The Most Common Questions We Get About Divorce in Ontario
- Divorce is Simple
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
When someone contacts Divorce Is Simple, they’re usually feeling overwhelmed — not angry, not ready for a legal battle — just unsure of what to do next.
And most people ask the same questions.
If you’re considering divorce mediation in Oakville or Burlington, here are the answers we give every day.
1. “What exactly is divorce mediation?”
Divorce mediation is a structured, guided process where both spouses work with a neutral mediator to reach agreements on:
Parenting arrangements
Child support
Spousal support
Division of property
Financial responsibilities
Instead of hiring two lawyers and going to court, mediation keeps the discussion focused, respectful, and solution-oriented.
For many couples in Oakville and Burlington, mediation is the fastest and most affordable path forward.
2. “Is mediation legally binding in Ontario?”
Mediation itself is a negotiation process — but the agreements you reach can absolutely become legally binding.
Once terms are finalized, they are typically formalized into a Separation Agreement. That agreement can then be used when filing for an uncontested divorce through the Ontario courts.
Many couples choose to have independent legal advice before signing, but the mediation process itself is designed to create clear, enforceable outcomes.
3. “Is mediation cheaper than hiring lawyers?”
In almost every case — yes.
Litigated divorces in Ontario can cost tens of thousands of dollars, especially if there is ongoing conflict.
Divorce mediation in Oakville or Burlington is significantly more affordable because:
There are no court appearances
There is one neutral professional instead of two adversarial lawyers
The focus is on resolution, not escalation
When both parties are willing to be reasonable, mediation keeps costs manageable.
4. “Do we have to agree on everything before starting mediation?”
No.
This is one of the biggest misconceptions.
You do not need to walk in fully aligned. In fact, many couples begin mediation because there are a few sticking points.
Mediation helps you:
Clarify misunderstandings
Review financial realities
Create practical parenting plans
Find compromise without court pressure
The goal isn’t perfection — it’s workable, fair solutions.
5. “What if we’re trying to stay civil for the kids?”
That’s exactly where mediation shines.
Court battles create long-term strain. Mediation protects the co-parenting relationship by keeping conversations structured and future-focused.
For families in Oakville and Burlington, this often means:
Less stress on children
Better communication post-divorce
A smoother transition overall
If you’re planning to co-parent long-term, starting from a place of cooperation matters.
6. “How long does divorce mediation take?”
Every situation is different, but most couples complete mediation in a matter of weeks — not years.
Timelines depend on:
Complexity of finances
Parenting schedules
How prepared both parties are
Compared to traditional litigation in Ontario, mediation is dramatically faster.
7. “Is mediation right for us?”
Mediation works best when:
Both spouses are willing to participate
There is no ongoing abuse or serious safety concerns
Both parties want to avoid court
If you’re looking for clarity rather than conflict, mediation is often the right fit.
Why More Oakville & Burlington Couples Are Choosing Mediation
The reality is this:
Most people don’t want a courtroom fight.They want fairness.They want clarity.They want to move forward.
Divorce mediation allows you to stay in control of your decisions rather than handing them over to a judge.
At Divorce Is Simple, we help couples throughout Oakville, Burlington, and surrounding Halton Region communities navigate separation and divorce in a way that is practical, respectful, and affordable.
Because divorce is difficult enough.The process shouldn’t make it worse.
Ready to Explore Divorce Mediation in Oakville or Burlington?
If you’re separated — or considering separation — and want to understand your options, mediation may be the simplest next step.
Reach out to Divorce Is Simple to learn how the process works and whether it’s right for your situation.