ADR & Mediation Toronto
A Calmer Path That Protects Your Family — Family Law Mediation Toronto
Calmer path for family conflict. Our ADR services, including negotiation, mediation and arbitration, help you reach fair, stable, and peaceful agreements
WHAT WE DO
How Family Law Mediation Works
ADR allows families to resolve issues respectfully and privately. Instead of fighting through court, we help you navigate conversations with clarity, structure, and emotional safety. Whether you’re seeking parenting agreements, financial resolution, or a healthier way to separate, our process keeps the focus on stability, dignity, and what is best for your children.
WAYS WE SUPPORT YOU
When Mediation Is the Right Choice
Why Choose Us
A Humane Approach Built on Lived Experience and Legal Strength
ADR isn’t simply about avoiding court-it’s about creating a safer, more dignified path forward. Kathryn’s approach is shaped by her lived experience, deep empathy for survivors, and commitment to achieving stability for families facing trauma
We blend strong legal strategy with compassionate, structured guidance designed to reduce conflict and empower you to stay in control. Every step is tailored to protect your boundaries, support your emotional needs, and bring stability during an overwhelming time. Here, you are respected, supported, and guided toward a resolution that prioritizes your long-term peace.
Stories of Strength
What Our Clients Say
The most meaningful measure of our work is the lives rebuilt along the way. These stories reflect courage, trust, and the quiet victories that matter most when navigating family law and personal transformation.
She Worked Hard and Stayed With Me Through Everything
K. Smithen was attentive, professional, and dedicated throughout my case. She listened, answered all my questions, and fought for the best interests of me and my child. Her compassion and hard work made a difficult process easier. I strongly recommend her.
M.O.
Her Guidance Helped Me Feel Protected and Supported
Ms Smithen is professional and cares for her clients. I was able to focus in my situation and rely all the legal stuff to her. Due to her knowledge, I was able to secure a home for my kids. She offers good advice and makes sure the job gets done. Her rates are fair and the quality of her job is excellent. She is prompt to respond even on weekends or evenings. During the worst time of my life I felt protected and care for. Without her I would have been a mess. She is strong communicator and when in court she has a great presence and makes you feel comfortable in an unfamiliar environment. When sick you call a doctor. With a divorce you want her representing you.
L.K.
Her Team Supported Me Through Every Step With Grace.
Kathryn listened carefully to my situation and made me feel safe and supported. She and her team worked diligently, guided me with grace, and helped me stay focused during a difficult time. Her professionalism, strength, and compassion made a tremendous difference. I strongly recommend her.
WY Chan
Dedicated, Empathetic, and Truly Exceptional Representation.
Kathryn is dedicated, understanding, empathetic, and incredibly sharp. She represented me in family court with outstanding attention to detail. I felt heard, validated, and fully supported throughout the process. I am forever grateful for her hard work and commitment to my case.
MCF
Her Compassion and Integrity Helped Us Stand Again.
My divorce was extremely difficult, but Kathryn helped us land on our feet. She handled my case with exceptional compassion, professionalism, and attention to detail, protecting me and my children at every step. I am deeply grateful for her integrity and dedication. She is truly the right lawyer in hard times.
Asta Velyviene
She Helped Me Protect My Son and My Future.
Kathryn guided me through my divorce and child custody case with compassion and constant support. She kept me informed, answered every question, and helped me secure a fair agreement that protected my son’s special needs. Her judgment, creativity, and dedication made a difficult process manageable.
Paula Goncalves
Where Strength Meets Compassion
Choose resolution without losing yourself in the fight
If you’re ready for a safer, calmer way forward, we’re here. Let’s talk about what resolution could look like for you , and how we protect what matters most.
Support and Clarity
Frequently Asked Questions
Family law can feel overwhelming. This section answers the questions we hear most, offering clarity and support as you make decisions that impact your future and your family.
Is mediation cheaper than going to court?
Yes. Mediation is almost always significantly less expensive than litigation. Court proceedings involve filing fees, lawyer preparation time, multiple court appearances, and potentially a trial. Mediation typically requires fewer sessions and resolves matters faster, although there is some overlap in the preparation required for both mediation and litigation.
Is mediation mandatory in family law?
While family law litigants cannot be forced to go to mediation or resolve their cases there, there is now mandatory sections of the Divorce Act and the Children’s Law Reform Act that require lawyers to encourage their clients to go to mediation and an obligation on clients to attend mediation where it is suitable in their circumstances. There are some situations where mediation is not suitable, such as when there is a power imbalance like that involved in intimate partner violence cases.
What happens if mediation does not work?
If mediation does not resolve all issues, you can still go to court for the unresolved matters. Anything discussed in mediation is confidential and cannot be used against you in court. Kathryn ensures her clients understand this protection.
What is family law mediation in Ontario?
Mediation is a voluntary process where a neutral third party with professional training and experience helps separated couples reach agreements on parenting, support, and property without going to court. The mediator does not make decisions for you — they facilitate discussions and guide both parties toward mutually acceptable solutions. Kathryn provides independent legal advice to clients going through mediation.
Your Next Step Starts Here
You Don’t Have to
Face This Alone
Whether you need immediate guidance or space to understand your options, we’re here to support you with clarity and compassion. Reach out, and let’s take the first step toward safety and resolution, together.
