About Appointments
If you are considering using the services of a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP), then an initial phone call is the usual way to start. The best number to contact Christine is 0418 226 961. Please leave a message if Christine is unavailable at the time of your call and your call will be returned as soon as possible.
Alternatively, you may use the form available to request an appointment.
The FDRP will assess whether your situation is suitable for mediation and will invite you to take part in an intake session. During this first meeting, the FDRP will guide you through a formal assessment process to determine if your case is suitable for mediation and you are in a good position to negotiate with your former partner.
The other party will then be invited to attend their own intake session. This again is to assess if mediation is appropriate and if they are willing and able to negotiate with you.
How might Family Mediation help me?
- Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) is more cost effective than engaging lawyers.
- Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) enables you and your partner to make decisions that are in the best interests of your children in a way that works as well as possible for the whole family.
- A Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner is impartial and will be an advocate to help both of you make decisions for best possible outcomes.
- You are empowered to make decisions that will affect your family well into the future without having very personal decisions taken out of your hands by a judiciary system.
- With a private practice such as North Shore Family Mediation, you will be able to start the mediation process promptly with no delay and will have the same practitioner take you through your mediation process from first contact until agreement is reached or Section 60I Certificate is issued.
- North Shore Family Mediation offers a safe environment for couples to negotiate a workable outcome for the care of your children and the fair division of property.
- If either party is feeling unsafe, unwilling or unable in any way to negotiate face to face in the same room, then a shuttle mediation process can be facilitated, or telephone or Skype mediation sessions can also be conducted.
- Safety is a prime concern for any mediation process.
- The best interests of your children are always the first consideration in any mediation session that involves the care of children.
- Trained Child Consultants are available to hear your children's concerns and needs, and be a "voice" on their behalf if and when appropriate (with your consent).
- For more information, please visit Family Relationships Online.
Key questions you may be asking
What is the role of the Mediator?
What is Child Inclusive Practice?
Click here for more answers to some other questions you may have:
Christine Bennett offers Family Dispute Resolution and Marriage Counselling in Crows Nest and Central Coast NSW.