MEDIATION FOR SEPARATING PARENTS
Supporting Parents to Navigate Change
Identifying collaborative ways to determine parenting arrangements, communication, property and financial agreements, and other decisions following separation.
Registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner · AMDRAS Accredited Mediator
MEDIATION FOR SEPARATING PARENTS
Make practical decisions with your children at the centre
When communication has broken down, mediation gives you a
structured and supported way to discuss what needs to happen next.
The focus is not on deciding who is right or wrong. It is on helping both parents make informed decisions,
reduce ongoing conflict and develop workable agreements – with the needs and wellbeing of their children at the centre.
Parenting arrangements
Discuss where children live, time with each parent, schooling, health, holidays and important decisions.
Parenting plans
Record the parenting arrangements you reach during mediation in a clear written plan.
Co-parenting communication
Agree on how information will be shared and how changes and decisions will be managed.
Separation and divorce
Work through disagreements and the practical decisions that follow relationship breakdown.
Property and finances
Identify financial matters, share relevant information and explore possible ways forward.
Extended family
Discuss children’s relationships with grandparents, extended family members and carers.
Parenting arrangements
Arrangements that work for your family
Family Dispute Resolution allows parents to discuss their concerns and consider arrangements covering their children’s emotional, physical, educational and developmental needs.
Colleen supports both parents to participate in the conversation and explore arrangements that are practical, child-focused and suited to their circumstances.
PARENTING PLANS
Put your agreements in writing
When parents reach an agreement during mediation, the arrangements can be recorded in a written Parenting Plan. This provides both parents with a clear record of how parenting responsibilities and time with the children will be managed.
A Parenting Plan is not legally enforceable. Parents who want to formalise their arrangements can obtain independent legal advice about applying for Consent Orders.
Property and financial agreements
Work towards a financial agreement
Mediation can help separating couples discuss property and financial matters, share relevant information and explore options for dividing their assets and liabilities.
When an agreement is reached, Colleen can record the agreed outcomes. Each person can then obtain independent legal advice about formally documenting their property and financial settlement.
THE FAMILY DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCESS
How family mediation works
01
A private conversation
Each person speaks privately with Colleen about their circumstances, concerns and what they hope mediation may help resolve. Safety and suitability are considered before mediation proceeds.
02
Mediation
If mediation is suitable, Colleen facilitates a structured conversation so both parents can identify the issues and explore practical options.
03
Agreements
Agreements reached during mediation can be documented, including parenting arrangements in a Parenting Plan and agreed property and financial outcomes. Each person can then obtain independent legal advice about formalising the agreement.
Questions about mediation?
Clear answers to some of the questions people commonly ask before getting started.
Still unsure?
Begin with a private, complimentary 15-minute conversation.
Initial Intake and Assessment
Making sure mediation is suitable
Before mediation is arranged, each person attends a private and confidential Intake and Assessment appointment with Colleen.
This allows Colleen to understand each person’s circumstances and identify any safety concerns, barriers or other factors that could affect their participation.
The assessment determines whether the matter is suitable to proceed to joint mediation.
Section 60I Certificates
Understanding the requirements
In most parenting matters, parents are required to attempt Family Dispute Resolution before applying to the Family Court.
As a registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner, Colleen can issue a Section 60I Certificate when applicable. She will explain the different certificate outcomes and when they may apply.
Begin with a confidential 15 minute conversation
You do not need to know whether mediation is the right next step before making contact. Briefly discuss your circumstances, learn more about the process and find out what options may be available.