Mediation Services
A structured, impartial process to help separating families reach workable agreements - with dignity and in the best interests of everyone involved.
What is Family Mediation?
Family mediation - also known as Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) - is a voluntary, confidential process in which a trained, impartial mediator helps separating couples and families negotiate agreements about parenting arrangements, property, and other matters arising from separation or divorce.
The goal is not to determine who is right or wrong, but to create a structured space where both parties can express their needs, hear each other, and work toward mutually acceptable solutions - without the stress, cost, and adversarial nature of court proceedings.
Areas We Can Help With
Parenting Arrangements
Agreeing on where children will live, how care time is shared, schooling, healthcare, and other decisions affecting children's day-to-day lives.
Communication Agreements
Establishing respectful, clear protocols for how co-parents will communicate with each other and with children, reducing ongoing conflict.
Major Decisions
Navigating decisions about significant matters such as changes to schooling, travel, relocation, medical treatment, or changes to living arrangements.
Family Transitions
Managing changes over time - when circumstances shift, agreements may need to be renegotiated in a structured and child-focused way.
How It Works
- An impartial mediator facilitates the conversation
- Both parties have equal opportunity to speak
- Sessions can be joint or conducted separately (shuttle mediation)
- Agreements are documented and can be made legally binding
- The mediator does not make decisions - the parties do
- The process is confidential
Why It Matters
Court proceedings are costly, time-consuming, and often emotionally damaging for everyone involved - particularly children. Mediation offers a more constructive path that keeps decision-making in the hands of the family, rather than the court.
In Australia, most parenting disputes must attempt Family Dispute Resolution before proceeding to the Family Court. We can provide a certificate of attempted FDR where required.
Our Approach
Our mediation process is child-focused, trauma-informed, and grounded in respect for all parties. We draw on:
- Neutral, impartial facilitation
- Interest-based negotiation techniques
- Collaborative and restorative frameworks
- Child-inclusive approaches where appropriate
- Referral to legal or other specialist services as needed
Safety considerations
Mediation is not appropriate in all circumstances. If you are experiencing family violence, coercive control, or significant power imbalances, please contact us before booking. We can discuss whether mediation is appropriate and connect you with additional support.
- 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732
- Family Relationship Advice Line: 1800 050 321
- Emergency: 000
Ready to find a way forward?
Our mediators provide a respectful, structured process to help your family reach agreements that work for everyone - especially the children.