Mediation Services in Toronto with Family Mediator Neeraj Goel

What is family (divorce) mediation?

Family mediation is a respectful dispute resolution process primarily used to help couples resolve legal issues related to their separation/divorce. It can also be very effective in helping couples who want a cohabitation or pre-nuptial agreement to negotiate with each other in a friendly manner. As a family mediator, I would sit down with you and your spouse as an impartial third party. My job is to focus you and your spouse on the issues you cannot agree on or need guidance on, and to help the two of you have a respectful conversation about these concerns. The issues most people need help with are property division, child support, spousal support or parenting. Once all issues are resolved between you and your spouse, I will draft a separation agreement for each party to sign.

How do we begin the mediation process?

Both parties make separate appointments with me, so I can understand the individual issues of concern, and discuss topics that need to be discussed in confidence. Provided both parties are comfortable, we will then schedule the first mediation session at a mutually-convenient time.

At the initial session, I set ground rules and answer any questions about the process. Clients are not expected to bring any financial documents to the first session; however, you may ask or be asked to bring documents to subsequent sessions. Each session is client-driven – topics of discussion are selected according to what each party feels is important. As the family mediator, I ensure both parties remain respectful and focused on the legal issues at hand. During the sessions, I provide general legal information and options regarding how to resolve particular legal issues.

How many sessions will we need with a family mediator?

The number of family mediation sessions depends on how many concerns need to be resolved, the complexity of the issues, and how well each party negotiates with the other. In general, most clients require three or four sessions – typically no more than five. For simpler matters, only one or two sessions may be needed.

What is the cost of mediation services?

Mediation services are usually the least expensive option to resolve family legal issues, because both parties are utilizing the services of only one professional – the family mediator – to do most of the work. (This is cheaper than having each party pay for their own family lawyer to do all of the work in a case.)

I charge a competitive hourly rate. The total cost of family mediation depends on how much time is required to resolve issues and negotiate all the terms of a separation agreement.

If we’re in mediation, do I still need a family (divorce) lawyer?

Yes. Each spouse will need his or her own lawyer at some stage in the family mediation process.

Even though I am a family lawyer myself, when I’m acting as a family mediator, I must remain neutral and cannot give legal advice to either party. Although I will provide general legal information to both parties in mediation, I cannot provide “legal advice”. Clients are encouraged to have a lawyer to consult about the discussions and decisions reached during mediation. Your lawyer will ensure you understand your “best-case scenario” according to law. If needed, I can help you find an experienced family lawyer.

As stated above, at the end of the family mediation sessions, I will draft the final separation agreement, but you and your spouse will need to take the draft agreement to your lawyers to get independent legal advice and to get it formalized.

Despite the fact that lawyers are involved at some point in the family mediation process, family mediation is still generally the least expensive option.

Are your mediation services restricted to the Toronto area?

Although I am a Toronto family mediator, I provide mediation services to couples and families across the Greater Toronto Area. Most of my clients will travel to my office for family mediation sessions, but it is possible for me to meet clients across the Greater Toronto Area at another mutually-convenient location.

What’s the difference between you and other family mediators in Toronto and the GTA?

• Unlike some mediators, I am also a family lawyer and therefore understand all of the legal issues in a separation agreement.
• I’ve mediated a large number of cases, from simple to complex, with a strong track record of success.
• My hourly rate is very competitive.
• Perhaps most importantly, I have a compassionate approach to resolving family legal disputes. Divorce can be a stressful process, so it’s important to know your mediator cares about your situation, strives to find an amicable resolution, and reduces tensions where possible.