Services
FAMILY DISPUTE RESOLUTION DIAGNOSTIC CALL
This is a complimentary 15 minute call to discuss your family law parenting and/or property issues to determine whether to commence the FDR process. Please note, this is an early diagnostic call and not a pre-mediation session.
FAMILY DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Family dispute resolution begins with a private and individual pre-mediation session. The purpose of this meeting is to clarify what you would like to discuss in mediation and to explain in detail how the mediation works. This meeting also provides an opportunity to assess whether or not it is a case that is suitable for mediation. The other party will also have a private pre-mediation session with one of our mediators. Following this will be a joint session where you will both have an opportunity to put forward any issues or proposals to the other party. The goal of FDR is to avoid court and come to arrangements regarding parenting and/or property and financial issues between you both, with your mediator as a neutral third party assisting you both in this process.
When you reach a mutually acceptable agreement or agreements there are a couple of options available to you. You may choose to keep the agreements voluntary or goodwill agreements. These agreements are not legally binding however they are able to be adjusted and amended whenever you choose, upon agreement with each other. The second option available is to have your agreements reached in mediation taken to a lawyer where they will become what is called Consent Orders. The Court accepts these and they become legally binding which means they are now enforceable by law. Should you find yourself in court then the Judge can determine and enforce orders. We encourage you to speak with your lawyer regarding this.
CHILD INCLUSIVE MEDIATION
Child centred mediation is encouraged as this process allows us to bring your child's voice into your mediation process without directly involving them in sessions. What this involves is a specially trained mediator, counsellor or child practitioner spending time with your children in a separate session which takes less than 1 hour per child. The specialist will join you and your mediator in a mediation session to bring you feedback from your children. The child or children are not making decisions for you rather they are relaying how they are coping with the current situation. The child consultant may make recommendations for the current and any future parenting plans. It is important to come to this session with an open mind and know that this is in no way a criticism of your parenting or parenting styles but an acknowledgement that there are other little voices that need to be heard. This is would require the agreement of both parents and is an option which we can discuss in session.
MEDIATOR FACILITATED NEGOTIATION or ‘SHUTTLE’
This type of negotiation is for you if there is high conflict, a family violence order or because they refuse direct communication with you or any other factors that may require an alternative approach. You do not speak directly to the other party rather your mediator will relay your proposals and/or issues to the other party. You may choose to be supported by your lawyer, advocates or other support people as required. This is also preceded by an individual pre-mediation session.