Category Archives: Family Mediation

Years ago, separating couples really had only two choices: reach a deal between themselves, or go to court. Family lawyers generally did not negotiate settlements unless it was ‘on the court-house steps’. Over the years, family lawyers have become much more settlement focused, with the evolution of “four-way meetings”, to collaborative practice, and with the explosion in the popularity of …
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Mediators are trained to use specific skills to help resolve family conflicts. These include:

Our favourite definition of family mediation is that it is “a safe place to have difficult conversations.” What makes it a safe place to have difficult conversations? The fundamentals of the process and its underlying principles are what define family mediation. They are:

When I was a young lawyer, my mentor encouraged me to teach at the Bar Admission Course. I had never taught anything and thought I would never be accepted for such a role. But she was right, and it was one of the best decisions of my career. My mentor –Gloria Epstein— went on to become a Court of Appeal …
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Family mediation and arbitration is an unregulated field of practice in Ontario. Although the Ontario Association of Family Mediation (OAFM) and Family Mediation Canada (FMC) have established high standards of practice, it is not necessary to obtain accreditation with either organization in order to offer family mediation services. The same applies to family arbitrators and parenting coordinators. Membership in the …
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As we commemorate Black History Month, let us not only celebrate the vibrant mosaic and diverse narrative of black history. Let’s consider the importance of supporting and fostering inclusivity in all aspects of FDR practice. In the field of mediation, cultural competence is paramount in ensuring a fair and effective process for our clients. By embracing diversity and pursuing knowledge …
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By Riverdale Mediation alumni, Stephanie Kuiack My recent completion of Riverdale’s asynchronous 10-hour Update in IPV and Power Imbalance Screening for Family Arbitrators & PCs has prompted me to share my experience with this fully asynchronous program. From the seamless website navigation to the engaging course content, my journey with this course has been nothing short of exceptional. Website Navigation …
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Screening is a crucial part of any mediation, arbitration or parenting coordination process. For clients embarking on any of these processes, it is important to be aware that screening is not only important for the facilitator but also for the clients, who may otherwise not have the opportunity to be heard regarding specific aspects of their relationship or current situation …
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