Getting Started

We understand that coming to mediation can be daunting. We want to do everything possible to help you prepare. This includes giving you access to information that will empower you to understand the process and make the decisions that you need to.

We offer the below process in person at our premises located in the Lifestyle Building in Brookvale, and also over Zoom or Microsoft Teams.

THE PROCESS
Every matter is different however usually the process of engaging in mediation looks something like this:
Step 1 – Inquiry made by one or both parties or their representatives.
Step 2 – Pre mediation session with Party A – You ask your questions and we work to understand your story.
Step 3 – In the instances where an inquiry is made by one party only – we will invite the other party to mediation, requesting a response within 14 days.
Step 4 – Pre-mediation session with Party B – They can ask their questions and we work to understand their story.
Step 5 – Mediation if appropriate – provided in a way that best suits the parties’ needs.
Step 6 – Agreements documented.

In parenting matters, at various stages throughout the process it may be that it becomes appropriate to issue a section 60i certificate. For more detailed information on section 60i certificates click here.

Pre mediation conference:
The first part of the mediation process is for you to attend a confidential pre-mediation session with one of our mediators. This session is an opportunity for you to ask any questions that you have regarding the mediation process. It is also an opportunity for us to gain an understanding of the dynamics between you and your ex-partner so we can best assist you to have the conversations that you need to have to move forward.

In parenting matters the pre-mediation session is an opportunity for us to understand your children, how they are coping and your thoughts on what will be best for them moving forward. We are also able to provide at this time resources that will assist you as you navigate parenting and separation.

In property matters the pre-mediation session is an opportunity for us to gain a detailed understanding of your financial circumstances both your immediate needs and concerns as well as what you hope to achieve out of a financial settlement.

We aim to provide the opportunity for both parties to attend this confidential pre-mediation session within 2 weeks of your engagement of our service.

Sometimes there can be benefit in attending a further or more lengthy pre-mediation conference ahead of mediation. A further conference is usually required when:

• Parties would benefit from further assistance and coaching regarding navigating conflict ahead of mediation.
• Parties are attending for parenting and property mediation without lawyer assistance. In these circumstances we like to meet with you for either a longer intake session or further session to understand your property matter and ensure that you have all the information that you require to be able to make decisions regarding your property.

Your mediator will discuss with you the best preparation for your mediation and whether a further pre-mediation session will be of benefit to you.

Referrals
Importantly the pre-mediation session is an opportunity to connect you into any other supportive services that will be of benefit to you. We have an extensive referral network to ensure that we can assist you to access any support you need during what we know can be a really difficult time. In parenting matters any referral we make carries the confidentiality of the mediation process meaning that any records associated with this support cannot be subpoenaed or used in court proceedings should agreement not be reached and litigation occurs.

Mediation to suit your circumstances
We aim to tailor the mediation we offer to your unique circumstances. There are several ways that we can structure mediation to suit your needs. Sometimes parties have a hard time voicing their point of view when they are in the same room as their ex-partner. In these instances, mediation can be more effective run in shuttle with the mediator moving between the parties who are in different rooms. In some cases it may be that mediation will be most successful with each party having their legal representative present. We also offer Child Inclusive Mediation. Child inclusive Mediation is where your children are interviewed by a child expert with a view to providing both parents with expert advice as to how to best meet your children’s needs after separation. Your mediator will be able to discuss all these options with you in the pre-mediation session.

We want you to be as comfortable and confident as possible when you engage in your mediation. We know that the key to this is helping you to be as prepared as you can and providing you a safe and robust space that is the best fit for your circumstances.

We aim to provide mediation within 2 weeks of pre-mediation sessions.

Agreements
We work hard to ensure that any agreements reached in mediation are carefully documented. Please speak to us about the best way to document your agreement moving forward.