Separating without a courtroom. How family mediation works in Ontario, from deciding whether it fits you and choosing a mediator, through disclosure and the sessions, to a binding separation agreement with independent legal advice at the end. Six stages carry you through it — deciding, choosing a mediator, preparing, sessions, the agreement and independent advice — each explaining what happens, who is responsible, and what Ontario law requires. Calculators, a glossary and guides to download sit alongside the stages, and every one ends with our flat, published fee and a way to start a file online.
Your journey, step by step
Every stage is its own page: what happens, who is involved, what it costs, and where a lawyer comes in.
Is mediation the right route for the two of you?
Credentials, screening practice, open or closed, cost
Full disclosure, the agreement to mediate, your legal position
Joint or shuttle sessions, parenting and money, confidentiality
Memorandum of understanding becomes a signed, witnessed separation agreement
Each spouse signs only after advice from their own lawyer
More situations in this centre
Beyond the core journey above: scenarios that change the steps.
Tools
Calculators, checklists that build themselves, and timelines you can drop a date into.
Six questions about safety, disclosure, urgency and willingness. The result explains what usually fits; it is not advice on your situation.
TimelineA typical family mediation timelineA typical course from first session to signed agreement. Every file is different; use this to see the shape, not to set dates.
LiveChild support calculatorThe Guidelines table amount.
Checklist builderWhat financial disclosure should I bring to mediation?Answer a few questions and get a list matched to your situation. It mirrors what a court would require on a Form 13 or 13.1 financial statement. It is a starting point, not advice on your situation.
LiveEqualization calculatorNet family property, step by step.
LiveSpousal support estimatorThe advisory ranges.
LiveShared-parenting set-offSupport when time is shared.
Who you'll deal with
And what each one is actually responsible for.
A neutral third party who helps you negotiate. Does not take sides, decide anything or give legal advice. Screens both of you for family violence and power imbalance before starting.
Regulated by Not licensed in Ontario; voluntary accreditation through professional bodies such as OAFM, FDRIO or ADRIOAdvises you on your rights before, during and after mediation, reviews the memorandum, drafts or reviews the separation agreement and signs your certificate of independent legal advice.
Regulated by Law Society of OntarioDoes the same job for the other side. Each spouse must have a different lawyer for the advice to be independent.
Regulated by Law Society of OntarioMinistry-contracted providers at every Ontario family court. Free on-site mediation on your court date; off-site mediation any time on a sliding-scale fee.
Regulated by Ministry of the Attorney GeneralA chartered business valuator, actuary or accountant who values a business, pension or income for support when the numbers are not straightforward.
Regulated by CBV Institute, Canadian Institute of Actuaries or CPA Ontario as applicableA social worker or psychologist who meets the children and brings their views into the room without putting them in the middle.
Regulated by Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers or College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of OntarioStaff at every family courthouse who explain court-connected mediation, the Mandatory Information Program and local services. Information, not advice.
Regulated by Ministry of the Attorney GeneralEnforces support terms once the agreement is filed with the court, collecting from the payor and paying the recipient.
Regulated by Ministry of Children, Community and Social ServicesGuides to download
Free, by email, in seconds.
Free to download. Arrives by email in seconds.
Guide · PDFQuestions to ask a family mediator before you hire one in OntarioFree to download. Arrives by email in seconds.
Guide · PDFSettling Smart: How to Prepare for Mediation in OntarioFree to download. Arrives by email in seconds.
Read more
From the articles and answers already on the site.
Related centres
Other Learning Centres for the same transaction.
Words worth knowing
A few from the full glossary.
The Divorce Act's term for resolving family issues outside court, including negotiation, mediation and collaborative law. Parties must try one where appropriate; lawyers must encourage it.
Mediation where discussions and documents stay confidential and the mediator reports only whether you agreed. The default in Ontario unless both spouses choose open mediation.
Mediation where the mediator may report to the court on what happened, including the parties' conduct. Both spouses must agree to it at the start.
The contract with the mediator setting confidentiality, fees, who may attend, what will be reported and how the process ends. Signed after intake, before joint sessions.
Separate intake interviews in which the mediator checks each spouse for family violence and power imbalance before deciding whether and how to mediate. Continues throughout the process.
A format where the mediator moves between spouses in separate rooms or calls, so they never speak directly. Used where screening shows fear, tension or unequal footing.
Start a file online in about seven minutes, or ask a lawyer first. Flat, published fees.