Divorce is a complicated and often emotional process. You and your spouse may deal with issues ranging from custody, child support, alimony, or property division. You may be concerned about your finances and your family's well-being. If you are facing a divorce, it is essential to know your legal rights and responsibilities and the laws in your PROVINCE that apply to you and your situation. A professional mediator helps you understand rules to decide what action makes the most sense for you and your family. They will help you to come to a fair settlement in divorce or separation.

What To Ask Before Hiring A Professional For Unconditional Divorce?

The divorce and separation process is trying to end a relationship without involving the courts; the parties negotiate how to divide their assets, look after their children and settle everything else, and that would allow them to apply for an unconditional divorce. Those who were not legally married can end their romantic involvement without involving the courts. It means they don't have any disputes or disagreements regarding the terms of their divorce, such as property division, spousal support, or child custody, or parenting time to name a few. Let's read about various questions to ask.

1. How Will Communication Be Facilitated with My Spouse?

A Mediator will assist the parties to communicate and understand their respective issues better and less or non-confrontational.  The process may involve your lawyers but usually, lawyers are consulted to check over the negotiated settlement to advise you whether they believe you reached a fair agreement..

2. Could You Provide An Overview Of the Process?

The mediation process usually involved an intake with each party to identify the problems followed by joint sessions.  The mediator is expected to be neutral and will not provide legal advice.  However, legal information may be provided to the parties preferably at the same time.  The average parenting plan development may take three two-hour sessions followed by the financials like Child Support, Property Division, Spousal Support, Pension Splitting and anything else that needs to be settled.

3. How will Information and Updates be Provided to me During the Process?

The Mediator will usually provide an overview of what has been accomplished during the session and assist you in setting the agenda for the next one.  At the end, a Memorandum of Understanding also called a Mediation Report will be produced.  Clients are encouraged to discuss the settlement with a Family Lawyer, but some will just sign the agreement reached, have it witnessed and hopefully live with it.

What should I look for when we want to use a Mediator?

First of all, look for a mediator who belongs to and received accreditation from a recognized organization.  In Ontario, we have the Alternative Dispute Resolution Institute (ADRIO), The Ontario Association for Family Mediation (OAFM),  Family Dispute Resolution Institute Ontario (FDRIO) and Family Mediation Canada (FMC).  These organizations have training programs and an accreditation process including an apprenticeship of at least 100 hours.  Most Mediators are also qualified as Lawyers, Social Workers, Educators and Counselors. Divorce and Separation can be a time taking, emotional and hectic process, and you need to ensure that you hire professionals with relevant skills and knowledge. With years of experience, one can help you overcome various situations. If you are looking for a fair settlement, you can contact The Uncontested Divorce. We have devoted years to helping our clients. Give us a call today!  705-875-3628. As we use Zoom, we Mediate wherever you are.