Family Mediation
Discuss, Negotiate, Resolve: Why Family Mediation Works
Family Mediation
Discuss, Negotiate, Resolve: Why Family Mediation Works
There’s a lot at stake in a family dispute, especially when it involves your children. The speed of resolution matters — you want to see your kids today, not months down the track. You want to reach a fair result, move on and avoid a costly court battle.
This is where mediation works.
What is Family Law Mediation?
Mediation in family law is a popular way of resolving parenting arrangements and property disputes after a relationship breakdown — without going to court. It’s affordable, quick and confidential. More importantly, it allows you to make decisions that affect you and your family, not a judge.
In family mediation, a trained Mediator will assist you and your ex-partner to communicate with each other about the issues that need resolution. The Mediator is impartial and will not provide legal advice to you or to your ex-partner, but helps you explore options for settlement and negotiate toward an agreement.
Although you don’t always need a lawyer to participate, family mediation works best when paired with legal guidance. This is especially so, where the issues in dispute are complex or where there are safety concerns.
When Is Family Mediation Right For You?
Family mediation services are often the best option when:
- You want to resolve parenting or property matters quickly and privately
- You and your ex-partner are willing to engage in a structured discussion
- You’re aiming for a child-focused outcome
- You want to avoid or minimise court involvement
- You need a flexible process that accommodates your schedule
If you’re in Brisbane or anywhere in Australia, family mediation through Arora Legal offers a supportive and outcome-focused approach. Many families who choose mediation family law services find resolution faster, with far less stress and cost than litigation.
Are Family Mediation Services Compulsory?
You must participate in family dispute resolution if you seek Parenting Orders from the family court, unless exceptions apply. Exceptions include where there is domestic violence or abuse or risk of abuse to a child or other family member.
Attending family mediation forms part of the family court’s pre-action protocols for parenting and property matters, and parties are required to make a genuine effort and resolve their dispute prior to making an application. If you do not, there are legal consequences.
Our Service
Through our family mediation services in Brisbane, you can:
- Identify your goals and identify issues that require resolution.
- Generate options, negotiate, reality test those options to enable you to reach a sustainable child focused or property settlement.
- Benefit from our considerable experience conducting family mediations.
- Get S60I-issued certificates where agreement has not been reached.
- Benefit from guaranteed mediations within 5 days, subject to parties’ availability.
- Take part in intake sessions and mediations conducted via Zoom conferencing, offering ease and flexibility.
Through our Lawyer-Assisted mediation service, you can:
- Identify your goals and identify issues that require resolution.
- Generate options, negotiate and reach a sustainable child-focused agreement, as the matter unfolds in mediation.
- Receive on-the-spot legal advice and guidance, shaping the decisions you make in mediation.
- Benefit from our considerable experience conducting family law litigation (and mediations), which shapes our understanding of how mediation can be better used to resolve your dispute, thus increasing your chances of an earlier negotiated outcome.
- Document your agreement by drafting consent orders and parenting plans.
Arora Legal offers a range of fixed-fee legal and mediation services. To find out how we can help you, BOOK your free 15-minute consultation today or call 07 3180 0129 and speak to our specialist lawyer. By contacting us today, you can take the first step towards resolving your family law issue and moving on to a brighter future.
FAQs
How long does family mediation usually take?
The length of the process depends on how many issues need to be resolved and how willing both parties are to negotiate. In many cases, a single session of 2–4 hours may be enough. More complex matters, especially those involving both parenting and property, may require multiple sessions. At Arora Legal, family mediation can typically be arranged within five business days, depending on availability.
What are the benefits of choosing family mediation over going to court?
Family mediation is generally faster, less expensive and more private than court proceedings. It also allows both parties to retain more control over the outcome, rather than leaving decisions in the hands of a judge. For many families, it provides a more cooperative and respectful way to move forward, especially where children are involved.
Is family mediation legally binding?
Agreements reached in mediation are not automatically legally binding. However, they can be made legally enforceable if documented properly. Parenting agreements can be formalised into parenting plans or consent orders, while property agreements can be converted into consent orders filed with the court.
Do both parties need to agree to participate in family mediation?
Mediation is a voluntary process unless required by court protocols. While both parties need to agree to attend, there are some court-related situations, particularly around parenting matters, where attempting mediation in family law is required before filing an application.
See Why We’re Brisbane’s Trusted Family Lawyers
Not Sure What You Need?
Speak to us for your free 15-minute consult
