The Confidential Intake

The process begins with individual intake meetings. Peter meets with each party separately to discuss the history of the relationship, identify the key issues (parenting, financial, or both), and ensure that Mediation is a safe and appropriate forum for everyone involved.

Conducted via Zoom or In-Person
100% Confidential

Joint Mediation Sessions

Once everyone is ready, everyone meets - either together or in separate rooms, depending on what feels most comfortable for you. As a neutral facilitator, Peter guides the conversation away from blame and toward practical solutions. Whether dealing with sensitive parenting schedules or complex asset division, the focus remains on your family's unique needs and legal rights.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

Once agreements are reached on all issues, Peter drafts a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding. This document outlines exactly what has been agreed to on property, support, and children. Because Peter is a neutral Mediator, this document serves as the formal "blueprint" for your legal settlement.

Finalizing Your Agreement

You will take the MOU to your respective lawyers for Independent Legal Advice (ILA). They will convert the MOU into a final, legally binding Separation Agreement. This step ensures that both parties have their rights protected while benefiting from a settlement they created together.

Property & Asset Division

Determining how to divide a lifetime of assets can be the most contentious part of a separation. Peter specializes in complex equalization issues, including:

Matrimonial Homes & Real Estate
Business & Corporate Interests
Pensions & RRSPs
Inheritance & Excluded Property

Financial Support

Ensuring financial stability and certainty for both parties and their children is a primary goal. Peter helps calculate fair support based on the Child Support Guidelines (CSG) and Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines (SSAG).

Income Determination for Self-Employed
Child Support & Section 7 Expenses
Spousal Support Entitlement

Parenting Plans & Custody

Mediation allows parents to create their own schedules that work for their children, rather than relying on a rigid court-imposed order.

Decision-Making Responsibility
Holiday & Vacation Scheduling
Long-term Parenting Roadmaps

Separation Agreements

The ultimate goal of our process is a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding that serves as the foundation for your legally binding and enforceable Separation Agreement.

Voluntary & Cooperative
Efficient & Cost-Effective
Enforceable by Ontario Courts

The Practice Transition

Is Peter Eberlie still taking courtroom cases?

No. Peter has transitioned his practice to focus exclusively on Mediation. After 50 years of litigation, he believes his experience is best utilized helping families avoid the courtroom rather than adding to its backlog.

Does his background as a litigator help in mediation?

Significantly. Because Peter has spent decades arguing family law in court, he has a deep "reality-based" perspective on what a judge is likely to do. This helps both parties stay grounded in legal reality rather than getting lost in unworkable demands.

Mediation Essentials

What are the primary benefits of mediation?

✔ Private and confidential
✔ Significantly faster than court
✔ More cost-effective
✔ Tailored, unique solutions

Does a Separation Agreement get filed publicly at Court?

In most cases - No, it is your choice. A separation agreement is intended to be a private contract. It only becomes part of the public record if it is filed as part of a Divorce Judgment or if it is later challenged in court. Mediation helps keep your private financial details out of the public eye.

What if we are already in the middle of a court case?

Mediation can still help. It is common to pause litigation to attend Mediation to clarify issues, simplify the process, or reach a full settlement of all issues that brings the court case to an end.

Property & Finance

Is there a time limit for property claims?

Yes. For married spouses, court action must typically be started within 2 years of a Divorce Judgment or 6 years after the day of separation—whichever comes first. Common-law spouses do not have the same statutory rights and must rely on "trust claims," which are complex and fact-specific.

What property is "excluded" from a divorce settlement?

The person claiming an exclusion carries the burden of proof. Generally, excluded property includes:

Gifts or inheritances received during the marriage (provided they weren't put into a jointly owned matrimonial home or gifted to a spouse).
Personal injury damages.
Life insurance proceeds.

Will I incur taxes in a Divorce?

Asset transfers can have significant tax implications. Part of Peter's role in Mediation is to help negotiate an agreement that minimizes tax impact, though we always recommend consulting a qualified Accountant for final tax advice.

Living Arrangements & Conduct

Can we be separated but still live in the same house?

Yes. A couple can be "separate and apart" under the same roof if they maintain separate sleeping areas and do not share routine chores like meals and laundry. However, this can be legally complex to prove if challenged later.

A Note on Privacy and Social Media

Important: Do not put anything on social media (Facebook, Instagram, etc.) that you wouldn't want your spouse or a Judge to see. Check your security settings immediately upon separation.

The Evolution of an Expert

Peter D. Eberlie | Experienced Mediator

With over 50 years of experience in family law, Peter Eberlie has earned a reputation as one of Southwestern Ontario’s most respected legal minds. Throughout his career, he has successfully navigated thousands of complex cases, ranging from intricate property divisions to sensitive parenting disputes.

His recognition as "Lawyer of the Year" (2015) and his continuous inclusion in Best Lawyers in Canada since 2008 reflect his deep commitment to the highest standards of legal practice.

A Commitment to Resolution

Peter’s transition to full-time Mediation is driven by a belief that families are better served when they maintain control over their own outcomes. As a Mediator, Peter combines his extensive legal knowledge and life experience with specialized training in interest-based negotiation.

This unique combination allows him to identify legal pitfalls before they happen while fostering a collaborative environment where both parties are heard and respected.

"My goal is no longer to 'win' a case, but to craft a resolution that allows both parties to resolve their differences and move forward with their finances and their dignity intact."

— Peter D. Eberlie

Ready to take the next step?

Contact Peter D. Eberlie today to schedule a confidential mediation intake session.

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Resolve Separation with Dignity

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