Frequently Asked Questions

Divorce Mediation and Parent Coordination FAQ

What is the primary role of a family mediator?

A family mediator is an impartial third-party facilitator who helps separating couples negotiate their own legally binding agreements out of court. At Absolute Dispute Resolution, we do not take sides or make decisions for you; instead, we provide a structured, confidential environment to help you resolve parenting schedules, asset division, and support calculations peacefully.

Can you do family mediation if you were in a common-law relationship in Ontario?

Yes, mediation is highly effective for common-law couples, especially since Ontario estate and property division rules differ significantly from legal marriages. We help common-law couples navigate property claims, constructive trusts, and child support calculations without paying expensive courtroom litigation fees.

Is family mediation mandatory before going to court in Ontario?

While family mediation is not strictly mandatory by provincial law, Ontario judges strongly encourage it and can penalize parties who unreasonably refuse to try it. Under Ontario’s Family Law Rules, courts expect separating couples to make serious, good-faith efforts to resolve parenting and financial conflicts through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) paths before utilizing court resources.

We offer assistance with many types of disputes.

• Separation & Divorce
  Parenting plans, child support, spousal support, and property division

• Parenting Coordination
  Ongoing support for co-parents to reduce conflict and improve communication

• Intergenerational & Family Disputes
  Decisions around caregiving, living arrangements, and family dynamics

• Wills & Estates Disputes
  Conflicts over inheritance, executorship, and estate administration

• Civil Litigation
  Contract disputes, personal claims, and property disagreements

When should I start mediation?

It is best to try mediation before the litigation process creates too much mistrust and bitterness between the parties, and before lawyers initiate expensive processes. Both parties must agree to mediation. Starting mediation early in the process can save the parties as high as 75% on legal fees.

What are the benefits of mediation?

• Full control; you make the decisions. The parties involved know their family best, and so they should be the ones making the decisions that directly impact their family. Do not let a stranger decide your future.

• Mediation is typically at least 75% cheaper than litigation.

• Mediation is much less stressful than a bitter court battle.Mediation, on average, takes less than 9 months to resolve your matter, as opposed to years tied up in a court action.

What exactly is a Parenting Coordinator (PC)?

A Parenting Coordinator is a neutral professional (often a family law or mental health professional such as a mediator or social worker) who helps high-conflict co-parents implement their existing custody or separation agreements. The goal is to reduce day-to-day conflict and keep the focus on the children's best interests.

Can a Parenting Coordinator make decisions for us if we can't agree?

Yes. While the primary goal is to help you and your co-parent reach agreements on your own, a PC can step in and make a binding decision (PC arbitration) if you reach an impasse. This authority must be clearly outlined in your separation agreement, court order, or PC contract.

How does Parenting Coordination differ from standard mediation?

Parenting Coordination is a structured post-separation process designed to help high-conflict parents implement and interpret their existing parenting plans. Unlike a mediator who helps you write the initial agreement, a Parenting Coordinator acts as a neutral manager to resolve day-to-day disputes regarding school, health care, and extracurricular activities without going back to court.

What is included in an Ontario parenting plan?

An Ontario parenting plan outlines how separated parents will handle decision-making responsibilities, residential schedules, holiday splits, and transitions between households. Our mediation process ensures that your customized parenting plan keeps the best interests of your children at the center of all discussions.

Do I still need a lawyer?

You do not need a lawyer to accompany you to mediation, however, if you have retained a lawyer and would like them present, that is fine as well. Once the final agreement has been drafted by your mediator, it is strongly advised that you obtain independent legal advice prior to signing your final agreement.