The government strongly encourages couples to try mediation to reach an agreement on issues arising from a breakup. In some cases, it even pays for a specific number of hours of mediation.
The Government Mediation Program
Couples who are breaking up can get some hours of free mediation with a certified mediator if the mediator they choose is willing to take part in the government’s family mediation program. The number of hours of free mediation depends on whether the couple has dependent children, among other things.
In all other situations, the mediation is not free, and the couple must pay for the mediator’s services.
Number of Hours of Free Mediation
The number of hours of free mediation depends on what the couple wants:
One person in the couple wants
Hours of free mediation
- to get a judgment (e.g., for child support or for a divorce) or
- to reach an agreement on a child’s living arrangements or on child support
- 5 hours if the couple has dependent children
- 3 hours if the couple does not have any dependent children
OR, if the couple has dependent children:
- 2.5 hours if
- the couple has already had 5 free hours and wants to settle a new issue arising from the breakup
OR - the couple has already had 2.5 free hours and wants to settle a new issue arising from the breakup
OR - the couple has a separation judgement
- the couple has already had 5 free hours and wants to settle a new issue arising from the breakup
- to change a judgment or agreement
- 2.5 hours of mediation sessions, if the couple has dependent children
Important! The free hours include the mediator’s time spent working for the couple outside the sessions, for example, when preparing an agreement.
If a couple wants to continue mediation after the free sessions, they must pay the mediator’s fees themselves. But the mediator’s hourly fee can’t exceed the legal rate ($130 an hour).