Family Dispute Resolution Mediation

Each participant attends a separate, private intake session by phone or Zoom, lasting 60–90 minutes. This allows you to discuss your circumstances, concerns and goals, including any safety issues, without the other participant present.

Mediation only proceeds once our practitioner has assessed it as suitable and both participants are willing to take part. Suitability is reviewed throughout the process, and sessions may be paused or stopped if concerns arise.

You can begin with an individual intake even if the other participant has not yet contacted us. Following your intake, and where appropriate after considering safety concerns, we can invite them to participate and explain the process, fees and next steps.

They will need to complete their own intake before mediation can proceed. We do not share your private intake disclosures in the invitation.

We aim to provide a safe, respectful and structured environment where each participant can be heard, ask questions and consider proposals without pressure to agree.

During intake, we explore concerns about family violence, intimidation, coercive control and whether each participant can negotiate freely. We also discuss privacy during online sessions and safe ways to contact you.

Where suitable, arrangements may include separate virtual rooms, shuttle mediation, breaks and agreed support people. In shuttle mediation, the practitioner facilitates communication between participants without them being in the same virtual room.

These arrangements do not make every matter suitable for mediation. If the process cannot support safe and meaningful participation, mediation will not proceed or may be stopped. We can discuss appropriate referrals and next steps.

Where suitable, mediation can provide a more economical and less stressful path towards resolution than contested court proceedings.

Reaching agreement or narrowing the issues in dispute may reduce legal expenses, delays and the emotional strain of prolonged litigation. 

Our fees are explained before you book, helping you plan for the cost of the process.

Mediation fees are generally shared between participants. 

Alternatively, one participant may choose to pay the full cost, or you may agree on another arrangement. We confirm payment arrangements before mediation begins. 

Paying a larger share or the entire fee does not give either participant greater influence over the process or outcome. 

Our practitioners remains impartial.

Mediation focuses on arrangements that address your circumstances and can work in everyday life. 

You retain control over whether to accept a proposal.

Some families reach a full agreement, while others resolve particular issues or make progress towards a later settlement. An outcome cannot be guaranteed, but our role is to support constructive discussions and help you make the most of the opportunity.

If agreement is reached, we can help record it. 

Our practitioners do not provide legal advice to either participant. Independent legal advice can help you understand proposals and consider how agreements should be formalised.

Under section 60I of the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), parties to a parenting dispute are generally required to make a genuine effort to resolve their issues through Family Dispute Resolution before applying to the Court for parenting orders, unless an exemption applies.

Our accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners can issue a Section 60I certificate where the applicable requirements are met. Depending on the circumstances, a certificate may be issued where mediation is assessed as unsuitable, another participant refuses or fails to attend, or participants attend mediation.

The certificate reflects the circumstances of the process. It does not determine the parenting dispute. 

Booking or paying for an intake does not guarantee that a certificate will be issued. 

We understand that uncertainty and waiting can add to the pressure of separation.

We aim to arrange mediation within two weeks once both participants have completed intake, the matter has been assessed as suitable, and any necessary preparation is complete. Timing depends on appointment availability and both participants being ready to proceed.

Individual intakes are available by phone or Zoom on weekday evenings. 

Mediation sessions are available via Zoom by appointment on evenings and weekends.

All appointment times are Melbourne local time. Please visit our Fees page for current prices and what is included.