How long does it take?
Mediation can be arranged quickly and there are no lengthy waiting lists.
How does it work?
Step one – individual assessments which means you each see the mediator separately first.
This allows you to:
It also allows the mediator to assess whether or not mediation is appropriate in your circumstance.
The assessment usually takes about an hour and a half.
Step two – confirming the mediation and preparing - the individual assessments allow the mediator to tailor the mediation to meet your individual needs.
Step three – the joint mediation.
This can be conducted with everyone sitting in the same room, with lawyers or just the two of you and the mediator depending on what has been discussed and agreed, or it can be conducted with the parties in separate rooms if you are more comfortable with that. The mediator then moves between the two rooms.
The Joint session will involve:
Agreements Reached in FDR
The joint session can take anything from 1 hour to 6 hours depending on how you feel and how complex the issues are. We generally recommend that, if there are numerous complex issues, the mediation be broken up into 3 hour segments, otherwise it can be very draining. Ultimately though this decision is yours.
Mediation can be arranged quickly and there are no lengthy waiting lists.
How does it work?
Step one – individual assessments which means you each see the mediator separately first.
This allows you to:
- Ask your questions and tell your story to the mediator without worrying about what the other person thinks;
- Spend some time getting to know the mediator, understand the process and address your concerns; and
- Prepare for the joint mediation and identify what is important to you.
It also allows the mediator to assess whether or not mediation is appropriate in your circumstance.
The assessment usually takes about an hour and a half.
Step two – confirming the mediation and preparing - the individual assessments allow the mediator to tailor the mediation to meet your individual needs.
Step three – the joint mediation.
This can be conducted with everyone sitting in the same room, with lawyers or just the two of you and the mediator depending on what has been discussed and agreed, or it can be conducted with the parties in separate rooms if you are more comfortable with that. The mediator then moves between the two rooms.
The Joint session will involve:
- Allowing each person to speak and identify their issues and concerns;
- Full discussion of all these issues;
- Identification of various options and discussion of the pros and cons;
- Negotiating a mutually acceptable agreement with discussion on how this will be formalised and next steps.
Agreements Reached in FDR
- Any agreement you reach can be recorded. It should be in writing, dated and signed by both parties.
- Your agreement (or parenting plan if it revolves around children) can be renegotiated over time.
- There are particular rules relating to child support agreements. Your FDRP will give you some information about this.
- If you want it to be legally binding, you can apply to court to have it made a consent order. You can do this yourself or ask a lawyer to do it for you.
The joint session can take anything from 1 hour to 6 hours depending on how you feel and how complex the issues are. We generally recommend that, if there are numerous complex issues, the mediation be broken up into 3 hour segments, otherwise it can be very draining. Ultimately though this decision is yours.