What happens if a complaint is made about an APFMC member?

APFMC has a complaint and review process under its code of conduct. Complaints are acknowledged, the member is given a chance to respond, and a review panel of members not connected to the matter reviews both accounts. Outcomes range from no action to required education, suspension or removal of the AP.fm designation and removal from the directory. Details are on the Standards page.

APFMC Membership and the AP.fm Designation

Q: How do I use the AP.fm designation?

Full members may use AP.fm after their name, on their website, in their email signature and on marketing materials, in the form set out in APFMC's designation use guidelines.

Membership and the AP.fm designation

APFMC membership is for family mediators who serve private clients, or who are building a practice to do so. Here's what's included, what the AP.fm designation requires and how to apply.

What you get as a member

The AP.fm designation. Once you meet the requirements below, you may use AP.fm after your name and on your marketing. It tells clients you're trained in both family mediation and divorce financial planning.
Directory listing. A profile in our public Find a Mediator directory, searchable by location, language and areas of focus. Couples looking for a private mediator find you directly.
Practice standards and code of conduct. A clear framework for private practice that you can show clients, and that distinguishes APFMC members from the field.
Extended financial planning education. Training in the financial side of separation: property, support, tax effects, pensions, budgets and how to help clients compare settlement options.
An on-ramp to the financial credential. If you don't yet hold a divorce financial planning credential, you can earn one through our affiliated trainer, [TRAINER NAME], with member pricing. Candidate members follow this route to AP.fm.
Transition planning education. How to help clients plan the move to two households: housing, cash flow, timing, benefits and the first year after separation.
Peer groups. Small, regular groups where private practitioners discuss cases (with identifying details removed), pricing, marketing and difficult situations.
Referral network. Members refer to one another when a matter needs a different location, language, skill set or a second mediator.

What the AP.fm designation requires

Mediation training. A recognized family mediation training program of at least [40] hours, or an existing family mediation accreditation or certification from a recognized body.
A qualifying financial designation. You must hold one of the following:
- Chartered Financial Divorce Specialist (CFDS)
- Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA)
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP), or the Fin. Pl. designation from the Institut québécois de planification financière (IQPF)
- Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), including the legacy CA, CGA and CMA designations
- Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
- Chartered Investment Manager (CIM), with proof of completing the Fundamentals of Financial Planning (FOFP) course
- Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU)
- Personal Financial Planner (PFP)
- Qualified Associate Financial Planner (QAFP)
- Registered Financial Planner (R.F.P.)
- Actuary, as an Associate or Fellow of the Canadian Institute of Actuaries
- Successful completion of the financial training program offered by our affiliated trainer, [TRAINER NAME]
If you don't hold any of these, the affiliated trainer's program is your route in. See the FAQ below.
Private practice. You practise, or are building a practice, in family mediation with private clients in Canada.
Insurance. Professional liability insurance, or a commitment to obtain it within [90] days.
Standards. Agreement to follow the APFMC Code of Conduct and Practice Standards.
Continuing education. 25 hours every 2 years, including at least 2 in financial topics, to keep the designation.

This is the only family mediation designation in Canada that requires a financial credential. That requirement is the point. It's what lets clients trust that an AP.fm mediator can handle the whole agreement.

Two ways to join

Full member (AP.fm). You meet all the requirements above. You hold the designation and appear in the public directory.
Candidate member. You meet the mediation training requirement and are working toward the financial credential. You have access to education, peer groups and the referral network, and you move to full membership and the directory once the financial requirement is met.

Full membership (AP.fm): $585 per year plus tax.
Candidate membership: $195 per year plus tax.
Founding member rate: Mediators who join before February 1, 2027 lock in $400 per year for three years.

Fees cover your directory listing, use of the AP.fm designation, peer group access, member pricing on education programs and the standards framework. Education courses have separate fees, listed on those pages..

Complete the online application. It asks for your mediation training, your financial credential (if you hold one), your practice location and your insurance details.
We review your application, usually within 4 business days. We may follow up with a short call.
Once approved, you pay your membership fee. Full members set up their directory profile and may begin using AP.fm.
You're added to a peer group and receive the member welcome package, including the code of conduct and practice standards.

Ontario first, Canada-wide

We're building our first chapter in Ontario. Membership is open to qualified family mediators in every province and territory, and we'll launch regional peer groups and directory coverage as members join in each area. If you're outside Ontario, join now and help shape your region.

I'm an accredited family mediator but don't have a financial credential. Can I join?

Yes, as a candidate member. You'll have full access to education and peer groups, and you'll earn AP.fm once you hold one of the qualifying financial designations. Our affiliated trainer, Harbour Valuations, offers the financial credential program, and candidate members receive member pricing.

Can I belong to APFMC and another mediation association?

Yes. Many members hold more than one membership. APFMC is focused on private practice and financial competence, and that focus fits alongside other affiliations.

I'm a lawyer or financial professional who also mediates. Can I join?

Yes, if you meet the training requirements and serve private clients. A CDFA who has completed mediation training is a natural fit for AP.fm.

How do I use the designation?

Full members may use "AP.fm" after their name, on their website, in their email signature and on marketing materials, in the form set out in our designation use guidelines.

What happens if a complaint is made about a member?

We have a complaint and review process under the code of conduct. See the Standards page.