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Anas & Viktoriya
Co-founders of Promptd
Find Family Mediation in Outremont
Family mediation usually costs less than litigation and can resolve separation, custody, and parenting decisions in weeks, but it only works when both parties commit to negotiating in good faith. Promptd lists family mediators across Canada with hourly rates, credentials, and areas of focus so you can compare divorce mediation options before committing.
Family mediation usually costs less than litigation and can resolve separation, custody, and parenting decisions in weeks, but it only works when both parties commit to negotiating in good faith. Promptd lists family mediators across Canada with hourly rates, credentials, and areas of focus so you can compare divorce mediation options before committing.
In 2025, a therapist and a software engineer set out to raise the bar for mental health marketplaces
We looked at how people search for mental health services and thought: this could be so much better.
We bring tech to mental health so that finding the right provider feels as intuitive and personal as the experience you get on your favourite apps. Today, we represent clinics and independent mental health professionals across Montreal and its surrounding cities, in-person and online.
And we're just getting started.
Spent close to two years trying to find a therapist. Waitlists, no callbacks, people who weren't the right fit. Ended up finding someone through Promptd in like a week.
Nadia
I run a small law firm and needed a family mediator for a case. I did not find anyone in my network so I tried Promptd and found someone pretty quickly.
Catherine
Nice to actually see prices listed upfront. Saves you from having to call around just to figure out what you can afford.
Family mediation is a structured process where a neutral professional helps both parties reach agreements on separation, divorce, custody, parenting time, and financial arrangements without going to court. The mediator does not give legal advice or take sides; they manage the conversation and help draft a written agreement. It is faster and usually less expensive than litigation when both parties negotiate in good faith. Mediation is distinct from couples therapy or family therapy, which focus on emotional and relational work rather than reaching a legal settlement.
What is divorce mediation?
Divorce mediation focuses on the issues that arise when a marriage or common-law relationship ends: division of property, spousal and child support, parenting plans, and decision-making for children. The mediator works through each issue in sequence and produces a memorandum of understanding that lawyers can convert into a separation agreement or court order. Most divorces that resolve through mediation cost a fraction of contested litigation.
How much does family mediation cost in Canada?
Private family mediators in Canada typically charge between $200 and $500 per hour, with most full mediations running 6 to 20 hours total. Some provinces offer subsidized or free family mediation through the courts: Alberta, Ontario, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan all have programs for eligible families. Always ask whether the mediator charges separately for preparation time and document drafting on top of session time.
How long does divorce mediation take?
Most family mediations conclude in 4 to 12 weeks, spread across 3 to 8 sessions of 1 to 3 hours each. Highly cooperative cases with no children and few assets can finish in a single session; complex cases involving custody disputes or significant property can stretch over several months. Litigation, by comparison, often takes 1 to 3 years to reach a final order.
When is divorce mediation not recommended?
Mediation is generally not appropriate where there is a history of family violence, severe power imbalance, untreated substance abuse, or active hiding of assets. In those cases, court oversight and legal representation provide protections that mediation cannot. If trauma is a factor in the relationship, working with a trauma therapist alongside or before any negotiation can help.
What is the difference between mediation and arbitration?
In mediation, the mediator helps both parties negotiate their own agreement; nothing is decided for them and either party can walk away at any point. In arbitration, both parties present their case and the arbitrator issues a binding decision. Mediation is collaborative; arbitration is adjudicative. Many family law disputes use mediation first, and only move to arbitration or court if mediation does not produce an agreement.
Are mediated agreements legally binding?
The written agreement that comes out of family mediation is not automatically a court order. Both parties typically take the document to independent lawyers for review, then sign it as a separation agreement or file it as a consent order with the court. Once filed, it carries the same legal force as any other court order.
What should I expect in a family mediation session?
The first session usually covers ground rules, confidentiality, and a high-level overview of the issues to be resolved. The mediator will explain that they cannot give legal advice, ask each party what they hope to achieve, and outline the process for upcoming sessions. Many mediators meet with each party individually first to assess whether mediation is suitable and to surface any concerns about safety or pressure.
What should you avoid saying during family mediation?
Avoid threats, ultimatums, or all-or-nothing statements that shut down negotiation and force the mediator to spend time on relationship management instead of issue resolution. Avoid discussing strategy or settlement positions with people outside the mediation, since the other party may eventually find out. Stick to facts, what you need, and why; let the mediator probe for compromise.
Can family mediation be done online?
Yes. Most Canadian family mediators offer online sessions over secure video platforms, and many cases now run entirely virtually. Online mediation can be useful when parties live in different cities, when childcare or work schedules make in-person sessions difficult, or when one party prefers not to be in the same room. Ask the mediator how they handle private caucuses and document signing remotely.
What happens if family mediation fails?
If mediation does not produce an agreement, both parties keep all the legal options they started with: collaborative law, arbitration, or court. Anything said in mediation is generally confidential and cannot be used in court, so a failed mediation does not weaken either party in any later proceedings. Many disputes that cannot resolve every issue in mediation still narrow the disagreements enough to make subsequent litigation faster and cheaper for both sides.
