FAQs

Generally, mediation sessions will be held between the mediator and involved parties.  However, if consent is given by the other party and the mediator then your support person may attend.

Yes. If you wish for your legal representative to be present, please discuss this with your mediator.

Family Dispute Resolution is a specific type of mediation. To work with families and conduct Family Dispute Resolution, practitioners must possess qualifications in both Mediation and Family Dispute Resolution.  To work in this specialized field, one must possess knowledge in domestic and family violence, the Family Law Act, relationship power dynamics, the impact of conflict on children, and how to conduct mediation with a child focus.

In addition, there are specific legal requirements that a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner must meet.  Meeting the qualification standards set by the Attorney General’s Department and obtaining their accreditation is mandatory for a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner.

Child Inclusive Mediation (CIM) is completed by a specialist known as a Child Consultant.  The Child Consultant will interview the children separately away from the parents prior to FDR taking place.  On the day of the Child session, the child is made aware that they are ‘the boss’ of the session and they can voice as much or as little as they want to.  At the end, the child will give their permission on what information can be shared with their parents.

 This specialised form of mediation supports both parents to resolve their disputes, see their children’s perspectives and prioritise their children’s needs and interest.  Both parents will be asked not to ask the child any questions after their session, but the child can tell their parents anything they would like to share about their time with the Child Consultant.

Note- Please feel free to contact us if you would like further information regarding the Child-Inclusive process. 

After the child/ren have been interview by the Child Consultant, the Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner will make a time for both themselves, the Child Consultant and both parents to participate in their Family Dispute Resolution session.  Feedback will be shared with the parents and discuss how the children are experiencing the separation.  Any information that the child/ren have given the Child Consultant permission to share with the parents will be.

A section 60(i) Certificates are a requirement in the Family Law Act 1975 and inform the Court that the parties have attempted to resolve their dispute regarding the children prior to attending Court. Ideally clients will hopefully be able to resolve their dispute in mediation and not need to go to Court, however in certain circumstances attending Court may be the only way to get a resolution. You may request one of these from your accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner at the completion of your case. 

​Please note that Section 60(i) Certificates are only valid for 12 months from your last attendance or attempt at Family Dispute Resolution and cannot be issued or reissued after this time.  ​Section 60(i) Certificates are for children’s matters only, there is no Certificate for any other form of dispute e.g. property.

No, not all cases are suitable for FDR or mediation.  Prior to mediation taking place each party will complete an intake & safety consult to determine whether FDR and/or mediation is suitable.  Sub Regulation 25 is the assessment tool used by Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners to assess appropriateness for mediation. See attached link for further details.

We understand that everyone has the right to feel safe and our client’s safety is paramount.  We can offer a service where mediation will be held in separate rooms.  Please discuss this with your mediator if you have any concerns.

Meditations are held at various locations across the Gold Coast as well as online via Zoom / Teams meeting.