WHY CHOOSE PRIVATE FAMILY MEDIATION?

Your family’s decisions.
A process with room for them.

Expediency, privacy, flexibility and informed choice. A private mediation process can help suitable families work toward practical agreements at a manageable pace.

Ask about fees & availability See the process →

01 / EXPEDIENCY

Move the conversation forward.

A private session can be arranged around availability and the participants’ readiness, without waiting for a contested hearing. Start with one practical issue or agree on a sequence for wider discussions.

Tell us your deadlines. Intake, disclosure and any legal advice still need time, and existing court deadlines remain in place.

02 / PRIVACY

Space for sensitive discussions.

Mediation sessions are not open to the public. Agree in advance on participants, private meetings, information sharing and record handling.

The written agreement explains confidentiality and its limits. Safety or legal duties, agreed reporting and later enforcement or court filings may affect what can remain confidential. A promise of complete secrecy would be misleading.

03 / CONTROL

Keep a voice in the outcome.

In facilitative mediation, the mediator guides the discussion but does not impose a settlement or provide legal advice. You can explore options, ask questions, obtain independent advice and decide whether a proposal is acceptable.

Some families resolve one issue while leaving others for further advice or another process.

04 / FLEXIBILITY

Fit the process to the people.

Discuss remote participation, shorter sessions, breaks, separate meetings and accessibility needs at intake. One or both parties may have their own lawyer participate or advise between sessions, with roles agreed at intake.

Suitable arrangements depend on safety, each person’s ability to participate and the nature of the issues.

05 / COST CLARITY

Know what you are agreeing to.

A written fee proposal identifies preparation, session time, the written work included, applicable taxes, extra-time arrangements and cancellation terms.

Mediation may reduce the time and expense of litigation, but there are no guaranteed savings. You may still need legal, financial or valuation advice.

06 / YOUR FAMILY

Work with everyday realities.

Consider school, work, travel, family traditions and children’s changing needs. A structured conversation can turn broad positions into specific options and responsibilities.

The aim is a workable arrangement that participants understand, rather than simply getting through a meeting.

Background: Justice Canada on family dispute resolution ↗ · Options for developing parenting arrangements ↗

PREPARATION MAKES A DIFFERENCE

A useful first conversation
starts with clear questions.

You do not need every answer before enquiring. A short description helps identify the next step.

What needs attention?

Is it parenting, financial disclosure, support, property, a holiday schedule or a recurring communication issue? Identify the questions you hope to address.

What dates matter?

Mention court dates, school breaks, planned travel or other deadlines. Availability is confirmed after discussing the proposed process.

What information is needed?

Existing agreements or orders, relevant financial records and other necessary information help make discussions useful. Keep confidential documents out of the first enquiry.

What will the service include?

Ask about separate intake, session length, the written record, fees and any steps needed before participants can proceed.

SUITABILITY FIRST

A constructive option.
Not the right option for every case.

Each person needs the opportunity to participate freely and make informed decisions. Family violence, coercion, safety concerns or missing information may make mediation unsuitable or require another approach.

Private mediation does not provide legal representation, grant a divorce or itself change a court order. Self-represented participants are encouraged to obtain independent legal advice before, during and after mediation, including review of proposed terms before signing. Find legal-help resources. Mediation does not guarantee agreement.

YOUR NEXT STEP

You don’t need every answer
to begin a conversation.

Tell us the general issue, your province and any important dates. We will discuss suitability, current availability and the scope and fees before you decide whether to proceed.

Call or email us

Ask about services, fees and availability. We will explain the next steps and arrange intake separately.

Call Considered Mediation(403) 718-9866

Email an enquiry

contact@consideredmediation.com

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