Category Archives: Family Mediation

After more than a year of research, writing, drafting, edits and more edits, I am so pleased to announce that Lexis Nexis Practical Guidance has just published a complete, comprehensive guidance for family law professionals on the topic of screening for power imbalances and family violence. Family mediators have long understood the importance of following well-established best practices for identifying, assessing and …
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Caveat: I am no psychologist or psychiatrist. I often tell clients I am not my own surgeon, so I find help where help is needed from professionals. This holds even in the mediation space, where clients may need, as part of emotional readiness, to be provided with counselling or therapeutic care resources to help them get ready for mediation and …
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On July 30, 2025, I had the pleasure of being a guest on CBC’s Ontario Today. The topic was “Living with your ex: what are the challenges?” Host Amanda Pfeffer highlighted research showing the trend in post-separation cohabitation, and the challenge this presents, particularly for women who are more likely to be vulnerable. Callers ranged from those who had a …
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An in-depth conversation on what draws people to mediation, the challenges and rewards of the process, and the essential skills behind successful conflict resolution.   What inspired you to become a mediator? And did you assist clients who used mediation services before becoming a mediator yourself? As a family lawyer, I have advocated for clients in court for nearly two …
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On March 25, I joined a great group of ADR professionals to discuss the important topic of building an ADR business. Speaking with me at this well-attended Ontario Bar Association event were Katherine Shadbolt, Joe Sullivan, Mary-Anne Popescu and Ray LeClair. We covered a lot of ground in the two hours that we had; here are some of the key …
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In some cases, family mediators can have the sense that the forces really driving the conflict— or advocating for resolution— are not in the room. These “non”-parties can be loud, influential and important. How can mediators acknowledge and even include them in the process, directly or indirectly? In particular, how do mediators balance the need to hear all important voices …
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The Mediation Process: Intake Form and Agreement to Mediate Intake Form: Each client is required to complete and submit an Intake Form: This form requires information, including about each party; issues to be mediated; whether the matter is in Court; any existing separation agreement(s); previous Court Order(s); contact details of parties and lawyers; basic employment and income information; information relating …
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Being the “new kid” has historically been challenging, whether it’s at a new school, a new job, or moving to a new town with your kids and having to navigate a whole set of new parents. The “new kid” theme has fuelled novels and movies and comedies since time immemorial, capitalizing on that all too familiar discomfited feeling of not …
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