Hello Brothers -

I’m looking for Ontario-specific experiences and legal insight regarding court-connected family mediation.

Background (kept general on purpose):

There is an existing separation agreement that is very extensive.

Parenting has followed a stable status quo for ~1.5 years (child primarily with me during the week, mom on weekends).

She recently brought matters to the court wanting our kid to change schools because shes moved a few times and the commute does not allow her to have 50:50 time as set in our agreement. The real issue is transportation for her. But shes been throwing everything at the wall trying to say its not the right school for our kid while sabotaging with not doing homework on weekends.

My questions:

  1. Does onsite mediation result in a written report or summary?

If yes, who receives it (court, both parties, only if agreement is reached)?

Is it shared automatically at a case conference, or only if filed by a party?

  1. If no agreement is reached, does the mediator still write anything that could influence the judge?

I understand mediation is “without prejudice,” but I’m unclear how this works in practice.

  1. Is it common or advisable to attend mediation mainly to preserve the status quo, rather than to renegotiate major issues (e.g., school changes)?

Has anyone attended mediation where the goal was simply to confirm existing arrangements?

The other parent is looking to make a major change due to change of residence but labeling other issues.

  1. Practical question: Are intake and mediation usually onsite on the same day, and are parties kept separate except during the joint mediation portion?

I’m trying to approach this in good faith while also being cautious, as court proceedings are already underway.

Thank you in advance.