Parenting Mediation Services (Family Dispute Resolution)

Support for parents who want to talk about children’s arrangements in a calm, structured and confidential setting.

At every stage, the best interests and safety of children guide the process.

Accredited FDR practitioners | Section 60I certificates available where appropriate.

An FDR practitioner facilitates the discussion and helps you record any agreements you choose to make.

You can seek independent legal advice at any time.

How the mediation process works for parenting:

We meet each parent separately to understand your situation, check suitability and safety, and discuss any adjustments you may need.

We clarify topics, children’s needs and any supports or referrals required (legal advice can be sought at any stage).

A facilitated discussion between parents focused on children’s best interests. Sessions can be in the same room, separate rooms or online.

We prepare a written parenting plan or summary of agreements you can formalise with legal advice if desired.

If mediation does not proceed, an FDRP may issue a Section 60I certificate.

We help parents consider children’s needs, routines and wellbeing when discussing arrangements.

Where appropriate, we explore age-appropriate ways to hear and consider children’s views—always with care and without placing pressure on them. Parents remain the decision-makers.

Child Inclusive Mediation

(where suitable)

Sometimes it’s helpful for children to have a safe, confidential space to talk with a trained child consultant about how things are going for them.

With the child’s consent, the consultant shares key themes (not the child’s private words) with the parents and the FDR practitioner so their perspective can be considered when decisions are made.

Children are never asked to choose between parents or to take sides—the aim is to gently bring their experience into the conversation.

Suitability, safety and consent apply. We only proceed where it is appropriate and safe. This approach is generally most suitable for school-aged children.

Child Enhanced Mediation

(no direct child involvement)

In child-enhanced mediation, a child specialist meets with parents—not the child—to help understand how separation and conflict may be affecting your child.

They offer practical insights and guidance so you can make decisions with your child’s wellbeing at the centre, without involving the child directly.

Before any joint session, each parent attends a separate preliminary meeting.

We use this to understand what matters to you, check suitability and safety, and consider any adjustments (e.g. separate rooms/online, staggered arrivals, support people). FDR proceeds only where appropriate.

Who is parenting mediation for?

What we can work through:

Frequently asked questions

Mediation is confidential and the discussions are inadmissible in court to support open discussion. There are legal limits to confidentiality (for example, where there are concerns about risk or safety). We explain these limits clearly at intake.

In most parenting matters, parties must attempt FDR before applying to court for parenting orders.

If mediation is not appropriate, does not proceed or no agreement is made, an FDR practitioner may issue a Section 60I certificate. We’ll discuss this with you during your preliminary meeting.

We’ll confirm fees and an indicative schedule at the preliminary meeting so you can plan with confidence. Our goal is to keep discussions focused and cost-effective. 

Pets are part of the family, and it can be hard to work out arrangements during separation or conflict.

What we can help with (parenting context):

  • Day-to-day routines around the children (e.g., when pets are with each household)

  • Handovers and house rules that affect the pet

  • Safety and wellbeing considerations for children and pets

In most parenting matters, parties must attempt FDR before applying to court for parenting orders.

If mediation is not appropriate, does not proceed or no agreement is made, an FDR practitioner may issue a Section 60I certificate. 

No. We can discuss child-inclusive or child-enhanced approaches where appropriate, voluntary and safe. Parents remain the decision-makers.

No. You can seek independent legal advice at any time. We can also facilitate legally assisted mediation where appropriate.

Yes, we offer secure online sessions as well as in-person options. Shuttle options are offered where appropriate.

We can prepare a written parenting plan or summary of agreements you choose to make. Your lawyer can advise on making any agreement legally binding.

The first step is to book a confidential consultation.

We'll discuss your situation and whether FDR is suitable. Children’s best interests remain central at every step.