Mediation
When there is a marriage or de facto relationship breakdown, mediation is a much quicker, cheaper and less stressful way of resolving parenting and financial issues than Family Court proceedings.
The main benefits of mediation are:
- Separated couples remain in control of the decisions to be made to resolve their disputes as this control is lost once the case is heard in the Family Court
- Mediations generally cost less than Family Court proceedings
- Disputes can be resolved sooner through mediation than Family Court proceedings
- The mediation process is a much more amicable process than Family Court proceedings
Even if you do not resolve all your disputes at mediation, you may reach agreement on some of the disputes. You will also have a better understanding of the reasons for the disputes that have not been resolved and which need to be litigated, which would help you work towards an outcome.
For parenting disputes, parents are expected to attend a Family Dispute Resolution conference before commencing Family Court proceedings unless there is an urgent need to commence Family Court proceedings or a Family Dispute Resolution conference is not practical. The Family Dispute Resolution conference is a form of mediation.
What Mediation Can Help With
With the assistance of a mediator, you and the other party can discuss and agree on all matters relating to:
- Parenting arrangements
- Financial issues and property settlement
- Spousal maintenance
- Child support and adult child maintenance
Support During the Mediation Process
Doray Legal can assist you before, during and after the mediation process with the following:
- Advice before attending mediation and supporting you while you go through the process.
- Preparation for the mediation.
- Representation at the mediation.
- If mediation is successful, formalising the agreement reached.
- If mediation is unsuccessful, attempt to achieve a resolution through further discussions, e.g. by written correspondence with the other party.
- If further discussions do not lead to an agreement, commencing or contesting Family Court proceedings.
If you have any questions about mediation or the Family Dispute Resolution process, call Doray Legal on (08) 9364 2588 or contact us for a consultation and enquire about our reduced fee for your first consultation.