Divorce Family lawyer Jill Mcleod mediates divorce and conflicts in health care industry, Toronto, Ontario

Jill McLeod, Family Law and Mediation, Toronto, Canada

Mediation

The pace of change in modern life has increased the potential for conflict. Avoiding conflict is not always an option, nor is it always advisable: it is how you handle conflict that matters.

Instead of heading off to court, or simply "giving in", there is a middle way through it. By talking about the situation in a productive way with your spouse, you will create a solution that addresses the needs on both sides. In doing so, you will establish the communication you will need in order to co-parent your children to adulthood.

In mediation, you and your spouse can sit down with me, a neutral third party, to talk about your issues. As the mediator, I will set the ground rules and act as a catalyst for calm and rational discussion. With my help, you and your spouse will come up with options for solution, and choose the ones that works best for you. If you wish, you can agree to bring in a financial professional or a child specialist to help you understand a situation more fully.

In family law mediation, you will usually attend mediation sessions without your lawyers. Although I am a lawyer, when I am acting in the role of a mediator, I may not give legal advice to you and your spouse. This means that when you need legal advice on a particular issue, you will have to consult your own lawyer. In addition, when a settlement is reached, you and your spouse will be asked to obtain independent legal advice before signing a final agreement.

In mediation, you will have the opportunity to calmly explain your point of view to your spouse. In turn, your spouse is expected to hear and understand your perspective, and respond to it thoughtfully. When options for solution are generated in mediation, they are tested against your interests, as well as the interests of your spouse. Instead of going to Court and having a stranger decide on the structure of your lives, you will build the settlement yourselves. An agreement that is created is much more likely to be honoured than one which is imposed.

I am an experienced mediator, and also have a Master of Laws degree specializing in conflict resolution. I have mediated a wide variety of family and civil disputes.

To speak with me about mediation for your case, please call me at 416-762-8617 ext. 1.

Advertisement. Any legal opinions expressed at this site relate to the Province of Ontario, Canada only. If you reside or carry on business in any other jurisdiction please consult a lawyer, solicitor, or attorney in your own jurisdiction. WARNING: All information contained herein is provided for the purpose of providing basic information only and should not be construed as formal legal advice. The author disclaims any and all liability resulting from reliance upon such information. You are strongly encouraged to seek and retain professional legal advice before relying upon any of the information contained herein.