"What is mediation? How long will it take?"

Mediation is a voluntary process in which opposing parties work with a neutral third party (the mediator) to resolve conflicts. The goal of mediation may be a written document (memorandum of understanding) to set out what each party has agreed to and will commit to. The process may also lead to a better understanding of the other person's concerns and views, with a commitment for a change in behaviour to help reduce or eliminate current and future conflicts.

Overall, mediation is a time-saving method of resolving conflict because it is direct and involves less second- and third-party consultations. Usually, it requires about six 90-minute sessions, depending on the complexity of the issues. 

Itasha O'Gilvie is a divorce mediator with Toronto mediation firm Take 2 Mediation. She can be reached at (866) 640-4760 or (416) 628-2026. View her Divorce Magazine profile.