Family Dispute Resolution is a completely confidential process. There are limited exceptions to this – we are obliged to report child abuse, a threat to a person’s life, or if criminal activity may be involved.
When we practice Family Dispute Resolution, we utilise the facilitative process of mediation. We facilitate discussion and assist each party in moving towards an amicable resolution. Our role is to help you explore family issues in an objective and positive light, with a view to reaching a shared agreement.
Your mediator is neutral, impartial and is not there to take sides, or make decision. Your mediator is there to facilitate discussions, generate options and help move you move forward.
It’s great news! And it is highly likely – more than 90% of cases are resolved prior to a Court date. Our goal is to guide you to reaching an agreement. This agreement can be then formalised into a Parenting Plan or Consent Orders.
What is a Parenting Plan?
A Parenting Plan is a document that outlines your written agreement, signed and dated by both parties.
Click here for more information on Parenting Plans
What are Consent Orders?
Consent Orders are orders made by the Court with the consent of both parties. This occurs after both parties make an application to the Court for the mediation agreement to be legally binding. We recommend obtaining legal advice in order to organise consent orders.
Click here to learn more about Consent Orders
There are a number of reasons why Family Dispute Resolution may not deliver a suitable outcome for both parties. These include:
- Only one party attending Family Dispute Resolution
- A genuine effort not being made to resolve the dispute, whether it be by one or both parties
- The case not being appropriate for Family Dispute Resolution, and
- The Mediation Centre practitioner making an informed judgement that, for whatever reason, it was not appropriate to continue through the resolution process.
If you attend Family Dispute Resolution and are unable to reach an agreement, your Practitioner will issue you with a Section 601 certificate, enabling you make an application to the Court for Children’s Orders.
Family Dispute Resolution is considerably less expensive than other options available to families, such as legal proceedings.
Our fees are extremely reasonable and we can accommodate your needs including after hours and weekend appointments where necessary.
Please contact us on 0247 616 930 to discuss the costs of mediation.