What surprises many Ontario couples is that the courtroom is optional — and for most separations, it always was. The mediator does not take sides and does not impose a decision. What mediation does require is that both people show up willing to negotiate, and that neither is unsafe in the room. Why Ontario law encourages itThis is not a fringe alternative. Lawyer-led mediation: one process, fewer handoffsOne model growing in Ontario is mediation run by family law professionals who also prepare the resulting separation agreement.