Business Details
Family Law Mediation Services in Sarnia
Whitehead Law & Mediation has provided trusted legal and mediation services for over 25 years, specializing in resolving family disputes through principled, client-centered approaches. Our founder, Janet Whitehead, combines her extensive legal expertise as a licensed Ontario lawyer with specialized training in collaborative law and mediation to guide clients toward respectful, cost-effective resolutions. With a focus on minimizing conflict, we prioritize mediation and negotiation over litigation, ensuring clients maintain control over outcomes while receiving clear legal information.Our teams deep understanding of family dynamics and commitment to ethical practices has earned us recognition as leaders in Lambton Countys legal community. We serve clients through flexible processes, including virtual sessions, and emphasize full financial disclosure and independent legal advice to create durable agreements. Our track record of successful settlements and client testimonials reflect our dedication to reducing emotional and financial strain during challenging life transitions.
Services
Mediation
Arbitration
Family Law
Legal Services
Negotiation
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of legal and mediation experience in family law.
- Our certified mediator specializes in collaborative, client-centered dispute resolution.
- We prioritize mediation over litigation to reduce conflict and costs.
- Our process emphasizes full financial disclosure and independent legal advice.
- Flexible mediation formats accommodate client comfort and scheduling needs.
Associations and certifications
- Ontario Association of Family Mediators (OAFM)
What people say
Patient and respectful
Helped through anxious time
Professional manner
Warm and inviting office
100% recommend
Services
Mediation
Mediation is a voluntary process where trained neutral mediator Janet Whitehead helps parties negotiate mutually acceptable solutions. Ideal for family disputes, cohabitation agreements, or financial issues, this confidential process avoids court proceedings. Clients maintain control over outcomes while benefiting from structured negotiations and legal information.
Arbitration
Arbitration provides binding resolutions when mediation fails. Janet Whitehead acts as arbitrator, reviewing evidence and applying relevant law to resolve unresolved issues. This process ensures legally enforceable decisions while maintaining flexibility for parties represented by legal counsel.
Family Law
Specialized family law services focus on divorce, separation, and custody matters. Janet Whitehead combines legal expertise with mediation skills to address parenting plans, financial settlements, and elder care arrangements. Services emphasize minimizing emotional strain through informed, practical solutions tailored to client needs.
Negotiation
Negotiation services facilitate settlements through structured discussions. Janet Whitehead identifies client priorities and explores options for compromise, ensuring agreements meet legal standards. This cost-effective approach avoids adversarial court processes while promoting cooperative problem-solving.
Legal Services
Comprehensive legal services include document preparation, financial disclosure review, and agreement drafting. Clients receive guidance on legal requirements while maintaining autonomy over decisions. Services support informed choices through clear explanations of rights and obligations under Ontario family law.
People
Janet M. Whitehead
Principal Lawyer & Mediator
Licensed Ontario lawyer since 1993 with 25+ years of family law experience. Certified mediator through OAFM, specializing in collaborative dispute resolution. Former chair of provincial legal associations and advocate for principled mediation practices.
William J. Doran
Associate Counsel
Experienced family law attorney with 25 years of practice. Holds degrees in social work and law, bringing unique perspective to client advocacy. Former social service professional with deep understanding of emotional complexities in legal matters.
Questions
What types of cases do you handle?
We specialize in family law mediation, including divorce, custody, financial settlements, and elder care arrangements.
How does the mediation process work?
Mediation involves intake sessions followed by structured negotiations. Clients maintain control over outcomes while receiving legal information and guidance.
Can I bring my lawyer to mediation?
Yes, lawyers may attend mediation sessions to provide immediate legal advice during negotiations.
What are your service areas?
We primarily serve Lambton County and Sarnia, Ontario, with virtual sessions available province-wide.
How are fees structured?
Fees vary by service type. Mediation is typically hourly, while arbitration and legal services follow agreed-upon rates discussed upfront.
What makes your mediation approach unique?
Our process combines legal expertise with collaborative techniques, emphasizing client empowerment and minimizing emotional conflict.
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