Family Mediation: Find Legal Solutions

It varies from one couple to the next, depending on the collaboration and communication between the parties, the number of things to negotiate and their degree of complexity. 

The frequency of the meetings also has an impact on the speed of the proceedings; some couples want weekly meetings; others prefer meetings every other week or monthly.

In all cases, the parties will need to spend the necessary time and make efforts to reorganize their own personal and their family life in an equitable manner. Without unduly stretching the proceedings, it is important to take the time to come to decisions that are fair and viable for everyone.

The Quebec government offers a free information session on parenting after separation, as well as on family mediation services. This session lasts about 2.5 hours and is available in various family court locations.

Since January 1, 2016, parents with minor or dependent children must attend this session before filing a contested application in family court. While it is not required before starting mediation, it can provide valuable tools for parents navigating separation. If mediation does not lead to an agreement, attendance at this session is mandatory before the case can proceed to court.

For more details, visit the Quebec Ministry of Justice website.

Both parties must actively participate in family mediation, attending each session together. You cannot force your spouse to engage in the process. However, the best approach is to provide them with information about mediation’s benefits and encourage them to attend an initial session. There is no obligation to continue if one party is uncomfortable with the process.

If your spouse refuses to mediate, you may need to seek alternative solutions, such as hiring a lawyer and proceeding with a court application.

To begin the mediation process, each party must provide the following documents:

• Two (2) official photo IDs

   

• Birth certificates issued by the Quebec Civil Status Directorate

   

• Any previous court judgments (divorce, separation, or related matters)

   

• Copies of any prior agreements regarding separation

   

For married or civilly united couples, additional documents may be required:

• Marriage or civil union certificate issued by the Quebec Civil Status Directorate

   

• Notarized marriage contract, if applicable

   

• Declaration of renunciation of family patrimony, if applicable

   

• Recent pay stubs

   

• Tax returns (federal and provincial) for the last two years

   

• Financial statements (for self-employed individuals) for the last three years

   

• Balance sheets and other financial records related to shared property

   

If the parties have children, additional documents may be necessary:

• Birth certificates of each child

   

• Financial records related to child support calculations
  

Additional documents may be required, and the mediator will outline the full list during the first session.

First, discuss availability with your spouse and then contact Lettre & Brown Inc. to schedule your first family mediation session at our Longueuil office or via videoconference.

It is important to note that the mediator will not contact your spouse on your behalf to solicit their participation.

Trust the team at Lettre & Brown Inc. in Longueuil for professional and confidential family mediation services.

Yes. You can choose to end family mediation at any point, unilaterally and without justification. The same applies to your spouse. If you decide to discontinue mediation, you will need to explore other legal options to resolve your dispute.

For additional questions about family mediation, contact us today!