Co-Parenting Mediation

What Is Co-Parenting Mediation?

Co-parenting mediation is a specialized mediation process focused specifically on the parenting relationship following separation or divorce. It addresses the day-to-day decisions, communication protocols, and long-term parenting arrangements that separated parents must navigate.

Elizabeth Evans, an Accredited Family Law Mediator and Registered Social Worker, facilitates discussions between separated parents with a focus on their children’s best interests. Her approach is grounded in Ontario’s legislative framework under the Children’s Law Reform Act and the federal Divorce Act, both of which emphasize the child’s right to meaningful relationships with both parents.

Co-parenting mediation is not couples counselling or therapy. It is a structured process focused on the co parenting relationship. Elizabeth does not provide therapy and remains strictly neutral between the parties.

Sessions are confidential and may occur in person or virtually, accommodating parents in different locations across Ontario. Elizabeth may conduct individual sessions with each parent before joint sessions to ensure both parties are prepared and that safety considerations are addressed.

Who This Service Is For

Separated or divorced parents who share children and need a parenting plan

Parents whose current parenting arrangement is no longer working and needs to be renegotiated

Parents who struggle to communicate civilly and need a structured, facilitated process

Parents navigating a significant life change – relocation, remarriage, new partner involvement

Parents whose children are expressing distress related to parental conflict

Parents who want to reduce legal costs by resolving parenting disputes outside of court

Parents who have been ordered by a court to attempt mediation before proceeding to litigation

Parents who want to establish a detailed parenting plan before separation is finalized

Benefits of This Approach

Child-Centred Focus

Every aspect of co-parenting mediation keeps the child’s developmental needs, emotional wellbeing, and best interests at the centre.

Reduces Parental Conflict

Research consistently links high parental conflict post-separation to negative outcomes for children. Mediation actively works to reduce that conflict.

Custom Parenting Plans

No two families are the same. Co-parenting mediation produces tailored parenting plans that reflect your children’s specific schedules, needs, and circumstances.

Teaches Communication Skills

Elizabeth models and facilitates productive co-parenting communication, giving parents tools they can use independently going forward.

Avoids Court

Court-imposed parenting orders are often blunt instruments. Mediated agreements are detailed, specific, and crafted by the parents who know their children best.

Adaptable Over Time

Parenting plans created in mediation can be revisited as children grow and circumstances change, through additional mediation rather than returning to court.

The Mediation Process

1

Individual Intake

Elizabeth meets with each parent separately to understand their situation, screen for any safety concerns, and explain what co-parenting mediation involves.

2

Establishing the Agenda

Together, Elizabeth and both parents identify the specific parenting topics to be addressed: schedules, decision-making authority, communication rules, holidays, transitions, and more.

3

Facilitated Negotiation

In joint sessions, Elizabeth facilitates structured, respectful conversation about each agenda item, helping parents move from conflict toward practical solutions.

4

Drafting the Parenting Plan

Elizabeth prepares a detailed written parenting plan capturing all agreed terms. The plan addresses day-to-day schedules, major decision-making, holidays, travel, and communication protocols.

5

Legal Formalization

Both parents take the plan to their independent legal counsel to have it incorporated into a legally binding separation agreement or consent order.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Children thrive when their parents can work together, even after separation. TMHC Mediation provides the professional structure to make that possible. Contact Elizabeth Evans today to explore how co-parenting mediation can benefit your family.

Elizabeth Evans – Accredited FM, CP Med, RSW · Serving Ontario, Canada