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Why Family Mediation Matters: Creating Parenting Plans That Work

Hello, I’m Nada, a trained Family Mediator & Registered Social Worker.


Thank you for visiting this blog.


When parents separate or divorce, one of the biggest questions is: How will we raise our child moving forward?


Family mediation helps parents answer that question without going to court. My role isn’t to give advice or take sides; I guide both parents in having respectful conversations so they can create a fair and workable parenting plan. 💬

💡 What Family Mediation Is


Family mediation is a process where a neutral mediator helps parents talk through decisions after separation.



The goal, in my practice, is to create a parenting plan. This is a written agreement that explains how parents will share responsibilities, spend time with their child, and make decisions together.


This plan can later become part of a separation agreement if both parents agree to it (Department of Justice Canada, 2024).

🛠 How Mediation Works


Here’s what usually happens in family mediation:


⚖️ Neutral Conversations: I don’t make decisions for you. Instead, I create a safe space where both parents can share openly and work together (Department of Justice Canada, 2024).

👶 Focus on the Child: Parenting plans are built around what’s best for the child, things like school schedules, holidays, and health care (Government of Ontario, 2025).

📝 Writing the Plan: Together, we put everything in writing, daily routines, vacations, and decision-making so it’s clear and fair (Legal Aid Ontario, n.d.).

🤲 Reaching Agreement: If both parents agree, the parenting plan can be included in your separation agreement to give it legal weight (Canadian Bar Association, 2023).

🌱 Why Parents Choose Mediation


🔒 Private & Respectful: Mediation is confidential, unlike court (Legal Aid Ontario, n.d.).

💰 Less Stressful & Cheaper: Mediation is usually faster and less expensive than going to trial (Family Mediation Canada, n.d.).

💞 Better Co-Parenting: Mediation helps build healthier communication that can benefit children long after the separation (Family Mediation Canada, n.d.).


Every family is unique.


Mediation gives you and the other parent the chance to make decisions that fit your child’s needs, instead of leaving the choices up to the court.

It’s about creating stability, respect, and a clear path forward. 🌟

📧 Ready to Build Your Parenting Plan?


At Nada Johnson Consulting & Counselling Services (NJCCS), I help parents have healthy, solution-focused conversations so they can build a parenting plan that truly works.


✨ Clarify your goals and priorities

✨ Explore schedules and responsibilities

✨ Draft a clear parenting plan

✨ Keep your child’s best interests at the center


📩 Email me at info@nadajohnsonservices.com if you’re ready to start.


Warm Regards,


 

Nada Johnson, MSW, RSW

Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist / trained Family Mediator / EMDR Trained Therapist / Certified Racial Trauma Clinician / Mental Health & Sexual Violence Consultant / Professional Speaker



Nada Johnson Consulting & Counselling Services - Online phone and video sessions available

Village Healing Centre: 240 Roncesvalles Avenue

C: 437-887-6146


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📚 References

Canadian Bar Association. (2023). Family law: Mediation. Canadian Bar Association. https://www.cba.org

Department of Justice Canada. (2024). Parenting arrangements: Mediation and negotiation. Government of Canada. https://www.justice.gc.ca

Family Mediation Canada. (n.d.). Why choose mediation? https://www.fmc.ca

Government of Ontario. (2025). Family law services: Mediation. Government of Ontario. https://www.ontario.ca/page/family-law

Legal Aid Ontario. (n.d.). Mediation in family law. Legal Aid Ontario. https://www.legalaid.on.ca


Want More Support for Your Professional & Personal Growth?

🔷Try Potential Unlocked™


In addition to counseling, NJCCS offers coaching through our sister brand, Potential Unlocked™, designed specifically for professional women navigating career, leadership, and life transitions.


We support clients with:

  • Communication and conflict strategy in the workplace

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  • Navigating workplace dynamics and burnout recovery

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👉 Visit www.potentialunlocked.ca to learn more or book a free 10-minute consultation call.



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