Divorce mediators are no different.
They bring a unique set of life experiences, likes, dislikes, biases and opinions to their work.
Personal backgrounds and experiences inform how divorce mediators view clients and their families.
Religious and cultural issues are often present.
Divorce mediators need to hear, understand and honour their clients’ various religious backgrounds and cultural traditions.
Divorce mediators have an duty to understand each family in the development of settlements because all families are unique.
This is one of the reasons why I love practicing divorce mediation in Canada.
Editorial Note: Originally published in 2024, this article highlights the importance of cultural and religious awareness in divorce mediation. It reminds us that every family is different—and effective mediators must listen without assumptions and tailor their approach accordingly.
Steve Benmor, B.Sc., LL.B., LL.M. (Family Law), C.S., Cert.F.Med., C.Arb., FDRP PC, is the founder and principal lawyer of Benmor Family Law Group, a boutique matrimonial law firm in downtown Toronto. He is a Certified Specialist in Family Law, a Certified Specialist in Parenting Coordination and was admitted as a Fellow to the prestigious International Academy of Family Lawyers. Steve is regularly retained as a Divorce Mediator/Arbitrator and Parenting Coordinator. Steve uses his 30 years of in-depth knowledge of family law, court-room experience and expert problem-solving skills in Divorce Mediation/Arbitration to help spouses reach fair, fast and cooperative divorce settlements without the financial losses, emotional costs and lengthy delays from divorce court.
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