Explore the Differences between Mediation and Litigation

Factor	Mediation	Litigation
Cost	More affordable fees	Higher fees & retainers
Privacy	Matters remain confidential	Lawyer-client privilege protects all personal information that is shared, but the trial becomes public record.
Lawyers	The benefit of one neutral party working for you both	Multiple lawyers fight for their side to ‘win’.
Children’s Advocate	Parents have a say in what happens to minor children	Professional specialists in different fields give input on what is best for the children.
Time Frame	A set time is agreed upon to resolve the issues	A case may take years to resolve

Worthy of Note

Parenting, Custody, Support & Access
Custody is the right to make important decisions for the well-being of a child. More specifically decisions with respect to the Health, Religion and Education. Custody is not the same as residence.
Unbundled Legal Services
In Ontario, an estimated 50% to 70% of litigants are self-represented. How do litigants manage their cases? Meet unbundled family legal services, a whole new approach to divorce in court.
Equalization, Assets & Liabilities
Property values and investments can change in value over time, so you may need legal representation to help build a fair distribution of these items.
Child & Spousal Support
Calculations for child & spousal support are complex and its impact is long-lasting. Make sure you have a lawyer to help you determine what payments will be made to support your children and your spouse, if applicable.

Parenting, Custody, Support & Access
Custody is the right to make important decisions for the well-being of a child. More specifically decisions with respect to the Health, Religion and Education. Custody is not the same as residence.
Unbundled Legal Services
In Ontario, an estimated 50% to 70% of litigants are self-represented. How do litigants manage their cases? Meet unbundled family legal services, a whole new approach to divorce in court.
Equalization, Assets & Liabilities
Property values and investments can change in value over time, so you may need legal representation to help build a fair distribution of these items.
Child & Spousal Support
Calculations for child & spousal support are complex and its impact is long-lasting. Make sure you have a lawyer to help you determine what payments will be made to support your children and your spouse, if applicable.