Our Services

Mediation Parenting + Financial

Engaging in Mediation allows the parties to make the decisions, avoid lengthy and expensive court processes and reach agreement on parenting issues and financial matters. Successful mediation allows the parties to settle disputes, often minimising the stress for the parties and children involved. Mediation is confidential, and anything discussed by either party cannot be used against them in court, if unsuccessful in reaching an agreement. Mediation should be focussed on reaching an outcome that is in the best interest of the child or children and so far as possible, convenient and appropriate for the parties and other family members. Our Mediation sessions are structured, neutral, unbiased and impartial, providing a safe and respectful platform for successful discussion and resolution to occur.

Parenting Plans and Heads of Agreements for Drafting Consent Orders

At the completion of your Mediation session, we are able to provide either a Parenting Plan (Parenting) or a Heads of Agreement (Property) for your lawyer to Draft Consent Orders from. A Parenting Plan formalises your agreement, though it is not legally-binding. It can include care arrangements such as who the child/children live with, decision-making and parental responsibilities, medical needs, education, how the parties will communicate, the parents behaviour around the child and other special conditions. It can also include how and when the agreement will be reviewed and provision for amendments. Alternatively, for a legally-binding order, Draft Consent Orders can be prepared by a lawyer using the terms of your Parenting Plan. The parties must then make an Application for Consent Orders in the Family Court of Australia to have their agreement become an Order of the Court. We can guide you through this process.

Section 60i Certificate

In most circumstances, when filing an Application for Parenting Orders the Family Law Act requires the parties to attend Mediation with a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP), and obtain a Section 60i Certificate, which is then filed with the Court Application. If an agreement is not reached through Mediation, a Section 60i Certificate will be issued. There are different types of Section 60i Certificates, and the type of Certificate issued may impact on your future court proceedings. We will assess your suitability and requirement to mediate, and discuss the relevant Certificate with you.

We conduct our Mediation sessions either Face-to-Face or Shuttle method virtually, or by phone. Shuttle sessions are suitable for parties who are not able or willing to directly communicate with the other party. We do not charge more to facilitate this method, though advise it does generally take more time to reach an agreement. Shuttle sessions online or on the phone are conducted by independent discussion with one party and the mediator at a time, with the mediator essentially bouncing between the parties to facilitate. Virtual mediation (by Zoom), removes the barriers of distance, and some circumstances where risk of harm might occur. We offer flexible sessions (including evenings or weekends), to minimise work interruptions and to accomodate child-care arrangements.

Child Inclusive Practice (CIP) allows the child to have a voice within the decision making process around their care and wellbeing. We help you understand the research and methods of this practice, and determine if your individual situation is suitable for CIP. We can facilitate a child consultant to work with the child/children to determine their needs and wishes. We will suggest suitable consultants within our referral network and connect our clients. Feedback and recommendations from the consultant will be presented to the parties during Mediation to assist in the preparation of a Parenting Plan or Draft Consent Orders.

We offer individual and relationship counselling, to help you, or you and your partner, recognise and work through personal challenges, or the challenges of a new, existing or ending relationship. Counselling may also be beneficial to engage in to ensure you’re ready to mediate.