Family mediation for separating parents (Canada)

In Canada family mediation is run by the provinces. Justice Canada keeps a directory of family justice services across the country; in Ontario, family mediation services attached to every family court are free on the day of a hearing and subsidised off-site on a sliding scale.

Mediation is voluntary, and what you agree can be written into a separation agreement or filed as a consent order. Where there is family violence, screening comes first and mediation may not be suitable.

• Ontario on-site mediation is free on the day of your court appearance; off-site mediation is means tested (ontario.ca).
• Every province has its own service; Justice Canada’s directory is the quickest way to find yours (justice.gc.ca).
• Mediators screen for family violence before starting; say so early.

Sources checked September 2026. Government pages change; the links go to the official page for the latest.

• It is voluntary and confidential, and you can stop at any time.
• Sessions can be held separately if being in the same room is difficult.
• The mediator does not take sides or give legal advice.
• You can still get your own legal advice alongside mediation.

Whatever route you take, a calm shared record helps. ParenThing keeps messages, the calendar, costs and handovers in one private place both parents can see, and your data is held in the EU. See how it works for Canadian families.