Mediation vs. court: The reality families deserve to know
Court Isn’t Always the Best Solution. Family court cases are often long, expensive, and emotionally draining — especially for families already under strain.
- Average time to resolve a contested family court matter in Ontario: ➔ 18 to 36 months — and often longer if issues are complex.
- Average time to reach agreements through mediation: ➔ 3 to 6 months — or less
- Average cost of a contested family court case: ➔ $15,000 to $60,000+ per person, depending on complexity and number of court appearances.
- Average cost of completing family mediation: ➔ $1,500 to $6,000 total — depending on number of sessions and complexity.
Families pay not just with money — but with emotional stress, missed work, school disruptions, and years of uncertainty.
Mediation helps families find faster, more affordable, and less damaging paths forward.
Mediation leads to better outcomes for children
- Children whose parents mediate report higher levels of stability and emotional security than those whose parents go through high-conflict litigation. (Sources: AFCC-O, Department of Justice Canada studies)
- Parents who mediate are more likely to communicate respectfully after separation, which benefits children’s mental health, school performance, and social development.
- Families who mediate are more likely to create customized parenting plans that reflect the child’s actual needs — not just court-imposed schedules.
Mediation isn’t just faster — it’s empowering
- 92% of families who completed mediation report feeling more satisfied with their agreements than those who settled through court orders. (Source: Department of Justice Canada, Mediate393 Research)
- Families are more likely to stick to agreements they create themselves through mediation, reducing future conflict and need for legal enforcement.
Why it matters at BridgePoint Mediation
At BridgePoint, we believe families and couples deserve better than endless conflict, mounting costs, and court orders that may not reflect their lives.
- Mediation offers the chance to:
- Save time, money, and emotional energy
- Protect their children's well-being
- Stay in control of their own decisions
- Build solutions that actually fit their family's real needs
When people are given the tools and support to resolve conflict with compassion and clarity, everyone wins — especially the children.
Transform conflict into resolution
Discover how BridgePoint Mediation & Professional Services in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, can guide your family towards a brighter future. Contact us to learn more.