

The duration of mediation varies based on the complexity of the issues involved and the willingness of both parties to cooperate. Some cases can be resolved in a few sessions, while others may take several months.

What are the costs associated with family law mediation?

Mediation is generally more cost-effective than litigation. Mediation fees are typically shared between the parties involved, making it a more affordable option than court-related expenses.

Is mediation legally binding?

The agreements reached in mediation are legally binding when they are formalized in a legally recognized document and filed with the court. This ensures that both parties are legally obligated to adhere to the terms of the agreement.

What if my ex-spouse and I can't agree on everything in mediation?

It's common for parties to have disagreements during mediation. In such cases, the mediator can help you focus on areas of agreement and assist in finding creative solutions to resolve any outstanding issues. If necessary, unresolved matters can be addressed in court.

Top Family Law & Divorce Mediators