Family Mediation and Counselling Centre

I have researched Pat and her membership" to FMC. FMC is NOT a regulatory body for Pat

After separating a coworker who had separated a couple of years ago suggested we go to Family Mediation. Their separation was challenging and stressed that Pat took time and care to make certain all matters were discussed thoroughly, including all costs from start to finish, without fear of “the fight”. I talked to my partner and after meeting Pat we began mediation. It was helpful knowing there were meeting costs as well as costs relating to our agreement. I would recommend mediation and Pat and certainly appreciate that our overall cost was more than fair. We are so very thankful that we choose mediation as we have two small children and as Pat stressed we can move beyond all that “other stuff” and focus on the kids.

It is unfortunate that QUEEN BEE is dissatisfied with the mediation service provided. I have worked with a vast number of couples who expressed their satisfaction and who were extremely thankful for the opportunity to work towards an amicable and affordable resolution during a particularly stressful time. Prior to this client as with all couples I discussed the Agreement to Mediate with the Centre including the hourly rate for both sessions, which are paid thereafter and once their negotiations were concluded there would be additional fees for drafting their agreement, etc. As discussed, it is not possible to establish fees for time and work yet to be provided. Nevertheless, this client freely read and signed the Agreement, in fact initialed the particular paragraph acknowledging she understood and agreed. I am a member of Family Mediation Canada and have been for numerous years and by choice, not a member of Ontario Association of Family Mediation. As well, I have no say in other mediator's fees especially those funded by the Ontario Government. It was strongly suggested to this client and partner to seek independent legal advice and in fact I asked them to take my suggestion home, consider it rather than making a hasty decision to have them return advising lawyers cost to much" and would not seek independent legal advice

Atrocious levels of incompetence. Missing parts of final agreement when we were called in to sign. Added in inaccuarate elements after this appointment. Shocking bill at the end after having been told on the phone prior to first meeting that it was a per session rate.Hopefully no longer in practice.