Helpful Links

Australian Government - Family Relationships Online - http://www.familyrelationships.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx

Family Separation and the court process - http://www.familycourt.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/fcoaweb/reports-and-publications/publications/getting-ready-for-court/compulsory-family-dispute-resolution-court-procedures-and-requirements

Mediation is a process used to assist parties in conflict to resolve their issues in a safe and future focussed manner.  The mediation provides an environment in which parties can discuss their concerns, hear and be heard and work collaboratively to resolve the conflict and achieve an agreement.

There are numerous areas in which we can mediate including Family Dispute Resolution; Family and Relationship Mediation; Adolescent and Family Mediation and Workplace mediation.  We have included an outline of each of these services below for your perusal, should any be of interest don't hesitate to contact us.

Family Dispute Resolution is a legal term for services such as mediation that help people during and/or after separation to sort out family disputes.  The process can help reach agreement on a range of issues such as property, money and the care of your children.

Who are the FDR Practitioners?  All of our staff are qualified and registered with the Attorney Generals Department.  The majority of our mediators have also completed further training and are registered under the National Mediators Accreditation Standards.

Why use FDR?  The process is designed to make sure you and your ex partner are the ones who make the important decisions about your and your children's futures.  It is not a lengthy process, it is confidential and it is a lot more economical than attending court.  Most importantly YOU are the ones who are making the decisions about your lives.

Is it safe?  Yes.  Your mediator will meet with each of you separately to assess firstly if the process is safe and secondly whether it is suitable for your family and your situation.  If it isn't safe or suitable you will be advised and alternate referrals or options will be provided.

Will my child be included in the process?  Children are never part of the mediation, however depending on their age and willingness; they can meet with a child therapist who will then "bring their voice and wishes into the mediation" for your consideration.  This will only ever be done with both parents consent.  This process is called Child Inclusive FDR.

Can I bring my lawyer or a support person?  Yes you can but this is at our discretion so should you wish to bring somebody with you please ensure you discuss this with your mediator as early as possible.

What can we mediate about?  We provide FDR services through which you can develop a parenting plan for the care of your children (this can be turned into consent orders and lodged with the courts).  We are also able to mediate around your property / financial arrangements.

What is Family Mediation?  Everybody has difficult times in their family, some are more challenging to work through than others.  Sometimes we have tried everything we can and we just can't make it work.  Family mediation provides a space in which to identify what is beneath the conflict, what is important to all parties and hopefully structure a path going forward.  

Is Mediation the same as Counselling?  No it is a very different process to counselling.  We meet with each person individually and then we meet all together.  We discuss the issues at are causing the conflict and work towards an agreement about the future.  Counselling is often one on one and can focus on the past as well as the present, mediation however is very future focussed.

What if I am not an adult, is this still a fair process?  Absolutely.  We have designed a model of mediation where we ensure all parties at the table are equal and we do take into account differing life stages, levels of independence and development.  We have all been trained in working with young people as well as adults and so understand the different needs at the table.

Why use mediation?  the process is designed to make sure everybody has a voice and that there is no judge or jury making decisions for you.  In families disagreements or issues of conflict can destroy everything and so trying to work through issues is vital.  it is not a lengthy process, it is confidential and most importantly it focusses on relationships as much as it does issues.

We spend a significant component of our lives at work, and often do not get to choose the people that we work with.  Conflict is a regular occurrence in a work place, but when that conflict begins to impact on productivity, staff wellbeing and organisational culture it is important that it is addressed.

What can be addressed in a workplace mediation and who needs to attend?  It is the staff involved in the conflict, or the organisation that is being impacted by the conflict that decides what the issues are that need to be addressed.  There is no definitive issue that can be tabled, however it is important that those involved are given a voice and an opportunity to resolve their concerns in a safe and productive manner.

Who must be at the table?  Anybody directly involved.  Understanding that other staff will often take sides, align with one particular party or be impacted by the challenging environment in which they find themselves, but ultimately those impacted directly or with decision making capacity in this actual conflict.

Is the process confidential?  Yes.  The parties at the table will agree to a confidential process and this confidentiality includes the mediator.  If the organisation needs an outcome or some information in order to fulfil their HR requirements, then this will be clearly outlined and agreed to by all participants prior to the mediation commencing.