Divorce Mediation

What Is Divorce Mediation?

Divorce mediation is a structured negotiation process facilitated by an accredited, neutral mediator. Both spouses work with the mediator to reach agreements on the legal and financial issues that must be addressed when a marriage ends – including property division, spousal support, and, where applicable, parenting arrangements.

Elizabeth Evans, an Accredited Family Law Mediator and Registered Social Worker, has over 15 years of experience helping Ontario families navigate separation and divorce. Her practice is grounded in neutrality, legal awareness, and a deep respect for the dignity of every client.

Divorce mediation in Ontario is governed by the Divorce Act (Canada) and the Family Law Act (Ontario). Issues addressed may include the equalization of net family property, possession of the matrimonial home, spousal support under the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines, and parenting arrangements under the Divorce Act’s best interests of the child standard.

Mediation is not a substitute for independent legal advice. Elizabeth facilitates the negotiation process; she does not provide legal advice to either party. Both spouses are strongly encouraged to retain independent legal counsel throughout the process.

Who This Service Is For

Married spouses seeking an alternative to contested divorce litigation

Couples who want to maintain control over the terms of their separation

Spouses with children who prioritize a cooperative co-parenting relationship post-divorce

Couples with significant shared property or financial assets requiring negotiation

Spouses who cannot afford lengthy litigation and want a cost-effective resolution

Couples who wish to preserve privacy around the terms of their divorce

Spouses living in different locations who can participate via virtual mediation

Couples at early stages of separation who want to avoid escalating conflict

Benefits of This Approach

Private & Confidential

Court proceedings become part of the public record. Mediation is entirely private – your financial and family matters remain confidential.

Significantly Lower Cost

Contested divorce litigation in Ontario can cost $25,000–$100,000 or more. Mediation is a fraction of that cost for most families.

Faster Resolution

Ontario family courts are severely backlogged. Mediation can resolve matters in weeks or months rather than years.

Mutual Agreement

Research consistently shows that agreements reached through mediation have higher compliance rates than court-imposed orders.

Child-Focused

Elizabeth helps parents keep children’s best interests at the centre of every discussion, reducing the emotional toll on children.

Legally Informed

Elizabeth’s knowledge of Ontario family law ensures that discussions are grounded in the relevant legal framework, while both parties retain their own counsel.

The Mediation Process

1

Individual Intake Sessions

Elizabeth meets separately with each spouse to review the situation, explain the process, screen for safety concerns, and confirm that mediation is appropriate.

2

Financial Disclosure

Both spouses provide full, sworn financial disclosure as required by Ontario law. Elizabeth helps parties understand what information is needed and why.

3

Issue Identification

The parties and Elizabeth identify all issues to be resolved: property, support, parenting, debts, pensions, business interests, and any other matters.

4

Negotiation Sessions

Elizabeth facilitates structured negotiation sessions, helping parties communicate productively and evaluate options against their legal rights and practical realities.

5

Memorandum of Understanding

Upon reaching agreement, Elizabeth prepares a detailed Memorandum of Understanding. Each spouse takes this document to their independent lawyer to be formalized into a legally binding separation agreement.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Divorce is the end of a marriage – it doesn’t have to be the beginning of a battle. TMHC Mediation helps separating spouses in Ontario reach fair, durable agreements with professionalism and respect. Reach out to Elizabeth Evans to begin the conversation.

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