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Mediation is a voluntary process where
the parties in a dispute meet, with a neutral third party
to try to resolve their issues. An experienced mediator assist the parties
to work toward a separation agreement, in ways that will minimize upsets
and disruption for the family. The mediator does not make the decisions,
but instead supports the parties in arriving at their own decisions.
Mediation is one type of Alternative Dispute Resolution
or "ADR". (The other common type of ADR
is arbitration.)
Our Mediation Services
We offer up to mediation services
to parties with a case in the Ontario
Court of Justice or Superior Court of Justice at the Brampton Courthouse.
Fees
Mediation is offered free of charge to those who financially qualify.
Through the Peel Legal Aid Ontario Mediation Pilot Project, Legal Aid Ontario will cover a party’s fee, if that party:
• has an active legal aid certificate, or
• passes the financial eligibility test for full duty counsel services.
For those who do not qualify, an affordable sliding fee scale applies. The fee is based on an individual’s income and number of dependents.
Payments must be made in advance by certified cheque, money order or cash.
Types of Issues Mediated
- custody
- access
- vacation plans
- parenting arrangements
- parental communication
- child support
Closed Mediation
What was said during the mediation is confidential
and may not be used in the court proceeding. The only information that
Peel Family Mediation & Parent Education Service will provide is whether
or not the parties participated in mediation. This is called "closed
mediation".
How It Works
- Referrals may come from judges, lawyers or the parties
themselves.
- The Intake and Referral
Officer will meet with each party separately, to provide information
about the service and screen the cases.
- The mediation usually takes place with both parties
present, but the mediators may meet with the parties separately as well.
- Three hours of free mediation is provided.
Please read this important note on Temporary Service Limitations!
- Up to two additional hours may be provided, at the
discretion of the mediator and for a fee.
- If agreement is reached between the parties, a Mediation
Report is prepared and given to them.
- The mediators do not give legal advice. It is often
a good idea to obtain some legal advice before starting mediation, so
they understand how the law deals with their issues. After mediation,
parties should obtain legal advice from their lawyers or family duty
counsel, before formally entering an agreement. Minutes of Settlement
(a legal agreement) can then be prepared and submitted to the Court.
Mediators
The parties will be assisted by two mediators:
- a supervising mediator (qualified
and experienced); and
- a intern (who has completed extensive studies and
is now gaining practical experience).
About our mediators.
Interpreters
Interpreters will be made available for most languages,
at no cost (for the basic three hour mediation).
Restrictions
- Only active family law cases in the Ontario
Court of Justice or Superior Court of Justice at Brampton Courthouse.
- Custody, access and support issues only.
- Parties must have a combined annual income of less
than $60,000 to be eligible for mediation services.
- Cases may be declined where there is a history of
abuse or a significant power imbalance between the parties.
- Other restrictions may apply.
When
Thursdays, by appointment (day-time only).
Where
At the Peel Family Mediation
Services office located in the A. Grenville & William Davis
Courthouse in Brampton, Ontario.
Cost
No charge for basic three hours of mediation.
Success Rate
About 82% of our mediations result in a temporary or
final agreement.
How To Find An Mediator
If you do not qualify for our service
or if you want more extensive service, you may wish to privately hire
a mediator. We provide a brief guide to help you find
a mediator.
Inquires
Call or drop by and
talk to our intake worker at Peel Family
Mediation Services.
Services - Find A Mediator
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