Guiding Parents Toward Peaceful Solutions Through Family Mediation
What is family mediation?
Family mediation provides separated or divorced parents with the opportunity to work through important, and often difficult, decisions collaboratively in a safe and confidential setting with the support of a trained, neutral mediator. Rather than going to court and asking a judge to decide the outcomes of family conflicts, parents remain in control of the decisions that affect their family. The mediator does not make decisions for the parents but provides guidance, facilitates productive conversations, and helps parents work toward practical solutions and child-centred agreements, including a Parenting Plan, that reflect the best interests of their children and their family’s unique circumstances. At Fairhaven Family Mediation, we support parents as they navigate these conversations, develop strategies to reduce conflict, strengthen communication, and reach agreements that work for their family moving forward.
Why Choose Mediation?
Child-Centred
Guides parents to protect children’s well-being and growth through a detailed parenting plan.
Trauma-Informed
Provides family mediation in a way that recognizes the impact of past experiences on the emotional well-being of children and families.
Cost-Effective
Supports families in developing parenting plans while keeping services accessible.
Confidential
Provides a safe and respectful space where parents can have honest conversations that support the creation of a parenting plan while maintaining privacy.
Empowering
Allows families, not a judge, to make child-centered decisions that are best for their family’s unique circumstances.
Inclusive
Supporting every family, regardless of structure and background.
Mediation Process
Free Consultation
Our free consultation introduces co-parents to the mediation process, answers questions, and helps them determine if mediation is a suitable option to support their family’s needs.
Agreement to Mediate
The Agreement to Mediate outlines the process, expectations, and fees, establishing a shared understanding that supports fair and child-centered family outcomes.
Intake & Screening
Our intake and screening process identifies your family’s needs and any safety concerns, ensuring an effective and appropriate mediation approach.
Process Design
Based on what we’ve learned, we determine the best mediation structure for your family — whether joint sessions or shuttle mediation works best for safety and effectiveness.
Mediation Sessions
In safe, neutral sessions, parents explore options and work toward child-centered agreements. The mediator supports respectful dialogue and helps you find solutions that work.
Mediation Summary Report or Memorandum of Understanding
We create a written summary of all agreements reached — a clear, detailed record that both parents can reference.
Independent Legal Review
Parents are advised to obtain independent legal counsel before formalizing agreements. The Memorandum is not legally binding until it becomes part of a formal Separation Agreement.
Formalize the Agreement
You have options: formalize agreements into a Separation Agreement, pursue other legal options, or obtain a court order if needed.
File with the Court (if needed)
Some families choose to file their agreements with the court. Seek independent legal advice about whether this is appropriate for your situation.
Implement & Adjust
You implement the agreements you’ve created. If circumstances change, you can return to mediation to revisit and adjust as needed.