No result is imposed on a disagreeing parent. The mediator helps to make both parents feel safe and comfortable in each other's presence. A trained family mediator will focus on communications and improving understanding. The more that parents understand each other, the more likely it is that they can begin the process of talking constructively about the issues in dispute. During the mediation sessions, the parents can exchange views and information on what each parent feels is appropriate for the children.
Parents can learn how to assess their financial situation to provide for their children's needs.
Mediation focuses on plans for the future of the children, instead of on the parents' conflicts and grievances. In mediation, the potential increases for solutions that may go beyond remedies which can be ordered by the court. A mutually acceptable solution lets both parents be winners and respect each other. Because the voluntary settlement that the parents reach is designed by the parents themselves, it is more likely to be carried out without the need for external enforcement or further court proceedings. This is an extremely important benefit, considering the amount of child support arrears that are outstanding in most jurisdictions, including Ontario.