How we do it, different.
Our Process.
Enquiry + Intake.
If you’re considering mediation, please enquire. We will briefly discuss your dispute, and if suitable to proceed we will schedule an intake session. An intake session is conducted via phone. We will confirm your session booking, along with anything we require you to prepare and our confidentiality agreement. Please allow approximately 1-hour to conduct the session. It is important that you are in a private place, and any children are cared for during the session. Children and others cannot be present. You will have opportunity to ask any questions.
Invitation + Suitability.
Following your intake session, we will send an invitation to the other party, and schedule their intake session. If we are unable to make contact, we will reattempt one week later. At this point, we can issue you a Section 60i Certificate and explain your next steps. After completing both parties intake sessions, we will determine if your matter is suitable for mediation. If not, we will issue you a Section 60i Certificate and explain your next steps. If assessed as suitable, we will discuss availability with each party and schedule your mediation session.
Mediation + Resolution.
We conduct most sessions virtually, via Zoom. We can arrange a face-to-face session in South East Queensland if preferred. We provide you with information on what to expect and how to prepare before your session. During your session, we will facilitate the discussion and help you identify your agenda, consider options and reach agreement. If you’re able to resolve your issues we can provide a parenting plan or FDR Summary and advise you on the next steps if you’re wishing to formalise by way of Consent Orders.
How we do it, different.
We approach mediation with the compassionate understanding that your situation is unique to you, and the complexities that you are facing can be unpleasant and stressful. We aim to help you through the process in a supportive and empathetic manner, knowing that very often parties are in different stages of the grief process, and of moving on with their life. Identifying the common ground, and the real issues at the heart of your matter, we give you the platform to be heard and to be in control of your decisions. We are not lawyers, and our process is not adversarial, instead, we bring a human touch that we believe makes a difference. You may be thinking that four to seven hours is a long time to discuss. your dispute, but we know from experience that successful mediations take time to explore the issues, identify options and reality test. You are essentially making decisions for your future, and the future of your children.
Frequently asked Questions.
How long does the entire mediation process take? We can conduct your mediation within 7days from enquiry, depending on the willingness and availability of both parties.
Can the fees be paid by one party? Our standard policy is to charge our fees on a per-party basis. We feel this presents a neutral starting point and can balance the motive for genuine effort. However, we understand a different payment agreement may be more suitable for you and we are flexible to discuss this with you.
What if the other party refuses to mediate? Mediation is voluntary, therefore we cannot make anyone attend or agree to mediate. If we are able to make contact, we will explain the benefits of mediation, and the possible implications of refusing. If the other party still refuses, we will issue you a Section 60i certificate and explain the next steps you may take
Who can attend mediation? Each party may request to have a support person with them, however the other party must agree to this also. The support person is not to engage in the mediation and speak for you, they are simply a supportive presence.
What are the benefits of Mediation? In comparison to going to court, mediation is less expensive, quicker, less adversarial and less stressful. You remain in control of the decisions made for yourself and family.