Divorce mediation services: The Fairway Method™

Separation is one of the most disorienting experiences a family can go through. The financial decisions are complex, the emotional stakes are high, and the traditional path of litigation takes too long. When decision-making and communication are managed through a process involving lawyers and the court system, families can experience significant financial strain and negative impacts on children’s wellbeing.

Fairway Divorce Solutions offers a different path. The Fairway Method™, powered by Independently Negotiated Resolution™ (INR™), is a structured fixed-fee divorce mediation process that moves both spouses from separation to a signed divorce agreement within 120 days of full financial disclosure, without court proceedings and without losing control of the decisions that shape the rest of your life. 

Since 2006, our Divorce Resolution Experts have guided more than 7,500 Canadian families through this process. We have resolved all types of separations from simple divorces to high net worth divorces with complex assets, protecting over 13,900 children along the way, with a 95% success rate.

Fairway's divorce mediation services follow a clear sequence of stages. Each one builds on the last. Nothing is skipped, and both spouses are guided through every step by a trained, experienced Divorce Mediator who works with each party both jointly and privately, depending on what the stage requires.

The process begins with a free initial consultation — no obligation, no cost — where both spouses meet together with their expert to understand the full process and receive a transparent, fixed-fee quote. From there, both parties sign the Fairway Engagement™, a formal commitment to the mediation process at a fee that is locked in before anything begins.

Each spouse then meets privately with their mediator for the financial and negotiation stages. This is the heart of what makes Fairway's services different from conventional family mediation. Rather than putting both spouses in the same room and working toward a compromise, the INR™ model ensures each person is fully informed, privately guided, and able to participate in a supportive environment. Power imbalances, financial knowledge gaps, or emotional dynamics cannot distort the outcome. The result is not a compromise. It is a resolution that is fair for both parties given their specific circumstances and their future, and in compliance with divorce law.

The process ends with a formally drafted Separation Agreement, reviewed by each party's independent legal advisor before signing. It’s a complete, legally binding agreement that both parties made themselves, on terms they fully understand, and that will stand the test of time.

"My ex and I went through the Fairway process and were very pleased with the outcome. We reached a settlement that allowed us both to walk away feeling we had done right by each other and that we could get on with the next chapter of our lives." — Chris F., 2023

"Fairway created the most pleasant of an experience as anyone could hope for when going through a separation. This was a much less ominous experience to what I've heard from others — not only for us psychologically, but financially as well." — Peter S., Fairway Client

"Divorce is never pleasant — but it CAN be the start of a better, happier life. Fairway helps get you there in a civilized, straightforward, dignified way while protecting your children and your finances. From the moment I first walked through their doors until the day I received my final documents, I felt I was in caring, competent hands." — Fairway Client, May 2018

What divorce services does Fairway offer?

Fairway offers a structured fixed-fee divorce mediation service called The Fairway Method™. It moves both spouses from separation to a signed separation agreement within 120 days of full financial disclosure.

How does pricing work for Fairway’s divorce process?

The fee for the full Fairway process is fixed and agreed before anything begins. It covers every stage from financial disclosure through to the separation agreement, and does not change based on how long the process takes or how complex the file becomes.

How long does the process take?

Most Fairway files reach a signed separation agreement within 120 days of full financial disclosure. The initial consultation and preparation stages can begin immediately. The divorce order itself requires a minimum of one year of separation under Canadian law, which typically runs concurrently with the mediation process.

Do both spouses need to participate?

The Independently Negotiated Resolution™ process requires both spouses to participate and works best when both spouses choose to work together to protect their children and financial interests. We take care of all aspects of your separation and have experts in law, finance, and parenting.

Are Fairway's divorce services available across Canada?

Fairway operates offices across Canada and also offers remote mediation service. Your Divorce Resolution Expert can work with you in person or virtually, depending on your location and preference.

Is the outcome of Fairway's process legally binding?

Yes. The Separation Agreement produced through the Fairway process is a formal legal contract, drafted by Fairway's legal team. You will receive independent legal advice before signing, and once signed, the agreement is legally binding.

What if our situation is complex: business assets, significant property, or a high-conflict dynamic?

Fairway's process is specifically designed to handle complex dispute resolution. The INR™ model's private-session structure protects against power imbalances and high-conflict dynamics. For complex financial situations we coordinate with outside financial professionals as needed. The fixed fee covers the full process regardless of complexity.

Can Fairway help with a contested divorce, or only amicable separations?

Fairway Divorce Solutions handles the full range, from amicable uncontested divorces between married couples who agree on most things, to high-conflict and contested divorce situations where trust has broken down. The INR™ private-session model was specifically designed for cases where putting both spouses in the same room does not work. For high net worth divorce files or cases involving significant parenting arrangement disputes and child custody concerns, Fairway brings the same structured approach and legal guidance that has supported more than 7,500 families through separation and maintains a 95% resolution rate.

What happens with divorce documents and filing after the agreement is signed?

Once the Separation Agreement is signed following independent legal advice, the divorce process moves to filing. Fairway provides guidance on the divorce application in certain provinces, including what court documents are required and how the court process works. For most clients, this means a straightforward joint application with no court appearance needed. In most cases, couples must have lived separate and apart for at least one year before a divorce order can be granted.