Belleville Mediation Services

Family Mediation is a confidential, voluntary and affordable process that assists clients find solutions regarding issues arising from separation and divorce.  Mediation is family-focused and promotes communication and cooperation between the participants.  It is a process that helps you and former spouse or partner settle matters out of Court.  The Mediator helps each person feel heard and understood and assists in negotiating a plan that is agreeable to each of you.  If you and your former spouse or partner have already started a Court process, it is not too late to consider Mediation.  We have Mediators available on the day of Court to provide free Mediation.  As well, the Judge may adjourn your matter with the understanding that you will be participating in Mediation. 

The process starts with the Mediator having a separate confidential intake meeting with each person.  The intake meeting allows you the opportunity to discuss the issues you would like to see addressed in Mediation.  The Mediator will ask questions to help make a decision as to whether or not Mediation is the right process for your family.  Mediation may not be appropriate for all families.  The private intake helps you and the Mediator determine if the process is emotionally and physically safe and if there are any steps that need to be implemented before the process begins.

If Mediation proceeds, joint sessions will be scheduled where the Mediator will assist you in finding options  to resolve the issues you have identified.  The Mediator will remain neutral throughout the process to ensure a fair, balanced, and safe process.

Following completion of the joint sessions, the Mediator will prepare a Mediation Report detailing the agreements that you have reached.  Individuals are encouraged to seek independent legal advice throughout the Mediation process to ensure your rights and responsibilities have been addressed.  The agreements created in Mediation are not legally binding.

Family Mediation is an empowering and cost-effective alternative to the adversarial process of going to Court.  A neutral third party, the Mediator, helps participants establish common ground, improve communication, and develop plans that are meaningful and in the best interests of the children and to all the participants involved.   Our success rate in resolving issues is over 80%. 

There is no cost for individual intake meetings with the Mediator.

Off-Site Mediation:

Fees for Off-Site Joint sessions are on a sliding scale based on each person's respective incomes and the number of child dependents each person has.

On-Site Mediation:

There are no fees for On-Site Joint sessions