For separating couples who wish reach agreement with the help of a neutral third party, Valerie is available to act as either your mediator or mediator/arbitrator.

 

Mediation:

Mediation is a voluntary process that can be terminated at any time by either party. Most people agree to "closed mediation", which means that anything discussed during the mediation is completely confidential and, if settlement is not reached, cannot be referred to in any subsequent proceeding.

 

In her role as a neutral mediator, Valerie is not able to provide independent legal advice to either party. People interested in mediation are encouraged to obtain their own independent legal advice early in the process.

 

Valerie will first meet with each party individually to obtain background information and to understand the issues that need to be addressed. Mediation sessions are then held, either with or without the parties' lawyers present depending on each party's preference and the complexity of their issues.

 

Mediation is a very effective process that assists parties in having productive discussions and reaching a mutually acceptable resolution of both parenting and financial issues. For more information about family mediation, please click here

 

Mediation/Arbitration:

For Mediation/Arbitration, the parties sign an agreement that confirms that Valerie will first try to help them reach an agreement through mediation.  Then, if settlement is not reached through the mediation process, this agreement also provides Valerie with the authority to conduct a hearing and make an arbitration award that is binding on both parties.

 

Unlike mediation, the mediation/arbitration process cannot be terminated unless BOTH parties agree to terminate the process.  Therefore, if both parties are prepared to commit to this process, they have the assurance that their matter will be dealt with on a final basis whether or not they are able to reach an agreement during the mediation phase of the process.

 

For more information about family arbitration, please go to:

www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/family/arbitration/general_information.php