I have completed extensive mediation training and have been accredited as a family mediator through the Ontario Association for Family Mediation since 2012.
In Ontario, mediation is currently an unregulated profession, and accreditation is purely voluntary. Anyone can call themselves a family mediator and offer services to vulnerable members of the public, which they may not be properly equipped to provide.
It is extremely important for folks who are interested in working with a mediator to do careful research and find someone with the skills and expertise required to perform the role effectively.
As a voluntary process, mediation can only be undertaken if both parties are ready, willing, and able to participate. The first step to get the ball rolling is for both participants to contact my office and confirm their interest. Then we will schedule individual intake appointments with each party during which they will be able to share their goals and concerns with me in a confidential setting before we meet as a group.
My mediation services are offered exclusively online, with all meetings held via Zoom videoconference.
“From our very first meeting, it was evident that Sharon had both of our interests in mind, gave us confidence in her willingness to stick with us and at the same time remain neutral to the difficult issues before us. Sharon had an amazing ability to keep us focused, moving forward, and always made sure an atmosphere of mutual respect was present.”
J.H.
FAQs
Yes. The role of a mediator is different from the role of a lawyer. Your mediator’s job is to facilitate settlement discussions and help you and the other party to come up with solutions that will be mutually acceptable. But your mediator cannot give you legal advice because doing so would put them into a conflict of interest. For this reason, I insist that my mediation clients also work with a lawyer to obtain independent legal advice.
Mediation is a voluntary process where a dispute resolution professional called a mediator helps participants to negotiate a mutually acceptable agreement. A mediator will encourage and assist the participants to communicate respectfully and act in good faith as they work towards a solution that is workable for everyone. A mediator is not like a judge who can make decisions about what will happen with your family. Instead, they act as a facilitator to help you make those decisions for yourselves. To learn more about the mediation process, visit our resources page.
If you are unsure about what you need, I recommend you start by meeting with me in my capacity as a lawyer. During our initial consultation, I can help you understand your options and if mediation ends up being a good fit for your circumstances, I can refer you to a colleague who can act as your mediator. Even if you participate in mediation, you will still need a lawyer to provide you with independent legal advice, and I would be happy to fulfill that role.
I have a remote practice, and I meet with clients and other professionals almost exclusively via Zoom video conference. Documents can be sent to us electronically, by mail, or left in a secure drop box located in downtown St. Catharines.