Family Mediation

Family Mediation is a process that uses a neutral facilitator to organize discussion and settlement of a family law situation. The parties would meet with Nigel Macleod, Acc.FM (OAFM), Roster OMMP Mediator, or Marie-Hélène Godbout, Bilingual Family Mediator, in a general information session which overviews the mediation process and mutual needs of both individuals. This discussion is confidential and will cover practical aspects like mediation rates, disclosure requirements and scheduling information. This type of meeting will expose any contrary indications to family mediation as provided by MACLEOD BOYLE & GODBOUT MEDIATION CHAMBERS through our qualified lawyer-mediators.

The advantages of family mediation are:

• Mediation focuses on a solution that is best for the family.
• Mediation helps establish patterns of cooperative parenting that ensure the children’s needs will be met.
• Mediation allows both parties to exercise responsibility in arriving at a decision.
• Mediation maintains the right of each party to be an equal participant in the decision-making process.
• Mediation encourages cooperation and agreement.
• Mediation tends to result in a wise and enduring settlement.
• Successful mediation is usually less expensive than most other methods of dispute resolution.

We recommend independent legal advice in all mediations. This is where each party will have the benefit of independent legal counsel before the final Agreement/Settlement is executed. Parties, however, can consult with a family law lawyer at anytime before and during the mediation process.

Our mediator will adapt the process to suit the material needs of the parties. Mediation sessions take place at either of our Ottawa offices (West Ottawa at 202-900 Morrison Ave.) or (East Ottawa / Orleans at 20-5330 Canotek Road). These meetings are conducted with proven interest-based negotiation processes and techniques. The discussions provide a safe and structured environment to position informed consent to the sequence of joint decision-making specifically addressing the parties’ comprehensive settlement.