Free family mediation in Quebec: how many hours are covered?
The essentials: in Quebec, the government pays the mediator’s fees for a set number of hours. For a couple with one or more dependent children, that means a 2.5 hour information session on parenting and mediation, then up to 5 hours of mediation for a first agreement, or 2.5 hours to review an existing agreement or judgment. At Clinique Octobre, mediation is provided by an accredited family mediator, in Laval or by teleconsultation, in French, English and Arabic.
What is family mediation?
Family mediation is a voluntary and confidential process in which an accredited, impartial professional helps two separating people negotiate their own agreements. The mediator decides nothing on your behalf and represents neither party: they structure the discussion, keep the focus on the children’s needs and put in writing what you agree on.
It is considerably faster and less expensive than litigation, and it leaves parents in control of the decisions that affect their family.
How many hours does the government pay for?
The Family Mediation Service of the Ministere de la Justice covers the mediator’s fees, depending on the couple’s situation. Here is what Quebec.ca provides for couples with one or more dependent children:
- Information session on parenting and mediation: 2 hours 30 minutes, offered in a group or online;
- First application, to establish a first agreement: up to 5 hours of mediation;
- Review of an existing agreement or judgment: up to 2 hours 30 minutes of mediation.
In other words, a couple separating for the first time has 7 hours 30 minutes covered in total, information session included, and a couple returning to review an agreement has 5 hours in total. These hours apply to the couple, not to each person.
Good to know: these hours cover the mediator’s fees. Other costs may apply, for example administrative fees or the legal drafting of the agreement by a lawyer or notary.
Who can qualify?
The service is for couples who are married, in a civil union or common law partners and who have one or more dependent children, including adult children who are still dependent. Both people must agree to take part and choose an accredited mediator together.
For couples without common dependent children, a separate program exists and its conditions differ. Check the official Quebec.ca family mediation page or write to us: we will review your eligibility with you.
What mediation can settle
- Child custody and the sharing of parenting time;
- Child support and, where applicable, spousal support;
- The division of the family patrimony and of property;
- How parents communicate, and decisions about school, health and holidays;
- Reviewing an agreement that no longer fits, for example after a move or a change in income.
How mediation works at Clinique Octobre
1. First contact
We review your situation, confirm your eligibility for the hours paid by the government and schedule the first meeting. The parenting information session can be completed online before you start.
2. Mediation meetings
Sessions take place at our Laval office or by teleconsultation anywhere in Quebec. The mediator clarifies the issues, circulates the financial information required and helps you shape realistic solutions for your children.
3. Summary of agreements
At the end of the process, the mediator drafts a summary of agreements. That document is the basis for the legal drafting by a lawyer or notary, and then for homologation by the court when that is required.
Family mediation at the clinic is provided by an accredited family mediator. Sessions are held in French, English or Arabic, whichever you prefer.
After the covered hours
If your file needs more time, mediation can continue beyond the covered hours. The hourly rate of accredited mediators is set by regulation of the Government of Quebec, and no accredited mediator may charge more than that rate. The amount in force is published on Quebec.ca. Contact us for pricing and information that apply to your situation.
Mediation or court: how to choose
Mediation works well when both people are willing to talk, even if they do not yet agree. It is faster, confidential, and it clearly reduces the strain on children. Going to court remains appropriate where there is a marked imbalance of power, a situation of violence, or where one party refuses any discussion.
If the climate between you makes discussion difficult, couples therapy or individual therapy can prepare the ground before starting mediation.
FAQ
How many hours of family mediation does the government pay for?
For a couple with one or more dependent children, the Family Mediation Service covers a 2.5 hour parenting and mediation information session, then up to 5 hours of mediation for a first agreement. To review an existing agreement or judgment, the coverage is 2.5 hours of mediation, in addition to the 2.5 hour information session.
Who is eligible for the free hours?
Couples who are married, in a civil union or common law partners and who have one or more dependent children, and who need to settle matters such as custody, parenting time, child support or the division of property. Both people must take part and choose an accredited mediator.
What if we have no dependent children?
A separate program exists for couples without common dependent children. The conditions and the number of hours differ from the Family Mediation Service. Check the official Quebec.ca family mediation page or write to us and we will guide you.
What happens once the covered hours are used up?
Mediation can continue. The hourly rate of accredited mediators is set by regulation of the Government of Quebec and no accredited mediator may charge more than that rate. Contact us for pricing and information.
Is family mediation mandatory before going to court?
The information session on parenting and mediation is mandatory for parents who wish to bring a family matter involving their children before the court. Mediation itself remains voluntary: no one can force you to reach an agreement.
Does mediation replace a lawyer or a notary?
No. The mediator is neutral and does not represent either party. The mediator produces a summary of agreements, which then has to be drafted in legal form and, where required, homologated by the court. You may consult your own legal advisor in parallel.
Start your family mediation in Laval
We confirm your eligibility for the hours paid by the government and support you through to the summary of agreements. Services offered in three languages: French, English and Arabic.
Contact us for pricing and informationSources: Quebec.ca, Family mediation: duration and cost · JuridiQC, How much does family mediation cost? (French). See also our Family mediation, Couples therapy and FAQ pages. This article is informational and does not replace legal advice.
