Family Mediation
Family Dispute Resolution is a process facilitated by a specialised mediator called a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (an FDRP) who assists families to resolve their disputes relating to their children and parenting.
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At Empower Mediations we use our expertise and skills to guide you and the other person through a supportive and structured process. We help you identify the issues in dispute, share your needs and interests, generate options, and negotiate freely to facilitate an agreement and resolve your family dispute.
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We can also help you and your ex-partner to negotiate the division of your assets and debts post-separation ('property settlement').
Is Family Dispute Resolution Compulsory?
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If your dispute concerns your children, the law requires that you first attempt Family Dispute Resolution (except in limited circumstances) before being able to proceed to court for a parenting order.
We can issue what is called a section 60(i) certificate to confirm to a court that an attempt at Family Dispute Resolution was made. If one parent will not agree to attend a section 60(i) certificate can be issued stating that they would not attend allowing the other person to proceed to court if desired.
Experienced Family Law Mediators
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While we do not provide legal advice, because our principal FDRP Danielle has qualifications in Law, including a PhD in Family Law and Child Rights, people gain the benefit of a neutral third party who can view family disputes through a legal lens.
Danielle empowers parties to formulate agreements that are realistic and in the best interests of their children. She has the expertise to not only diffuse conflict but also turn the FDR process into an opportunity for people to learn to work as co-parents for their children, despite what has happened in the past.
What about if I need a property settlement?
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If you need help with a property settlement the law requires people to take 'genuine steps' to resolve their dispute with their ex-partner prior to filing an application with the court for a financial order. Mediation is a good way of showing that you have done this.
The cost of legal fees can be considerable, which makes 'property settlement' mediation a good option to ensure that assets are not diminished by the cost of litigation.
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For a complementary telephone consultation
Advantages of
Family Dispute Resolution
Private & Confidential
Family Dispute Resolution is a confidential process. This means that people are more prepared to engage in open and honest communication, and share information without fear of what is said being used in court at a later date.
Retain Decision-Making
Family Dispute Resolution works well because ultimately people are the experts in what their children need, and what will work for their family. This means that people can be more satisfied with an agreement they have reached in mediation than a judge-imposed court order.
Child Focused & Educative
We think that Family Dispute Resolution is an opportunity for people to be empowered to create a co-parent alliance. This enables people to move forward and care for their children in a nurturing and secure environment. We have the expertise to help people get the most out of Family Dispute Resolution for their children and for themselves.
Supportive & Promotes Communication
We support, coach and guide people to communicate effectively and engage in creative problem-solving to create a practical agreement. Mediation isn’t about deciding who is right or wrong. It is about supporting and empowering each person equally to resolve their issues and come to an acceptable agreement so that everyone can move forward.
Much Quicker than Court
Litigation in the Family Court is a lengthy and emotionally and financially draining process, often taking about 2 years. After your initial complementary telephone consultation with Danielle we can usually schedule your parenting or property settlement mediation within one week. If you are able to reach an agreement with the other person in mediation this can be drafted into a legally binding 'consent order' quickly.
Cost-Effective Solution
In most cases a skilled FDRP will be able to support people to resolve their conflict and avoid the protracted and expensive process of litigation in the Family Court. Litigation is expensive with the initial court step (called an interim hearing) costing about $5000-$15000.
See our half day and full day mediation packages (see fees page).
