Online
Parenting Mediation

Complimentary 15-Min Call

Why Choose Family Dispute Resolution
AKA Parenting Mediation

01

Compulsory

Except in limited circumstances, it is compulsory under Australia family law for separated parents to attend Family Dispute Resolution (Parenting Mediation) before applying to a family court for parenting orders.

02

Parents Keep Control

Family Dispute Resolution (Parenting Mediation) allows parents to retain control of decision making for their children. After all, parents know their children better than the courts.

03

Children Can Be Included

Where appropriate children can be included in the mediation process so that their voice can be heard.

04

Reduces Conflict & Provides Better Oucomes

A parenting agreement with certainty and direction reduces family conflict and enables children to see that their parents can make decisions together for their benefit.

05

Fast, Cost Effective
& Flexible

Mediation is a more efficient, flexible and cost-effective solution to reaching agreement in relation to children rather than going to court.

06

Section 60I
Certificate

If mediation is unsuccessful, a Section 60I Certificate can be issued, allowing parents to proceed with an application to court for parenting orders.

What Our Clients SAy

Hear it from our clients.

Online

Parenting Mediation

Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) is a mediation process used in Australia to help separating or divorcing couples resolve disputes related to parenting arrangements, property settlements, and other family issues without going to court. It is a mandatory step in most cases before applying to the Family Court for parenting orders.

Key aspects of FDR include:

  • Neutral Mediator: A trained and accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP) helps facilitate the conversation but does not take sides or provide legal advice.
  • Confidentiality: Discussions during FDR are confidential, meaning they can’t be used later in court (with some exceptions, like issues of child safety).
  • Voluntary Participation: Both parties need to agree to participate in the process. However, if one party refuses or the dispute is deemed unsuitable for mediation, they may be issued a certificate to proceed to court.
  • Focus on Children’s Best Interests: In disputes involving children, the focus is on finding arrangements that are in the best interests of the child.
  • Legally Binding Agreements: If an agreement is reached, it can be made legally binding by seeking consent orders through the court.

Some of the Advantages of mediation are:

  • Efficient – a fast process especially when you compare to the lengthy court lists
  • Cost effective – inexpensive process compared to legal fees and court costs
  • Confidential (with some exceptions)
  • Flexible – you decide when we meet and the topics for discussion
  • Control – parents retain control of the decisions for their children
  • Ongoing relationships – the ability to maintain a relationship as parents is so important for children, not only at separation but for all time (think of weddings and grandchildren).

No. We can conduct mediations with the parties only. We can also conduct legally assisted mediations where your lawyer/s come along.

Our aim is to enable resolution in the timeliest manner. The length of mediation is dependant on the topics and matters to be resolved. 

Most matters can be resolved within 1 mediation session.

Yes, we can. A section 60I certificate can be issued for a number of reasons, including if one party refuses to attend mediation or if the mediator deems mediation inappropriate in the circumstances.

Most people attend mediation on their own, but in some cases, they may wish to bring a
family member or friend for support. This can be arranged, provided everyone is informed in
advance and agrees to it—unexpected guests on the day are not helpful.

Feeling comfortable and supported during mediation is important. However, it is also
essential to consider the potential impact a support person may have on the other party and
the overall mediation environment. Our goal is to create the most conducive atmosphere for
resolving your disputes.
Rest assured, you will have the opportunity during mediation to take a break, call a friend or
family member, or consider the proposals made.

Any support person present will be required to sign the mediation agreement to ensure
confidentiality is maintained throughout the process.

You can start the mediation process by contacting us. 

Mediation is a private and confidential process, ensuring that everything discussed remains undisclosed to anyone outside the mediation. This allows you to have open and honest conversations aimed at resolving disputes, knowing that nothing said during mediation can be used in court. This confidentiality enables you to negotiate freely and effectively.

As mediators, we are committed to maintaining confidentiality, except in specific situations where there is a risk of harm to a child or another person, threats to damage property, or the potential for a violent crime.

This confidentiality also extends to any support person you bring to the mediation, who may be required to sign the Mediation Agreement to uphold this commitment.

Step 1: Initial Contact – Complimentary 15 Minute Consultation
One party usually contacts us to discuss their situation and goals for mediation.

Step 2: Intake Session for Party One
The party initiating mediation has a private individual intake meeting with the mediator to share the background to the matter, objectives for mediation and preparation for mediation.

Step 3: Invitation to Mediate
The mediator issues an invitation to mediate to the other party.

Step 4: Intake Session for Party Two
The person who has been invited to mediation attends a private individual intake meeting with the mediator to share their background to the matter, objectives for mediation and preparation for mediation.
If the other person refuses to mediate the mediator can issue a Section 60I Certificate to the party initiating mediation to enable them to commence an application in court.

Step 5: Mediation Session
The mediator schedules the online mediation session at a mutually convenient time to all parties, to discuss and negotiate parenting matters.

Step 6: Drafting Agreements
The mediator drafts a parenting plan or agreement based on decisions made during mediation.

Step 7: Review Agreement
Both parties review the agreement and once finalised the parties agree to execute a parenting plan.

Step 8: Legal Formalisation
If desired, the agreement can be formalised legally through consent orders.

Step 9: Follow-Up
Optional follow-up sessions to address any future concerns or adjustments.

Step 10: Section 60I Certificate
If the parties are unable to reach an agreement following mediation, the mediator can issue a Section 60I Certificate which will enable the parties to commence an application in court.

Benefits of Online Family Mediation over Face-to-Face Mediation:
01 Cost Effective
Lower costs due to reduced travel and room expenses

02 Flexibility
Easily schedule sessions around busy lives, work and childcare commitments

03 Greater Success Rate
Provides a controlled environment that reduces intensity of face-to-face interactions helping reduce emotions and focus on resolution

04 Comfort
Resolves sensitive matters from the comfort of your own space reducing anxiety

05 Safety
Minimises conflict, ensures privacy and enhances personal safety

06 Accessibility
Access mediation regardless of location, ideal for families in different areas or where you want anonymity

No. Every separation is unique and we will structure the mediation to ensure you feel safe and secure. In some cases you will be in separate virtual rooms where the mediator communicates on your behalf. When mediation occurs in separate virtual rooms it is called a shuttle mediation.

Shuttle mediation is a process where the mediator moves between the parties, who are in separate video conference rooms, to facilitate communication and negotiation. This approach is particularly useful when direct face-to-face discussions are challenging or if there is a high level of conflict or tension between the parties.

In shuttle mediation, the mediator conveys offers, proposals, and feedback between the parties, helping them to explore options and work towards a mutually acceptable resolution without needing to meet directly. This method provides a safe and comfortable environment for both parties, reducing stress and allowing for more focused discussions.

Shuttle mediation is designed to create a balanced negotiation process, helping both parties feel heard and understood while working towards a constructive resolution.

We pride ourselves on our success rate in mediation. Even high conflict parties are able to resolve matters with the help of mediation and communication. It does however take a willingness on both parties to negotiate and keep focussed on resolution for the benefit of their children.

Even in cases where you can’t agree on everything, you can make the most of the mediation/FDR to narrow the issues. It might be that you agree to attend a second mediation to work through the outstanding issues.

A good night’s sleep is one of the most important things you can do before a mediation session. Here are additional steps to help you prepare, which we will discuss with you in our pre mediation meeting:

  • Identify the topics you want to discuss
  • Make notes about your key concerns
  • Seek legal advice beforehand to explore potential options during mediation
  • List possible solutions to resolve your dispute
  • Consider areas of agreement and common ground
  • Reflect on your best and worst-case scenarios
  • Be ready to listen and compromise
  • Understand that being “right” about the law may not be as important as achieving timely closure or preserving relationships
  • Recognise that all litigation involves risk, and reaching an agreement that eliminates these risks is often beneficial for everyone
  • Think about what motivates the other party and how to address that constructively and with a future focus
  • Prepare for how to say “yes” when much of the dialogue has been “no”
  • Maintain an open mind throughout the process

These steps will help you enter mediation with a clear strategy, openness to compromise, and a focus on productive outcomes.

Parenting agreements reached at mediation can be documented as parenting plans. If you wish to have your parenting agreement documented as a legally binding agreement then consent orders are prepared and lodged with the FCFOA. 

Yes. Child Inclusive Mediation is a process that gives your children a voice, allowing them to share their experiences of your separation in a safe and supportive environment with a trained child specialist.

As mediators, we collaborate with the child specialist and both parents to develop age-appropriate care arrangements that consider your children’s specific concerns and perspectives.

Your children do not attend the mediation sessions directly. Instead, they meet separately with the child specialist, who helps them express their feelings and concerns about the separation in a secure, age-appropriate setting. Research shows that Child Inclusive Mediation significantly reduces conflict between parents, transforms co-parenting relationships, and helps create lasting agreements that prioritise the well-being of your children.

Complimentary 15-Min Call

Individual Intake Meeting $320 + GST per hour

Joint Mediation $520 + GST per hour ($260 + GST per person per hour of mediation where fees are being shared)

Section 60I Certificate $320 + GST

Child Consultant $350 + GST per hour

Complimentary 15-Min Call

Book your complimentary
15 min consultation

Meet Stacey

Stacey Turner is an expert family mediator with extensive experience helping parents navigate the complexities of parenting arrangements after separation. As an accredited family dispute resolution practitioner, she focuses on creating child-centred solutions that prioritise the well-being of your children.

Stacey’s responsive, personalised service ensures that your concerns are addressed promptly, providing a supportive and effective mediation experience without the need for court intervention.

More about Stacey

It gives me great satisfaction to help parents resolve conflicts, create tailored parenting
plans, avoid court, and build a brighter future for their children post-separation.”

Fees for Online Family Mediation

Mediation is a cost-effective alternative to expensive legal fees and lengthy court battles. Online Family Mediation offers affordable rates. After the Intake Meetings, the mediator will provide a time estimate for mediation.

In addition to the below, there may be additional fees for a child consultant in a child inclusive mediation and to issue a Section 60I Certificate is $280 + GST.

15-Minute Consultation

Complementary
  • Find Out More About Mediation
  • First Step to Ending Conflict
  • Book a Time That Suits You
  • Personal and Compassionate
  • Confidential
Book Now

Individual Intake Meeting

Between 60-90 minutes

$ 280 + GST
per hour
  • Online or by Phone
  • Be Heard
  • Discuss Your Needs
  • Agreed on a Suitable Outcome
  • Personal and Compassionate
  • Confidential
Email to Book

Joint Mediation Fees

Min. 4 hours

$ 480 + GST per hour
($240 + GST per person per hour if shared)
  • Online or by Phone
  • Discuss the Needs of All Parties
  • Formulate an outcome that is acceptable to all parties
  • Confidential
Email to Book

Get in Touch

Complimentary 15-min Call

Email

stacey@onlinefamilymediation.com.au

Phone

0418 782 239