14/10/2016
When your relationship breaks down. What is the first step?
When your relationship breaks down it is an incredibly sad and tumultuous time in your life. There are so many things that need to be discussed and agreed upon and so many things to finalise.
Your emotions are all over the shop and you don't know what the first step should be. Don't worry this is very normal.
Family dispute resolution mediation (Family Mediation) can assist you to work through your concerns with the other parent and put into place some boundaries, rules, and plans for your child's upbringing in a confidential and private manner.
You may not have told your children, family or friends that you are separating and you don't where to start.
As a part of your parenting agreement we discuss the representation of the separation and how to best manage information given to the other parties affected by this decision. Separation effects not only the couple but their children, grand parents, uncles, aunties, friends and anyone else who has been a big part of you and your children's lives.
So where do you start? It is very important that the mediator you choose is registered with the Attorney General's Department as they are the only mediators who can issue a certificate 60i for you to progress the matter through the courts if it is required. Mediators are an independent party, they do not judge, and they do not give legal advice, they are there to listen and assist you to negotiate.
The family law court requires parents who want to alter a consent order or have separated to attend mediation and make a concerted effort to agree on each parties parental responsibility and access to the children. We can assist you to explore all options and we provide relevant developmental information regarding each of your children so you can make an informed decision throughout the planning and documentation stages.
Mediation is a private and confidential process which allows each party to freely express their opinions and emotions. We provide support for each party to assist them to move forward in a more positive direction. There are a few exceptions to the privacy rules which include if a party discloses that they want to self harm, harm another person, or there are allegations of abuse or neglect surrounding the children. In these instances all mediators and counsellors are required by law to report these matters to the relevant authorities to ensure everyone is safe and unharmed.
Some parents may not feel like they have the ability to negotiate with the other party. We can help you to find your communication style and your voice. Each party is given the opportunity to express themselves and identify their point of view. We put boundaries in place so that you can feel comfortable that you will be heard and that your opinion counts.
If you don't know where to start or what to expect please give us a call on 0432 216 408 and we can assist you to move your family forward. You can also visit our site at
