Getting divorced in Ottawa can be a long and legally complicated process, even if you and your spouse both agree that dissolving your marriage is best for everyone. Fortunately, there are ways to speed up and simplify your divorce, such as by participating in mediation outside of court.
Mediation allows you and your soon-to-be ex to discuss and reach mutually agreeable resolutions to every aspect of your divorce without having to go through prolonged court battles that may otherwise leave binding decisions to a judge’s discretion. If you want to learn more about this option and determine whether it would fit your unique circumstances, reach out to our Ottawa mediation lawyers as soon as possible.
Mediation is a process that occurs entirely outside of court through private sessions guided by a third-party mediator. A mediator’s job is not to take sides, advocate for either party’s position, or even provide legal advice outside basic clarification in broad terms about how provincial law tends to approach certain issues. Instead, their purpose is to facilitate communication and help the parties understand each other’s positions, so they can work together to reach an equitable and legally enforceable consensus.
Nothing discussed during a mediation session is legally binding unless it is subsequently put into a written agreement signed by both parties, and anything brought up during mediation cannot be used as evidence during later court proceedings. Additionally, participating in mediation is often a much cheaper and quicker way to resolve divorce-related disputes than the equivalent in-court procedures.
Perhaps most importantly, you and your spouse can jointly agree to participate in mediation at any point during the divorce process, even before you have officially filed for divorce. In fact, judges in Ottawa overseeing divorce cases often recommend mediation early on in the process in the interest of saving time and money for everybody involved, including the court.
The most important thing to understand about mediation is that it is a purely voluntary process. Even if an Ottawa court specifically recommends mediation, it can only work if both parties agree to participate in good faith and speak openly and honestly about their financial interests, property rights, personal concerns, and anything else that might impact their preferences for an ideal divorce agreement.
In light of that, mediation is not appropriate in every situation, and it may not be a worthwhile option if there is domestic violence between you and your spouse or if you do not believe you both would be able to work together in good faith. A mediation lawyer in Ottawa could discuss any concerns and answer any questions you might have during an initial consultation.
Mediation can be a cost-effective way to get through your divorce as quickly and amicably as possible while minimizing the amount of time you spend in court. However, it is not for everyone, and even if it is appropriate in your case, it is still important to seek representation from skilled legal counsel to ensure you can effectively voice and protect your interests.
An Ottawa mediation lawyer could provide clarification and guidance on the next steps during a private initial meeting. Schedule yours by calling any time, 24 hours a day.
Now you can have your Consultation with Paul Riley any time from the comfort of your own home. With video calls from Zoom, your Team at The Riley Divorce & Family Law Firm can meet with you virtually, and learn about your case. All you need is a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop with a built-in camera and microphone.
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