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  Mediation

The end of your marriage is a stressful time. Fear about the future can bring out the worst in people and it can become very difficult to discuss financial and childcare issues.

In Mediation, couples work with a neutral third party to resolve all issues related to separation or divorce, such as child custody and access, asset and debt division, and support, ultimately resulting in a binding Separation Agreement.

Mediation provides long-term solutions. Couples sort the issues out for themselves, within the framework of the law, and the outcomes reflect what they need and want. The entire process is much more respectful and also more amicable.

Is Mediation Right For Me?

If the following is important to you, then Mediation should be at the top of your list of options:

  •  Mediation can make you feel better about your separation.
  •  Mediation creates an environment in which both parties feel they have been treated equally and impartially.
  •  Mediation helps the couple create a clear picture for vital things such as finances, living arrangements, and a parenting plan.
  •  Mediation allows couples to feel confident that they are dealing with the end of their marriage in the best way possible.
  • Mediation can allow you to work through your legal issues in a way that preserves and in some cases strengthens your parenting relationship.
  • Mediation allows for a prompt resolution, so you can move forward and return to the business of living your lives.
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Dominique’s Innovative Mediation Process

Divorce is a significant life change, and navigating this transition requires support and understanding. I have designed a mediation process that is intended to guide you through this challenging time with empathy and expertise. I am here to ensure that you BOTH feel heard, respected, and empowered to make informed decisions. 

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 Once we’ve opened your Mediation File, the mediation process includes: 

  1. Onboarding Call: I’ll book a brief joint meeting with both of you, over Zoom or in person, where we will begin to discuss your unique situation, outline how I can best support you through the mediation, go over some key information and discuss next steps that will set you both up for a successful mediation experience. This initial conversation is crucial in setting a tone of mutual trust and understanding and setting expectations for our working relationship.
  2. Individual Sessions: Individual sessions with the mediator are the foundation to a successful mediation.  These sessions allow you to express your needs and concerns without reservation, and gain clarity and confidence to move into joint sessions. Your individual sessions are both conducted during one half-day to maximize efficiency.
  3. Joint Mediation Sessions: Over two separate half-days, I will meet with you and your spouse together to discuss the various practical, legal, and financial issues that you raised during your onboarding. My role during these joint sessions is to facilitate these difficult conversations and ensure a balanced and productive dialogue that respects both parties’ perspectives.
  4. Written Summary and Deciding Next Steps: At the conclusion of our sessions, you will receive a written summary of all decisions and agreements made. This will be an opportunity to discuss next steps which could include drafting a formal Agreement, booking additional joint mediation sessions, or booking co-parenting coaching sessions for either or both of you to focus on strengthening our co-parenting relationship.  
  5. Pre-Recorded Learning Modules: This is the thing that sets my mediation process apart from other mediators.  You will be granted access to an online portal with pre-recorded videos that I have created to provide you with valuable information as you prepare for each step of the mediation process.  You will have access to these recordings long after our work together is complete to provide ongoing support as you move forward in your co-parenting relationship. These resources are designed to equip you with everything you need for a successful mediation outcome.

Why Choose Mediation? 

With over three decades of dedicated experience in family law and divorce mediation, I understand the complexities of ending a marriage, especially when children are involved. I believe that with the support and guidance of the right mediator, this process can lead to a constructive and hopeful future – one where your children thrive. My child-centered approach is built on a foundation of compassion, respect, and non-judgment, ensuring that you are supported every step of the way and that the decisions you make are ones that serve you well in the years to come. 

The Risks of Going It Alone: 

Without the help of a professional mediator to deal with the practical, legal and financial issues that need to be dealt with at the end of a marriage, couples often find themselves stuck in a cycle of conflict and negotiation that can drag on, increasing costs and emotional toll. This can negatively impact your emotional and physical health, your ability to show up for your children, your work performance, and even your future relationships.

The Benefits of Working with Me: 

Choosing to work with me means investing in peace and stability. With over three decades of experience in family law and divorce mediation and having been through divorce myself, I understand the intricacies of this life transition. My unique method offers a streamlined mediation process, promotes fairness, and facilitates communication so that you can make sound decisions in a timely and cost-efficient manner.  It also lays the foundation for positive future interactions between you. It sets you up for a successful co-parenting relationship, which is the best gift you can give your children going forward.

The Mediator’s Role

My role as your mediator is to help you to: identify goals and shared interests; gather information; develop options; and communicate openly, honestly and civilly.

I facilitate the discussions between you and your spouse. I provide a safe environment, encourage both of you to actively participate in making decisions, and help you to focus on goals for the future (and not on blame for the past).

As a mediator, I make sure that both of you have the same complete and accurate information. I also help you to develop options and to consider the consequences of those options so that you can make informed decisions.

I remain neutral to the decisions reached by the other parties. I do not take sides, I do not make decisions for you and I do not determine what is right or wrong for your situation.

The ultimate goal of Mediation is to help communicate so that together you can develop a mutually acceptable and binding agreement. If necessary, I will recommend when the assistance of a financial professional might be appropriate.

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Why Mediation Works 

Increasingly couples are turning towards mediation. It is faster, less expensive and more consensual. The truth of the matter is that most cases settle before trial, often at the courtroom door. This is after months, perhaps years of legal battles, costs and massive amounts of emotional pain.

Interest-based mediation works for many reasons:

  • The process in mediation is collaborative rather than confrontational.
  • Mediation acknowledges and values all human needs.
  • Mediation does not rely on memory or credibility.
  • Mediation allows the parties to decide the outcome.
  • Mediation encourages creative remedies.
  • Mediation is future-oriented, as opposed to law which tries to resolve what happened in the past.
  • Mediation surfaces hidden agendas.
  • Mediation lets quiet people speak and talkative people be quiet.
  • Mediation encourages the parties to actually tell the whole truth, including the subjective and emotional truth.
  • Mediation connects parties through empathy.

  • Mediation permits the mediators to model useful behaviour and techniques for avoiding future conflicts.
  • Mediation allows both sides to win.
  • In mediation, the focus is shifted from people to positions and from positions to interests.
  • Mediation reveals the parties’ deeper motivations.
  • Mediation allows for constructive feedback without the appearance of judgement.
  • Mediation empowers both sides to say no.
  • Mediation lets the parties compromise and save face.
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