Hopefully we have read your mind and the answer is below, but if not, just get in touch and we can answer it for you (and perhaps add it to our list below for the next person that needs to know too!)
What is Family Dispute Resolution (FDR)?
FDR is a type of mediation specifically for parenting matters and must be run by a qualified FDR Practitioner (like Michael on our team).
FDR helps you:
And if mediation doesn’t go ahead or doesn’t result in an agreement, your FDRP can issue a Section 60I Certificate—a requirement for court in parenting matters.
What is a Section 60I Certificate?
A Section 60I Certificate tells the court:
You’ll need this certificate before you can file court proceedings for parenting arrangements (unless your situation qualifies for an exemption).
We can also help by inviting the other party to mediation on your behalf and issuing a certificate if needed
I have tried mediation before but we didn’t find an agreement- should I try again?
So many things happen when a relationship comes to an end and time can be a great healer. You may have already tried mediation, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try again. Maybe the issues have changed or the information you need to find the solution has become clearer.
Feel free to reach out to our team to discuss if mediation is right for your circumstances.
I don't have a lawyer, can I still participate?
Yes, of course! As your mediator, we will complete an intake session with each party, where the mediation process will be explained which will hopefully help you feel more comfortable.
I'm not able to commit to long-term arrangements for my children, is mediation still suitable?
Yes, mediation can be beneficial for parents looking to discuss short-term arrangements for their kids. Mediation is also a great place to discuss upcoming decisions affecting your children.
What if we can't reach agreement at mediation, can I come back?
You sure can! We often find that mediation is the most productive when it’s broken up into smaller half-day sessions to allow parties time to rest, consider advice and gather their thoughts.
What if I don't want to be in the same room as my former partner?
As part of your intake session with us, we will discuss these concerns, and if being in the same room is not suitable, we can make arrangements for separate rooms to be used or an online session so you can connect from different locations.
Can the mediator provide guidance?
Although we can’t provide legal advice to the parties, we are able to provide guidance if we feel the guidelines of mediation aren’t being followed. We can also assist with providing you with information about steps that need to be taken to have your agreement appropriately documented.
Can I bring a support person with me?
You can bring a support person to mediation. For that person to be present during the mediation, you will need the agreement of the other party to the mediation. If the other party doesn’t agree, your support person can still come to support you during any breaks.
What can I expect in my Mediation Session?
Whether you’re attending in person, meeting online, or taking part in a shuttle mediation (where you and your former partner don’t speak directly but communicate through the mediator), there’s a we follow to help things flow smoothly.
Here’s what your mediation day might look like:
1. Welcome
Your mediator will start by welcoming you, explaining how the session will run, and making sure everyone feels as comfortable as possible.
2. Opening Statements
You’ll each have a chance to share what’s brought you to mediation and what you’re hoping to achieve. This can be done together or separately—whatever feels best for you.
3. Setting the Agenda
We’ll create a list of the topics you both want to talk through. This helps keep the session focused and ensures nothing important is missed.
4. Exploring the Issues
You’ll each have the opportunity to explain your perspective, raise any concerns, and help the mediator understand what’s been going on.
5. Generating Options
With the mediator’s support, you’ll start to explore different ideas and possibilities for moving forward.
6. Negotiation
We’ll help you work through the options in a practical, respectful way—aiming for outcomes that feel fair and workable for everyone involved.
7. Agreement
If you’re able to reach an agreement, we’ll talk through the next steps, including how to document it and where you can go for further support.
Is mediation a confidential process?
Yes, the discussions you have at mediation are confidential. That enables you to make offers or compromises freely and if an agreement is not reached, you cannot be held to those compromises at a later time.
There is an exception to confidentiality- if any threats are made to the safety of a participant or child those may need to be reported to appropriate authorities
