Family Mediation Helps You Move Forward
Child-focused Family Dispute Resolution across Northern Sydney and the Central Coast NSW
Separation can be one of the most difficult times for a family, especially when there are disagreements about parenting arrangements, finances, or the future care of your children.
North Shore Family Mediation is a child-focused Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) practice committed to helping separating couples reach practical, workable agreements in a safe, respectful and supportive environment.
We provide Family Mediation services throughout Northern Sydney and the Central Coast NSW, including face-to-face and online mediation options.
Are you struggling to reach agreement?
You may benefit from Family Mediation if:
- You and your former partner are unable to agree about care arrangements for your childen.
- You are experiencing conflict about the division of property or finances.
- Communication between you has broken down.
- You are considering going to Court but would prefer to resolve matters in a more collaborative way.
- Conflict is affecting your children or family relationships.
- You or your children feel unsafe, threatened or unable to negotiate directly.
- An AVO has been issued or there are concerns about safety
How might Family Mediation help?
Family Dispute Resolution provides separating families with an opportunity to resolve issues outside of the Court system wherever possible.
Mediation can:
Help you reach decisions together
A Family Resolution Practitioner is an impartial facilitator who helps both parties communicate, identify issues and work towards agreements that consider the needs and best interests of your children.
Keep important decisions in your hands
Rather than having deeply personal family decisions determined by a Court, mediation empowers you and your former partner to create arrangments that are realistic and sustainable for your family.
Save time and expense
Family Dispute Resolution is often significantly more cost effective than lengthy legal negotiations or Court proceedings, where costs can become quite substantial.
Provide a supportive and confidential process
With a private mediation practice, you can usually begin the process promptly and have the same practitioner guide you from your initial enquiry through to agreement being reached or, where appropriate, the issuing of a Section 60I Certificate.
A safe approach to mediation
Safety is central to every mediation process.
If either person feels unable or unwilling to negotiate together in the same room, alternatives may be available, inlcuding:
- Shuttle mediation, where each person participates separately.
- Online mediation sessions via Zoom.
The wellbeing of everyone involved is carefully considered throughout the process.
Keeping children at the centre
When parenting arrangements are being discussed, the best interests of your children are always the primary consideration.
Where appropriate, and with the consent of parents, trained Child Consultants may be involved to hear children's views, concerns and needs and help ensure their voices are considered during the mediation process.
Learn more about Family Mediation
You may have questions such as:
- What is Family Mediation?
- What is the role of the Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner?
- What is Child Inclusive Practice?
- What areParenting Plans?
- What are Consent Orders?
- How does Domestic Violence affect mediation?
- How can counselling support my family during separation?
More helpful resources
Read our latest articles on parenting, separation and family relationships:
Link to latest Parenting Blog now available.
If you would like to discuss further whether Family Mediation may be suitable for your situation, contact North Shore Family Mediation for a confidential discussion using the form provided.
