A Safe Place for Hard Conversations
Our approach is rooted in empathy, understanding, and respect.
Neutral & Amicable Environment
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We offer a calm, non-judgmental space where each person feels heard, supported, and respected.
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Our approach encourages cooperation and understanding, helping families navigate challenges with care and dignity.
Honest & Professional Environment
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We value open, compassionate communication and uphold a strong ethical foundation in all of our work.
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You can trust that our guidance is rooted in honesty, with your well-being and goals at the forefront.
Extensive Knowledge
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With deep clinical expertise and a nuanced understanding of family systems, we offer thoughtful and informed support.
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With a deep understanding of family dynamics and conflict resolution, we offer informed and effective support.
Effie Vardatsikos
Meet The Founder
As an accredited Family Mediator and Clinical Social Worker, Effie is dedicated to providing compassionate support and creating a safe, non-judgmental space where her clients can freely express themselves.
With extensive experience in Quebec's health and social service network, Effie specializes in youth protection services, child sexual abuse, conjugal violence, and crisis intervention. Her work with multidisciplinary and multi-agency teams has given her a deep understanding of the health, educational, law enforcement, and judicial systems, enriching her ability to support her clients effectively.
Effie brings a wealth of knowledge and a genuine commitment to addressing each client's unique challenges, whether through counseling or mediation. Her professional approach ensures that every individual receives the tailored care and support they deserve.
Effie's team is composed of mediators, lawyers, a mortgage specialist, a chartered accountant and a notary.
Our Services
Family Mediation
We deeply understand the challenges of separation. Navigating discussions about child support, asset division, and custody agreements can be difficult and emotional. We’re here to guide you through this process with professionalism and compassion. Our goal is to facilitate a smooth transition, helping you and your former partner reach fair and amicable agreements, making separation and co-parenting as respectful and manageable as possible.
Counseling
We offer compassionate counseling for individuals, couples, adolescents, and children facing a range of challenges. Whether you're struggling with communication issues, stress and anxiety, parenting concerns, family dysfunction, abuse, or navigating divorce and separation, we’re here to provide supportive and effective guidance.
What our clients are saying
Effie is a fantastic mediator. She really tries to understand both sides and offer advice that are fair to both parties. She is also extremely efficient and will get things done quickly so that you can remain within your free hours. Highly recommend her to anyone looking for family mediation.
Dong Li
Effie was instrumental in guiding us through our divorce with compassion and professionalism. She was able to create a supportive environment where we could communicate effectively and reach a fair agreement quickly. I highly recommend her for anyone seeking a skilled mediator who genuinely cares about their clients' well-being. Merci beaucoup.
Adama F.D.
Effie's mediation services exceeded our expectations in every way. Her professionalism and neutrality throughout the divorce process were truly commendable. Effie's attention to detail and ability to draft comprehensive and precise divorce papers showcased her expertise in the field. She ensured that all our needs were met.
Layla GH
Frequently Asked Questions
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How does family mediation work?Family mediation is a voluntary process led by an accredited mediator who helps separating couples—whether legally married or common-law—reach a fair and respectful agreement. It’s a cost-effective alternative to legal proceedings. The mediator facilitates discussions on key issues like custody, child support, and asset division. Once an agreement is reached, a summary is prepared and signed by the mediator. While this summary is not legally binding on its own, it can be validated by the court or a special clerk.
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What is the role of a mediator?The mediator: ● Guides the process to help both parties reach a mutual agreement. ● Maintains balance and fairness during discussions. ● Supports effective communication. ● Prioritizes the well-being of children and their parents. ● May recommend consulting other professionals or obtaining legal advice. ● Reminds participants they may end the process at any time without prejudice.
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What is government-funded mediation?Government-funded mediation offers support for families in specific situations, providing a set number of mediation hours at no cost: ● The Quebec government offers free mediation hours to eligible families: ● 5 hours for separating or divorcing couples (married or common-law) with at least one dependent child (aged 0–18, or up to 25 if in school). ● 2.5 hours for couples wishing to revise a previous divorce or separation judgment involving dependent children. ● 3 hours for couples without children.To remove the title from your mobile app go to the 'Site & App' tab in your Owner's app and customize.
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Will 5 hours of mediation be enough?Many issues can be resolved within the 5-hour limit. If more time is needed, additional hours are billed at $130/hour (as per government guidelines).
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Are couples without children eligible for government-funded mediation?Yes, couples without children are eligible for 3 hours of government-funded mediation.
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What topics are covered in mediation?Common topics include: ● Child custody ● Visitation rights and holiday division ● Child support ● Spousal support Division of property
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How is child support calculated?Child support is determined using the Quebec model, which considers both parents’ incomes, the number of children, and custody arrangements. Each parent contributes proportionally based on income.
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What is our cancellation policy?We require at least 48 hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Sessions not canceled within this window will be charged at the full rate unless due to an emergency. Cancellations can be made directly with your clinician or through the main office.
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What are your working hours?Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM Sunday: Closed
How to reach us
6600 Trans-Canada Highway, Suite 750, Pointe-Claire, Quebec,
Canada H9R 4S2
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For emergencies, please call 911.