Family Mediation & Information Services
Contact: David Millar, Program Director dmillar@dfcc.org
What is family mediation?
Family mediation is a voluntary impartial non-adversarial process developed to assist individuals resolve conflicts due to separation or divorce. Mediation promotes communication and cooperation with the guidance of an experienced Mediator. Most importantly, mediation benefits children and other family members by reducing conflict.
How does family mediation work?
A Mediation Coordinator interviews each person separately to help determine if mediation is appropriate. This is a free one hour appointment per person. If mediation proceeds the file is assigned to a qualified family mediator who will conduct sessions to help couples reach an agreement or a partial agreement. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) detailing the terms of the agreement is drawn up by the Mediator and is signed by both parties.
If you are considering mediation please call 905-436-6754 for more information or to book an appointment.
The DFCC Family Mediation and Information Service is comprised of four areas of service as follows:
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‘Off-site’ Mediation (not at court) Mediation is an affordable service available at Durham Family Court Clinic for individuals who need assistance to resolve issues arising from separation or divorce. With the help of an impartial qualified Family Mediator, issues such as custody, access, child support, spousal support, property division and parenting issues can be addressed.
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‘On-site’ Mediation is a free service available to separating or divorcing couples on their court date The service allows couples to mediate custody, access and child support matters that are before the court. Family Court is located at 150 Bond Street East, Oshawa ON L1G 0A2. To access this service contact is made at court through the Mediator, Duty Council or Court Staff on the day of your court appearance.
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The Mandatory Information Program is a two hour free presentation aimed to assist Individuals in understanding the effects of separation and divorce on themselves and their children, other options for dispute resolution and legal information. The session is mandatory for those involved with family court. When an application is filed at court a date to attend separate sessions is assigned to the Applicant and the Respondent.
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The Family Law Information Centre (FLIC) is a walk-in service that supports individuals in need of legal and non-legal information about issues related to separation, divorce and other areas of family law. The service, which is located at the Family Court in Oshawa is jointly supported by the Ministry of the Attorney General, Legal Aid Ontario and the Durham Family Court Clinic.
Click here to access a list of resources.
Family Mediation Intern Program
Mediation in family matters has become recognized as viable alternative to the family court process. The profile and type of court related referrals - high conflict and a history of abuse/domestic violence - has meant that specifically trained mediators are required to meet the growing demand. Our Family Mediation & Information Service has come to recognize that making available a comprehensive training and support network for potential mediators would benefit both our service and the field at large.
Our Internship Program seeks to graduate candidates to the highest FMC (Family Mediation Canada) and OAFM (Ontario Association for Family Mediation) standards of mediation practice. Interns in our program will be assigned a primary mentor mediator while at the same time be afforded the opportunity of working under the supervision of several mediators. The primary mediator will provide support and serve as a resource to the intern through the various stages of the internship process. For additional information about the intern program click here .
Mediator Resources
Family Court System
www.ontariocourts.on.ca
www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca
Family Mediation Canada
www.fmc.ca
Ontario Association for Family Mediation
www.oafm.on.ca
To locate American articles about mediation
www.mediate.com
American site of the Association of Family & Conciliation Courts
www.afccnet.org
