family dispute resolution Archives

October 9, 2023Mediation

Advantages of mediation over litigation for separated couples: navigating divorce smoothly

Going through a separation is undeniably challenging. When there are decisions to make about children, finances, and assets, finding the best solution can feel overwhelming. Increasingly, people who are divorcing are discovering the advantages of mediation over litigation for separated couples, offering a harmonious, cost-effective, and personalised approach. Mediation in the divorce landscape Mediation involves a neutral third party, the mediator, who facilitates communication between both parties to reach a shared agreement. This process is about collaboration, with the mediator ensuring discussions remain on track, without imposing decisions. Whether decisions concern weekend visits with children or property division, mediation is […]

February 7, 2023July 28, 2023Mediation

s.60I Certificates and pre-action procedures in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia

If you’ve done a bit of research about family law, you’ve probably read about section 60I Certificates but might not know what they actually are, and why they are important. If you want to apply for parenting or financial orders, there are certain pre-action requirements in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia that must be met before proceeding with your application. Obtaining a s.60I Certificate is one of them if you want to apply for parenting orders. Genuine steps to resolve your dispute First, you are required to comply with the pre-action procedures for financial or parenting proceedings […]

February 5, 2023October 27, 2023Mediation

What do I need to do to prepare for mediation?

Mediation is a process that can help couples who are separating or divorcing to reach an agreement about the issues arising from their separation. Those issues may include property division, parenting arrangements, child support, and spousal maintenance. Mediation is a less formal process than going to court and can often be quicker, cheaper, and less stressful for both parties. If you are thinking about mediation, it’s important to be prepared to make the most of this process. So, what do I need to do to prepare for mediation? Here’s a few tips: How to prepare for mediation To make informed […]

January 29, 2023July 28, 2023Child inclusive mediation, Mediation

What is the benefit of having a social worker in mediation?

In mediation, a social worker and a mediator can work together to help you reach a mutually satisfactory agreement regarding the care of your children or your finances. Here are some of the benefits of having a social worker in mediation, alongside the mediator: The biggest benefit of having a social worker in mediation? Their skills One of the most important benefits of having a social worker in mediation is that they can provide information and resources to help you make informed decisions about your children’s well-being. A social worker can assess your family’s needs and offer support and guidance […]

January 26, 2023July 28, 2023Mediation

Online and video mediation

You may be trying to reach an agreement in a family law matter, and wondering about the options available for resolving the issue. One option that has become increasingly popular in recent times is online and video mediation. Online and video mediation allows parties to participate in mediation remotely, using technology such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams. This can be a convenient and cost-effective way to resolve disputes, as it eliminates the need for in-person meetings and travel. Many people have become more familiar with online video technology during the global pandemic when many parents were working from home, and […]

January 25, 2023July 28, 2023Mediation

The Top 4 benefits of Family Mediation

Family Mediation can help families resolve disputes through the assistance of a neutral third party, known as a family mediator. Your mediator helps you reach a mutually acceptable resolution. This process is often used in family law cases because it is usually a more cost-effective and time-efficient alternative to traditional litigation. Additionally, mediation can be a less adversarial and less stressful way to resolve disputes, which can be especially important in the emotionally charged context of family law cases. In this blog post, we explore the Top 4 benefits of family mediation 1. Family Mediation is cost-effective One of the […]

child inclusive family mediation benefits children

January 24, 2023July 31, 2023Child inclusive mediation, Mediation

Child-inclusive family mediation: the benefits for children

Child-inclusive family mediation is a form of parenting mediation or family dispute resolution that involves children in the conflict resolution process. This can be especially useful in family law cases where children’s well-being and best interests are a primary concern. What benefits does child-inclusive mediation offer for children? Expressing thoughts and feelings Children are often affected by their parents’ conflicts and may have thoughts and feelings about the situation. Child-inclusive family mediation allows children to have a voice in the resolution process and can help them feel heard and understood, whilst also explaining to them that they do not have […]

October 3, 2022July 28, 2023Mediation

How to get a win-win outcome in Mediation

People often talk about the goal of achieving a win-win outcome in mediation. But is it really possible and if so, how? Win-win outcomes vs splitting the difference In some mediations, a win-win outcome is seen as splitting the difference. For example, in a parenting mediation if one party wants the children to spend 7 nights with them every fortnight and the other wants it to be 5 nights, compromising on 6 nights is splitting the difference. In a property mediation, if one party wants $100,000 and the other is offering $200,000, settling on $150,000 is splitting the difference. Why […]

September 30, 2022January 24, 2023Child inclusive mediation, Mediation, Parenting

Christmas school holidays parenting deadline

The Christmas school holidays can be exciting times for families. But if you haven’t been able to work out how the kids will spend time with each parent over Christmas, it can also be stressful. How can I get time with my kids over the Christmas holidays? Each year, the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia deal with applications for parenting time. And each year, they set a deadline of the second Friday in November for an application to be filed for the Christmas school holidays. If you don’t file by then, you miss the deadline and may not […]