Durham Mediation Centre is a professional family mediation service provider serving the Durham Region in Ontario. It operates under the Ministry of the Attorney General and supports the Durham Region Superior Court of Justice Family Branch. The centre employs experienced mediators with specialized skills to assist families in resolving disputes effectively and efficiently. It offers affordable mediation services on a sliding scale fee basis.

Durham Mediation Centre provides both on-site mediation, which is free for those who have court cases or court docket dates, and off-site mediation at subsidized rates for individuals who are not in court. Their services cover a broad range of family law issues, including parenting plans, child and spousal support, property division, and intergenerational matters such as elder care decisions. They also offer child-inclusive and intergenerational mediation to address children’s and multi-generational family needs, respectively.

On-site mediation includes intake and screening to ensure suitability, followed by facilitation of dispute resolution, and if successful, a court order may be issued. Off-site mediation involves an intake assessment and joint sessions to finalize agreements. The centre prioritizes confidentiality with options for closed or open mediation. Their role is to help families navigate separation and divorce challenges with professional, impartial mediation support

Durham Mediation Centre has two main locations in Oshawa, Ontario to serve families in the Durham Region:

• Administrative Office (appointment only):

  • 286 King Street West, Suite LL 101, Oshawa, ON L1J 2J9

  • Phone: 905-579-1988

  • Hours: Monday to Friday by appointment only.​

• Courthouse Office (walk-in and mediation payments):

  • Family Law Information Centre, Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel S. Sharpe, DSO, M.P Courthouse, 150 Bond Street East, Oshawa, ON L1G 0A2

  • Phone: 905-579-1988

  • Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-1pm and 1:30pm-4:30pm (walk-in, first come first served).​

Both locations are fully wheelchair accessible and specialize in family mediation services for residents of Durham Region. Mediation payments, inquiry, and walk-in services are accepted at the courthouse location, but administrative office visits require a prior appointment

Finding the Right Mediation Fit for Your Family

Every separation journey is unique, and so is the choice of mediator. Court-connected roster mediators provide accessible services through the courthouse, while private practice mediators often offer tailored, flexible support with added expertise. Exploring both options allows you to find the process that aligns with your goals, circumstances, and priorities.

Specialized Expertise

Mediators in private practice often focus on specific areas of mediation, such as divorce and family financial analysis. This specialization ensures that you receive expert guidance tailored to the unique complexities of your situation. In contrast, roster mediators at the courthouse handle a wide variety of cases, which can limit their depth of expertise in any one area. As a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, I provide specialized knowledge and experience unmatched by generalist mediators, instilling confidence in my ability to guide you through this process.

Personalized Attention

In private practice, mediators can offer a high degree of personalized attention. This means taking the time to understand your specific needs, preferences, and goals. Compared to roster mediators at the courthouse, whom high caseloads and limited time may constrain, I can provide a dedicated and focused approach to your case. This personalized service ensures your concerns are heard and addressed, leading to more satisfactory outcomes.

Flexibility and Convenience

Private practice mediators offer greater flexibility in scheduling and meeting arrangements. Whether you prefer in-person sessions at one of our six Greater Toronto Area locations or remote meetings via video conference, I can accommodate your schedule and preferences. Courthouse roster mediators typically operate within the rigid framework of the court system, which can limit flexibility and convenience for clients.

Efficient and Streamlined Process

As a private practice mediator, I aim to help you craft clear and straightforward separation agreements within four meetings or less. This efficient process minimizes traditional court proceedings’ time, stress, and cost. Courthouse mediators, bound by procedural constraints, often cannot match the streamlined and focused approach that I provide in private practice.

Enhanced Privacy and Confidentiality

Privacy is a significant concern in divorce and separation cases. As a mediator in private practice, I offer a confidential and discreet environment where sensitive issues can be discussed openly and without fear of public exposure. While courthouse mediators also maintain confidentiality, the public nature of court-associated processes can sometimes compromise the sense of privacy.

Commitment to Reducing Conflict and Costs

One of the primary advantages of private practice mediation is the commitment to reducing conflict and keeping costs manageable. My methods are designed to alleviate clients’ emotional and financial strain, promoting amicable resolutions that are fair and equitable. Courthouse mediation, while valuable, often involves more formal and adversarial procedures that can escalate conflict and increase costs. By choosing private practice mediation, you can feel reassured that your emotional and financial well-being is a top priority.

Conclusion

Choosing the right mediator for your separation or divorce is crucial for a smooth and secure transition. As a Mediator in Private Practice, I offer specialized expertise, personalized attention, flexibility, efficiency, enhanced privacy, and a commitment to reducing conflict and costs. These advantages make private practice mediation a superior choice compared to the services provided by roster mediators at the courthouse. If you are navigating a separation or divorce, consider the benefits of working with a dedicated and experienced private practice mediator to ensure the best possible outcome for your future. With these benefits in mind, you can feel confident in your decision to choose private practice mediation.

1. Flexible Scheduling That Works Around Your Life

As a private mediator, I offer evening appointments, weekend availability, and seamless virtual sessions designed to fit your work and parenting schedule.

When you’re managing a career, co-parenting responsibilities, and the emotional weight of separation, you need scheduling that adapts to your reality. I provide the freedom to book sessions during evenings or weekends, choose fully virtual meetings from home, or arrange in-person sessions at times that reduce stress rather than adding to it. This flexibility means you can participate fully without taking excessive time off work or scrambling for childcare—making the entire process more manageable and less disruptive to your daily life.

2. Deep Expertise for Complex Financial Situations

As both a mediator and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA™), I specialize in high-net-worth cases involving business valuations, stock options, professional corporations, and tax-sensitive income streams that require sophisticated analysis beyond basic support calculations.

If your separation involves a family business, executive compensation packages with RSUs or stock options, rental properties, private equity investments, or tax planning around dividends and capital gains, you need deep financial expertise. My dual credentials as a mediator and CDFA™ mean I personally analyze the financial complexity of your assets, working alongside business valuators and tax professionals when needed to ensure your settlement reflects the true value and tax implications of your marital estate. I handle multi-jurisdiction holdings, pension valuations, and intricate tax consequences that can cost you thousands if handled incorrectly.

3. Continuity and Consistency Throughout Your Case

Work with me from start to finish. I’ll guide your entire case, understanding your family dynamics, financial details, and goals without you having to repeat your story or rebuild rapport.

Consistency matters deeply in family mediation. When you work with me, we develop a relationship built on trust and understanding. I learn your communication style, your children’s needs, your financial concerns, and your priorities. This continuity eliminates the frustration of explaining your situation multiple times. I become your knowledgeable guide who tracks progress, remembers what you’ve already agreed upon, and helps maintain momentum toward resolution—saving you both time and emotional energy.

4. Extended Sessions for Meaningful Progress

I offer extended 2-3 hour blocks (or longer) that allow us to work through complex issues in depth, making real breakthroughs rather than stopping when we’re just getting somewhere.

Complex separations require time for thoughtful discussion. My sessions run as long as productive conversation continues—often 2-3 hours or more. These extended blocks let us dive deep into financial disclosure, explore creative solutions, and reach meaningful agreements. Whether you’re dealing with multiple properties, business interests, spousal support calculations, or emotionally charged custody arrangements, we have the time needed to address everything thoroughly without the frustration of artificial time constraints.

5. Integrated Team Approach With Financial and Legal Specialists

I seamlessly integrate specialists like business valuators, accountants, and tax advisors into your sessions, creating a comprehensive support team that addresses every angle of your separation.

Complex separations often require more than just a mediator—they need a coordinated team of professionals. My practice is built to facilitate this collaboration. I can bring additional financial experts into sessions to model different support and property division scenarios, coordinate with business valuators to determine the fair market value of your company, or consult with tax advisors to structure your settlement in the most tax-efficient way possible. This collaborative approach ensures a thorough, financially sound agreement that protects your long-term interests.

6. Specialized Handling of High-Net-Worth Assets

My practice is designed for families with complex property portfolios—including businesses, investment accounts, stock compensation, trusts, multiple real estate holdings, and cross-border assets that demand sophisticated financial analysis.

If your marital estate includes a professional practice, corporate holdings, investment portfolios with complex tax implications, stock options that vest over time, rental properties, or assets in multiple jurisdictions, you need mediation that goes beyond basic calculations. With my experience in high-net-worth cases and CDFA™ training, I know how to request and analyze corporate financial statements, work with business valuators, handle pension actuarial reports, and structure equalization payments that consider tax consequences and liquidity issues. I bring specialized training specifically designed for complex asset division.

7. Unlimited Time to Address Everything Thoughtfully

My practice has no arbitrary session limits—your family has as much time as needed to reach a durable, well-considered agreement that covers all issues thoroughly.

You work at the pace your family needs—whether that’s 5 focused sessions or 15 detailed meetings over several months. This unhurried approach leads to more thoughtful decisions, fewer regrets, and agreements that truly reflect your family’s unique circumstances. Whether you’re dealing with multiple children, complex parenting arrangements, significant assets, or high-conflict dynamics that require patience and careful navigation, we take the time necessary to get it right.

8. Fully Customized Mediation Process

I tailor every aspect of our work together to your needs—from session format (joint, shuttle, or hybrid) to discussion pace, specialist involvement, and document preparation.

Every family’s separation is unique, and my practice recognizes this. I design a process that fits your situation: shuttle mediation if direct communication is difficult, virtual sessions if travel is challenging, extended financial analysis sessions followed by shorter decision-making meetings, or a hybrid approach that alternates between joint and separate conversations. You choose whether to involve your lawyers directly in sessions, how to sequence issues (parenting first, then finances, or vice versa), and what level of detail your separation agreement requires. This customization ensures the process works for you, not the other way around.

9. Enhanced Privacy and Discretion

My private practice offers meetings in a comfortable office setting, complete control over who knows about your mediation, and who can attend sessions.

While all mediation is confidential by law, my private practice offers additional privacy benefits that matter to many families. You avoid courthouses entirely, reducing the chance of running into colleagues, neighbors, or business associates. You control who attends sessions—whether that includes financial advisors, therapists, or lawyers. My office provides a comfortable, discreet setting for sensitive conversations. For professionals, business owners, or anyone who values discretion about personal matters, this enhanced privacy is invaluable. Your separation remains between you, your former partner, your chosen professionals, and no one else.

10. Legally Durable Agreements Built to Last

I work closely with your independent legal counsel throughout the process and provide detailed, legally thorough Separation Agreements that are enforceable and built to stand the test of time when finalized with proper ILA.

A mediated agreement is only valuable if it’s legally enforceable long-term. I have extensive experience drafting comprehensive Separation Agreements that anticipate future issues, include all necessary legal clauses, and align with family law requirements. I coordinate closely with your independent legal counsel, encourage you to seek Independent Legal Advice (ILA) at key points in the process, and ensure the final document is detailed enough to be executed as a binding separation agreement or converted into a consent order without extensive revisions. This attention to legal durability—combined with my relationships with local family lawyers—means fewer surprises down the road and less likelihood you’ll be back in conflict over ambiguous terms or missing provisions.

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Ready to Work Together?

If you’re dealing with complex finances, need flexible scheduling, or want a customized approach with integrated specialist support, I’d welcome the opportunity to discuss your situation. Contact me to receive a clear scope, timeline, and cost estimate for your case.

The Soft Landing Divorce Settlement Method helps you move through separation with clarity and confidence, not chaos. We've designed a collaborative process that prioritizes your emotional well-being and financial security—typically wrapping up in four focused meetings or less.

Instead of the adversarial back-and-forth of traditional divorce proceedings, you'll work together in a supportive environment where clear communication replaces courtroom conflict. This means less emotional drain, significantly lower costs, and a personalized financial plan that sets you up for your next chapter.

You'll avoid the lengthy timelines, mounting legal bills, and uncertainty that come with litigation—and move forward faster with an agreement that actually works for your family.

Mediators may also be members of one of the following organizations, each of which provides standards of professional conduct and complaints processes:

• Ontario Association for Family Mediation
• Family Mediation Canada
• ADR Institute of Ontario
• Family Dispute Resolution Institute of Ontario (FDRIO)

Other Professionals working as Neutrals

The Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts