FAMILY MEDIATION
Together. Let’s create a clear and reliable pathway for you and your family to move forward.
I know this isn’t easy for you. Separation can bring about many difficult feelings. Difficult new considerations and decisions to be made.
It can leave you feeling absolutely overwhelmed, afraid and alone. Not sure what you need. Where to begin. Or who you can trust.
Finding your way forward is absolutely doable.
What can be extremely supportive in moving forward after separation is having a good separation agreement. One that sets out a clear framework for how you’ll re-assemble as a family.
A good agreement isn’t just a bunch of legal words on a piece of paper. A good separation agreement sets the tone for the ways you’ll step forward together. It creates clarity of responsibility, peace of mind, safety and security for everyone in your family.
Clarity, peace and security that allows you and your family to begin again, and turn your focus towards the fun and interesting things that make life worth living.
As your family mediator, I can absolutely support you and your family to get there. Family mediation can be an important step along your journey, and I am on board to walk that leg of the journey with you.
If there’s one word to describe what matters most to me as a mediator it’s SUPPORT.
It’s recognizing that my primary job is to support you and your family move forward in a clear, safe and reliable way.
At the mediation table, I set the stage so you can feel safe. Safe to HEAR yourself, SEE the kind of future you envision, and SPEAK to the needs of you and your family. In the back and forth of these conversations, held in safety and respect, fair and workable form.
In drafting your separation agreement I stay aware that this is no normal kind of legal agreement. That this is a framework for your family to live by. That it needs to be clear and easily understood. Legally sound. Durable. To stand the test of time, and the wavering circumstances of real family living.
I’m a stickler for holding to these considerations cause I know that a solidly drafted separation agreement is mucho SUPPORTIVE.
To the table, I bring my vast experience as a lawyer, life coach, and committed practitioner of self care in all areas of my life.
I particularly value the experience I bring to the table as a mother, spouse, daughter and sister, and my own experience as a mediation client.
Nice to meet you.
I’m Dodie.
How this all works.
IT ALL STARTS WITH A CONVERSATION … a chance for you and I to chat. Answer any questions you might have. And give you a chance to feel for whether mediation makes sense for you and your family.
If you decide that it feels right to mediate, and that I’m your person, then I’d meet with and your ex separately and confidentially over a video call, to learn more about you and what it is you’d like to discuss in mediation.
Next up, we mediate. It usually takes 2-3 sessions to work out all the issues.
Lastly, I draft up a Mediation Report. Reflecting the agreements you reached together. You’ll take that to your lawyers to have it reviewed and put into a legally binding agreement.
If issues come up down the road, as they often do. As the kids get older. As circumstances change. We can meet again and update your agreement to make it work for your new reality.
Why Mediation?
Perhaps the most obvious reason for choosing mediation is that it saves you money. You aren’t paying hefty legal fees, that add up fast, to have your issues settled..
It’s faster than legal routes in most cases. Faster to get started, and faster to reach a final resolution.
It’s supportive. Your safety and support is central. When you’re both feeling safe and supported, you can make clear headed decisions that benefit everyone in your family.
Mediation makes for a good start. A foundation for relating that is born out of cooperation, respect, and good communication.
What will this cost me?
My hourly rate is $300 and would be split equally between you and your ex. $150 each.
I do ask for a retainer in advance.
Mediations are held via Zoom video calls and while I primarily serve those living in the province of Ontario, I can offer mediation services to anyone anywhere.
Contact me.
dodie.sobretodo@mac.com
