What is the process of Mediation?
There are usually five stages to mediation:
Stage 1: Introductions
- Mediator introduces themselves and explains the rules for mediation (i.e. act courteous to each other, no arguing, take turns speaking, either party or the mediator can terminate at any time etc.)
Stage 2: Listen and Clarify the Stories
- Mediator asks the parties to present their story and clarifies any of the facts
Stage 3: Clarifying the Problem
- Mediator clearly restates the underlying concerns of each disputant (i.e. “Am I hearing you correctly when I hear you say …) and identifies the issues to be examined
Stage 4: Finding Common Ground
- Mediator asks the parties what they feel needs to happen in order for the conflict to be resolve
- Mediator hears the suggestions that each party makes and asks for their opinions on the suggestions
- Check to see if there is a mutual agreement for a solution. If so, restate it to ensure both understand and agree. Mediator then writes out the final resolution.
- If there is no mutual agreement, Mediator can meet with each party individually and review what they would like to see happen
Stage 5: Final Stage of Mediation
- Mediators check with the parties to see that they understand the agreement
- If there is an Agreement, Mediator may draft the Agreement or Memorandum of Understanding
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