At Clearpoint Family Mediation, we know that separation is more than a legal shift—it’s a major life transition. Families deserve information that is accurate, calm, and practical. In Ontario, you are considered separated the moment you and your partner decide the relationship has ended and begin living your lives independently, whether you share a home or not. There is no form to file and no official legal step required to “become separated.”

A separation can look different for every family. Some continue living under the same roof for financial or parenting reasons; others separate households immediately. What matters is the intention to live separate lives.

Courts look at factors such as whether you share a bedroom, how you communicate, whether you present yourselves publicly as a couple, and how household routines and finances are handled.

A Separation Agreement becomes the roadmap that guides your decisions going forward. It outlines parenting arrangements, support, property, and how you will resolve disputes in the future. A well-drafted agreement brings stability, reduces conflict, and protects your long-term interests.

Clearpoint offers a structured, supportive process to help families make informed decisions and preserve dignity throughout this transition. Our mediators provide neutral guidance while ensuring every voice is heard, including those of your children. Shuttle mediation is available for high-conflict situations.

Before signing your agreement, independent legal advice gives you peace of mind and ensures your decisions are legally sound.

Our Simple, Clearpoint 5-Step Mediation Process

Designed to Be Simple, Efficient, and Child-Focused

1. Intake & Screening
   Individual meetings to understand your needs, safety considerations, and goals.

2. Information & Issue Identification
   We help clarify what must be decided—parenting, property, support, or all three.

3. Guided Discussions / Shuttle Mediation (if needed)
   Joint or separate sessions depending on comfort and conflict level.

4. Drafting Your Terms
   Once you reach agreement, we prepare a detailed Separation Agreement ready for legal review.

5. Independent Legal Advice & Signing
   You each obtain legal advice and formally sign your agreement.

Clearpoint provides confidential, trauma-informed, child-centered mediation that supports calm decision-making and future-focused outcomes.