5. MEDIATION SESSIONS
5.1. I feel we can negotiate with each other and freely discuss our issues in an equal, open, honest, and constructive manner. However, if any of us feels intimidated in any way during the mediation process, we will immediately advise the Mediator and may do so privately.
5.2. I acknowledge that, generally, the Mediator will meet with the Parties in joint sessions. However, occasionally the Mediator may wish to meet with one Party individually.
5.3. I am aware that the Mediator may also wish to meet with the child(ren), or any other significant third parties such as a new partner, grandparents, other relatives, lawyers, and legal representatives. However, the Mediator must obtain our consent before involving another person in the mediation process.
5.4. I also understand that if any Party wishes to have another person in the room, the Party must obtain the permission of the Mediator and the other Party(ies) prior to the mediation session beginning.
5.5. Where all Parties agree that another person will be privy to the mediation process, that person must also submit this agreement to mediate and is bound by the terms of the mediation.
6. MEDIATION AT A DISTANCE
6.1. Where mediation includes distance mediation, the Mediator will conduct the mediation using Microsoft Team or Zoom technology or any other technology suitable to the Party(ies) participating in the distance mediation.
6.2. By submitting this Agreement to Mediate, the Party(ies) who participate in distance mediation accept and agree to the terms and guidelines associated with distance mediation and the use of technology identified in this agreement.
7. CONFIDENTIALITY
7.1. The Mediator and the Parties shall keep confidential all written and verbal information prepared, provided, disclosed, or exchanged during or for the purpose of the mediation.
7.2. Notwithstanding the aforementioned, the Mediator may, at their sole discretion, disclose information about the mediation:
(a) To communicate with the Parties, their lawyers or other legal representatives, and third parties retained by a Party, their lawyer, or other legal representative;
(b) Where ordered to do so by law;
(c) Where required to do so by law, including but not limited to obligations to report a child in need of protection; or
(d) Where the information indicates an actual or potential threat to human life or safety.
7.3. I acknowledge that our discussions in mediation are only for the purpose of reaching an agreement regarding the issues between us. We agree not to summons or compel:
(a) The Mediator, Mediation Service Provider, intern, or observer to testify or otherwise participate in any legal proceeding, including but not limited to any court or arbitration hearing; or
(b) The disclosure of any mediation documents, including the Mediator’s report. However, documents that are otherwise discoverable or admissible as evidence in a legal proceeding do not become inadmissible or non-discoverable merely because of their use during the mediation process.
8. DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION BY THE MEDIATOR
8.1. I understand that the Mediator will not voluntarily disclose to anyone who is not a party of the mediation, any verbal or written communication that has taken place during the mediation process. The only exceptions include disclosure of information:
(a) To the Parties’ lawyers or legal representatives;
(b) Where ordered to do so by law;
(c) Where required to do so by law (including, but not limited to, information about a potential child protection issue);
(d) Where information suggests an actual or potential threat to human life or safety;
(e)For research, education, or program reporting or evaluation purposes (non-identifying information);
(f) On the written consent of all Parties; or
(g) Where any Party makes a claim against the Mediator, Mediation Service Provider, or intern or observer.
9. DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION BY THE PARTIES
9.1. I agree to make full and accurate disclosure of all written and verbal information that is relevant to the issues being mediated, including but not limited to the disclosure of financial information. I further agree to duly update our disclosed information if it materially changes during the mediation process.
9.2. I understand and agree that if the Mediator has reason to believe that full and accurate disclosure has not occurred, they may terminate the mediation process.
10. COST OF MEDIATION
10.1. I understand that we will not be charged any fees for our individual intake meetings.
10.2. Prior to commencing mediation, I agree to pay Mediation Centre Ontario Inc., the fees determined in accordance with the Off-Site Family Mediation User Fee Schedule.
11. TERMINATION OF MEDIATION
11.1. I understand that each Party has the right to withdraw from the mediation process at any time with prior notice to the Mediator and every other Party or their lawyer.
11.2. I understand that the Mediator has the right to terminate the mediation process at any time and for any reason with prior notice to all Parties or their lawyers.
12. PARTICIPANTS, INTERNS AND OBSERVERS
12.1. I understand that this mediation process may include participants, interns or observers from time to time with our consent. The purpose is to allow these students an avenue for obtaining practical experience under the supervision of Mediation Centre Ontario Inc. We do however have the right to decline this mediation process.
12.2. I understand that the participants, interns or observers has the same duty of confidentially as the Mediator.
13. UNDERTAKINGS AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
13.1. I agree that neither one of us nor our lawyers will initiate any legal proceeding or take any further steps in an existing legal proceeding, during the mediation process. The only exceptions to this are as follows:
(a)All Parties consent in writing prior to any action being taken; or
(b) There are urgent circumstances warranting an order without notice.
13.2. I agree that neither one of us nor our lawyers will, without the other Parties’ prior written consent, take any of the following actions during the mediation process:
(a) Attempt to dispose of (including but not limited to destroy, sell, or transfer) or mortgage any property or asset or interest in a property or asset;
(b) Incur any significant debt; or
(c) Change beneficiaries of life insurance plans, death benefits, or health insurance plans.
14. LIMITATIONS
14.1. I understand that there is no guarantee of resolution from mediation, and that I may not be fully satisfied with the outcome.
14.2. The parties hereto understand that any mediation related services (the “Mediation Services”) being provided to the public is under an arrangement with His Majesty the King in right of Ontario as represented by the Attorney General (the “Ministry”). The parties hereto acknowledge that
(a) the provider of the Mediation Services and its directors, officers, employees, subcontractors, and agents are not agents, joint venturers, partners, or employees of the Ministry; and
(b)the Ministry does not assume any responsibility for any service, action, and inaction provided with respect to the Mediation Services.
14.3. In no event shall the parties hereto, either jointly or separately, hold the Ministry liable for any special, direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages or any damages whatsoever, whether in an action of contract, negligence, or other tort, arising out of or in connection with, either directly or indirectly, the use of the Mediation Services.
