Hayley Rose Glaholt
Ph.D., MSW RSW Psychotherapist
Mediation & Reports for Court
Help for families navigating separation, whether you are settling arrangements together in mediation or the court has asked for an independent report.
Which one do you need?
Family mediation
For separating couples who want to settle parenting arrangements and finances without a court fight. Either of you can enquire; both of you take part.
Section 30 assessment
An independent assessment of parenting arrangements, ordered by the court under the Children’s Law Reform Act, or recommended by counsel, in a custody or access dispute. Both parents participate; the assessor reports to the court.
Voice of the Child report
A documented account of a child’s own views for the court, so the child does not have to testify. Requested by parents or counsel.
Family mediation
Family mediation is a structured, confidential process for couples and families navigating separation. Its aim is to lower conflict, help each of you understand the other's position, and reach a clear plan for the family's next chapter.
A first conversation
A first conversation to confirm mediation fits your situation and that both of you are willing to take part.
Name the issues
Together, name the issues that need resolving and the order to take them in.
Work through each one
Work through each issue with the mediator: parenting arrangements, finances, and anything else that matters to your family.
Draft the agreements
Reach agreements one at a time and draft them.
Finalize and sign
Review, refine, and finalize the agreement for signing.
Section 30 assessments
A Section 30 assessment, ordered under the Children's Law Reform Act, is an independent evaluation conducted for the court in a custody or access dispute. The assessor gathers information from parents, children, and relevant collateral sources so the court has what it needs to decide the best interests of the child.
Confirm the scope
An initial consultation to confirm the scope of the assessment and the questions the court has directed it to address.
Parent interviews
Individual interviews with each parent to understand parenting capacity and family circumstances.
Child interviews
Interviews with the child or children to understand their needs and experiences.
Collateral sources
Contact with collateral sources where relevant, such as teachers, healthcare providers, or extended family, and review of relevant records.
Report to the court
A formal written report to the court, with recommendations regarding parenting arrangements.
Testimony, if needed
Testimony as an expert witness, if the matter proceeds to trial.
Voice of the Child reports
A Voice of the Child report gives a child or young person the opportunity to share their views and preferences about a custody or access matter with a qualified professional, rather than through testimony in court.
Confirm the scope
Confirm the request and its scope with the parties or counsel.
Interview the child
Interview the child in a setting that is calm and appropriate to their age.
A written report
Prepare a written report that summarizes the child’s perspective for the court and the parties.
What to expect
Timelines
Mediation runs at the pace you set, often over several sessions. Section 30 assessments follow the scope the court sets and typically take several weeks from first consultation to written report. Voice of the Child reports are shorter, usually a small number of interviews and a report.
What you receive
In mediation, a written agreement you have built together. For a Section 30 assessment, a formal report to the court. For a Voice of the Child report, a written summary of the child’s views for the court and the parties.
Fees
Fees are confirmed with the practitioner before work begins.
Working with a lawyer
If you have counsel, the practitioner is glad to speak with their office directly.
Common questions
Mediation is voluntary: you and your former partner work toward your own agreement with a neutral mediator. A Section 30 assessment is an independent evaluation ordered under the Children’s Law Reform Act; the assessor reports to the court, not to either parent.
Neither parent’s. The assessment is independent, and the report goes to the court. The mandate is the best interests of the child.
A Voice of the Child report exists so they do not have to. The child shares their views with a qualified professional, and a written report carries their perspective to the court and the parties.
Timelines depend on the service and, for assessments, on the scope the court sets. Fees are confirmed with the practitioner before work begins, and mediation fees are usually shared between the parties.
Next step
Whether you are considering mediation or the court has asked for a report, the first step is a conversation with the practitioner. If you are working with a lawyer, their office is welcome to reach out directly.
Who provides mediation and reports for court at Cedarvale Therapy Centre
Independent registered professionals who work in family mediation, Section 30 assessments, and Voice of the Child reports. Credentials are shown exactly as registered; contact each practitioner directly.
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Standard of care
A standard you can verify
Every therapist at the centre is registered, independent, and accountable to a regulatory college. That accountability protects the quality of your care. Confidentiality is set by law, and your therapist explains its limits at the start.
Privacy & Confidentiality
Conversations between you and your therapist are confidential, within limits set out by law that your therapist explains at the start.
Registered Professionals
Every therapist is a Registered Psychotherapist or Registered Social Worker in good standing in Ontario.
In-Person Connection
Care here happens face to face, in a warm, private room built for confidential conversation.