Resolve disputes and conflicts with our experienced Mediator

What is Mediation?
Mediation is the process that allows people in conflict to effectively communicate with each other to sort out their differences.

Mediation:
• Is a fair and productive process designed to assist parties to reach agreement.
• Is confidential.
• Involves an impartial third person, the mediator, who will assist you in a non-judgmental, non-bias way to discuss your issues.
• Is voluntary and as a result both parties attending have a genuine commitment to finding a solution.

Why Mediate?
Being in conflict is stressful. Mediation may resolve your conflict and alleviate this stress. At times when you are involved in a conflict emotion may get in the way of you being able to effectively communicate with the other person. You may need the help of a neutral third party to restore communication. Sometimes conflicts may proceed to a costly court hearing. Mediation may alleviate the need for this if both parties can sit down and discuss the issues and come to agreement. When two parties mediate to reach agreement the outcome is one that they have agreed on. It is not a decision that is imposed upon them over which they have little control like decisions made by a judge.

What type of disputes can be mediated?
• Family conflicts
• Parenting and custody disputes
• Property
• Workplace disagreements
• Neighbourhood disputes
• Contractual disputes
• Compensation claims
• Building and rental disagreements
• Debt/finance recovery
• Commercial and industrial disputes

Advantages of Mediation
• Mediation allows you to decide on the outcome of your dispute
• Improves communication and teaches you how to resolve and reduce conflict for the future.
• Alleviates the stress associated with being in conflict
• May prevent you having to take your matter to court (which is costly both in time and money)
• It’s cost effective
• It’s time effective (unlike matters that go to court which can drag on for months or even years)
• It’s fair and unbiased
• Allows you to move past distress & get on with your life

How Long Does Mediation Take?
Each mediation session is unique and varies in duration but most sessions take at least 4 hours including a refreshment break.

How Much Does Mediation Cost?
Please contact the centre for a comprehensive outline of our unbeatable fees and charges.  

What is Compulsory Family Dispute Resolution?
When parents separate and go to court, the court will now order Family Dispute Resolution. This is a compulsory mediation process that gives separating couples the opportunity to resolve issues. They may devise a parenting plan between themselves that suits both parents instead of a judge determining such crucial issues. The couple may choose how assets are divided and the terms of custody arrangements. Couples have the flexibility to work together towards an outcome that suits them. An experienced mediation practitioner will assist in this process by discussing issues, exploring options, and developing arrangements for your children.

Reaching an agreement via mediation may mean that you will not have to proceed to the court. This will save you time and money and give you peace of mind.

If you want to apply to the court for a parenting order (and you had not applied before 1 July 2007) you will need a certificate from a registered family dispute resolution provider. The Counselling and Wellbeing Centre (CWC) can provide you with this certificate.