Family Mediation
Guided conversations that put children first.
A structured mediation process to help parents resolve parenting and property matters without court. Specialist child consultation services are also available to help ensure children’s voices and developmental needs are thoughtfully considered — keeping wellbeing at the centre of important decisions.
Choose the support that best suits your family's current needs.
Section 60I
Certificates
Where appropriate, certificates may be issued following assessment of family dispute resolution requirements. Often required before Court applications relating to parenting matters.
What to expect in mediation
Family Dispute Resolution with me is a structured and supported process designed to help parents communicate clearly, reduce conflict, and make practical, child-focused decisions without going to court.
Mediation is a guided conversation. It provides enough structure to keep discussions safe and productive, while allowing space for reflection, listening, and problem-solving. My role is to remain impartial and manage the process with calm professionalism, helping parents stay focused on outcomes that support their children’s wellbeing and long-term stability.
Sessions are confidential and conducted within the protections available under the Family Law Act, subject to relevant legal exceptions. This allows parents to speak openly, explore options, and work toward practical solutions in a private setting.
You will be guided step-by-step through the process, with clarity about what happens at each stage and the opportunity to ask questions along the way.
Parents are also provided with access to the Pre-Mediation Preparation Course and supporting resources, which can be completed at your own pace if helpful. These materials are designed to gently prepare you for mediation and support thoughtful, child-focused decision-making.
Where appropriate, and with the agreement of both parents, child-inclusive consultation may be incorporated to help ensure children’s views and developmental needs are carefully considered in a safe and respectful way.
While many families reach meaningful agreements through mediation, progress can occur at different paces. You will be kept informed about how things are tracking and what next steps are available, whether or not a final agreement is reached.
The mediation process typically includes:
Step One
Individual Intake Sessions
Each parent attends a private intake session prior to joint mediation. This session allows time to understand your circumstances, identify key concerns, discuss your child or children’s needs, and ensure mediation is appropriate and safe to proceed. It also provides an opportunity to ask questions and understand how the process will work for your family.
Step Two
Joint Mediation Session
Joint mediation sessions are structured and facilitated to support clear communication and constructive discussion. Sessions focus on working through parenting and/or property matters at a manageable pace, with guidance to help parents stay child-focused, explore options, and work toward practical and sustainable arrangements.
Step Three
Agreement & Next Steps
Where agreement is reached, outcomes are documented and next steps are discussed. This may include preparing parenting plans or identifying options for formalising agreements if required. Even where full agreement is not reached, mediation can help clarify issues, narrow areas of dispute, and identify appropriate next steps.
