Ontario families now have a calmer, more efficient, and more affordable way to navigate separation and divorce with the official launch of Forward Family Mediation, an accredited family mediation practice offering virtual services across Ontario.
Barrie, ON, September 28, 2026 — Forward Family Mediation was founded by Laura Ferguson, an Accredited Family Mediator (Acc.FM) with more than 20 years of experience working in family law administration and supporting families through separation-related matters. Having worked closely with lawyers, parents, and children throughout her career, Ferguson created the practice to provide families with a respectful alternative to litigation that focuses on communication, practical solutions, and the long-term well-being of children.
“Separation is never easy, and many families feel overwhelmed by conflict, stress, and uncertainty,” said Ferguson. “Mediation helps parents move forward more efficiently by encouraging respectful communication and practical problem-solving, allowing families to reach solutions faster while keeping the focus on their children and their future.”
Forward Family Mediation provides virtual family mediation services throughout Ontario, including Barrie, Simcoe County, Alliston, Orangeville, Stratford, Woodstock, Hanover, Walkerton, London, St. Thomas, Owen Sound, Midland, Orillia, Kincardine, and surrounding communities. The practice assists families with parenting plans, decision-making responsibilities, child support, separation agreements, co-parenting issues, and other family-related matters.
The mediation process begins with private intake meetings where each individual can safely discuss concerns, goals, and priorities in a confidential setting. Sessions are then tailored to meet the unique needs of each family. Some clients prefer to meet together, while others choose shuttle mediation, where the mediator moves between separate virtual spaces to help facilitate productive discussions.
Recognizing the challenges many families face balancing work, parenting responsibilities, and busy schedules, Forward Family Mediation offers flexible appointment times, including evenings and weekends. Virtual mediation allows families across Ontario to participate from the comfort of their own homes, helping reduce travel, stress, missed work time, and unnecessary delays often associated with court proceedings.
At the conclusion of mediation, clients receive a written summary outlining discussions and any agreements reached during the process. Families are encouraged to obtain independent legal advice before signing any final agreement. Additional services, including draft agreement preparation and administrative assistance with uncontested divorce paperwork, are also available.
“Mediation is not about avoiding difficult conversations,” Ferguson added. “It is about having those conversations in a respectful and constructive way that helps families move forward while reducing conflict and emotional strain.”
Forward Family Mediation also works collaboratively with other professionals and support services, including Voice of the Child report providers and parenting coaches, to help families better understand and support their children’s needs throughout separation and co-parenting transitions.
The practice does not provide legal advice or legal representation. Clients are encouraged to consult their own lawyers for independent legal advice regarding any agreement reached through mediation.
Families can learn more or schedule a consultation by calling (249) 733-9587 or visiting https://www.forwardfamilymediation.ca.
About Forward Family Mediation:
Forward Family Mediation provides accredited, child-focused family mediation services throughout Ontario for parents navigating separation, divorce, parenting plans, and co-parenting challenges. The practice prioritizes respectful communication, affordability, and practical solutions that support the long-term well-being of children and families while helping clients resolve matters more efficiently than traditional litigation.
Media Contact:
Organization: Forward Family Mediation
Contact Person: Laura Ferguson
Phone Number: (249) 733-9587