What is Mediation?

Mediation is a process where a neutral third person who is an experienced and fully trained mediator (also known as a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner), assists people who are separating, come to an agreement about the ongoing future care of their child/children and/or the division of their property and finance. The mediation process is informal and it takes place outside the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Court) system. It is an alternative to lengthy and expensive legal proceedings although people are not precluded from accessing the legal system should their circumstances require it or should they be of the opinion that they need it.

The final outcome of the mediation is determined solely by you and the other party. Our Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner will guide you both towards a resolution within the shadow of the law but will neither impose a solution nor pressure you regarding how you should resolve your issues or what the terms of any agreement should be.

At the Centre for Mediation we believe that you know the needs of everyone concerned better than anyone. Our Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner will listen to help you identify the issues as well as your needs, goals and options and keep you on track so that you arrive at your own solutions and agreement.

If you are able to reach an agreement, our Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner will draft the agreement in the form of a Parenting Plan or Parenting Arrangement for the future care of your child/children and/or a Property and Financial Agreement in relation to the division of your property and financial assets and liabilities.

The mediated agreement/s are not legally enforceable. However, the mediated agreement/s can be converted into formal court orders (known as Consent Orders), once the Court has had the opportunity to assess and approve your mediated agreement/s.