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What is Mediation?
Mediation, is a recommended step for any separating couple. It provides neutral third party support to help you reach an equitable outcome around co-parenting and/or property and finance outside of the court system, saving you time, money and stress.
Mediation is suitable if you and your ex-partner are seeking a solution for the future and are ready to cooperate to reach an agreement that prioritises the needs and future wellbeing of your child or children.
We offer two types of mediation:
Family Dispute Resolution
Family Dispute Resolution helps you to settle parenting arrangements after separation. It is a useful tool in helping you reach an agreement around how to move forward with shared parenting by setting up the foundations for co-parenting well including establishing communication that will help define arrangements around such things as time with each parent, living arrangements, school, external activities, holidays, celebrations and other significant life events. It is also suitable for grandparents and other family members wanting to connect with their extended family.
To ensure all voices are heard we may recommend Child Inclusive Practice as part of your mediation allowing the child's perspective to be considered in the decision-making process.
If you'd like more insights on what you might expect to happen as you go on this journey we regularly run a free online workshop called Understanding the Family Dispute Resolution Process.
Property and Financial Mediation
Mediation can also be helpful in the negotiation of financial and property arrangements following separation, providing you with a neutral means to respectfully divide any shared assets and finances. A separate process to Family Dispute Resolution, property and financial mediation can help you negotiate an agreement out of court, reducing legal expenses and saving you time.
Benefits of Mediation
The benefits of mediation include:
- low-cost and low-conflict, developed to save you both time and money
- a feeling of reassurance to reach equitable agreements around shared parenting and property
- guidelines to help you continue building healthy relationships with your children post-separation
- emotional resilience as you develop the skills to navigate this difficult life transition with professional guidance
- establishing the foundations of a strong co-parenting relationship
- a brighter future with a greater chance of reaching outcomes that work for your family in the long-term
- an opportunity to own the decision-making process and avoid unnecessary time in court
What to Expect
Mediation is a neutral process where the mediator will listen to you and your ex-partner separately and together, assisting you to work towards a fair outcome regarding your children and/or shared assets. Each of you will meet with the mediator individually to discuss your situation and needs moving forward before you meet for the final joint session. We will be with you each step of the way to ensure that you have access to any resources and supporting courses to give you the best chance of an outcome. If you have any questions or concerns you can raise these with the mediator during your individual intake session.
Where Are You on Your Mediation Journey?
Mediation Fees
| Fees ex. GST | |
| Intake | Free |
| Pre-mediation | Free |
| Mediation | First hour free (then $30/hr per person) *Does not apply to people who earn under $50,000/ year |
Commonly Asked Questions
Should you wish to bring a support person with you to an individual session please discuss this with your mediator beforehand.
We will also need the other party to agree to the attendance of a support person in any joint session. Again, please discuss this with you mediator knowing that we want you to feel safe and supported throughout this process.
We strongly encourage both parties to seek legal advice and you are free to do so at any stage of the mediation process. If appropriate your mediator may decide to involve your legal representative in the mediation process, known also as Legally Assisted Mediation. If you don't have legal advice please ask your mediator for a referral.
Yes, you will receive a reminder text 48 hours before each appointment or session.
We will make reasonable attempts to contact your ex-partner to give them an opportunity to engage with the mediation process however, participation is voluntary and requires the consent of both parties.
If your ex-partner or family member do not want to participate your mediator will decide on the best way forward. This may involve issuing a Section 60I certificate or providing you with other options on how you might be able to move forward.
If you and your ex-partner have been court ordered to attend mediation then it is a legal requirement that both of you engage in the process, making a genuine attempt to reach an agreement before returning to court.
You've come to the right place. If you're reading this and are wondering what to do now that you and your partner have decided to separate we are here to help guide you. Try our mediation guide or call to find out more about which services is right for you.
Yes we do. As well as mediation for parenting agreements (known as Family Dispute Resolution) we also offer mediation to help you and your ex-partner reach an outcome about your shared property, finance and assets. Please let us know at the time of booking what type of mediation you require, we can either do one or the other