Family & Divorce

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Mediation

At Stone Group Lawyers we want to find you the most cost effective and least emotional pathway to resolving your family law matter.

It is often the case that Family Dispute Resolution and mediation are positive methods separating partners use to reduce the duration of such a difficult period.

Mediation is a structured process where a trained mediator or Family Dispute Practitioner can assist you and your former partner to:

Identify and isolate the issues in dispute;
Explore various options;
Consider alternatives in resolving your dispute;
Make decisions in a well thought through process that reflects outcomes in the future; and
Negotiate in a calm and safe environment.

It is important to note that in almost all cases of mediation the content discussed is completely confidential. Therefore, if in the event you and your former partner are to go to court, they cannot rely on what you said in mediation.

Understanding Mediation

Laws Surrounding Mediation

As there are certain laws around when you do and do not need to attend mediation, our expert family lawyers are able to assist you in ensuring you comply. Our lawyers are able to refer you to the best mediators and practitioners in your local area.

For more information in relation to resolving your matter outside of court with mediation or Family Dispute Resolution, contact one of our family lawyers for a free 30 minute consultation on 1300 088 440.

Mediation - Coming To An Agreement

If you and your former partner are able to come to an agreement on parenting and/or property arrangements then we can assist you to make the arrangements binding through either a Binding Financial Agreement or Consent Orders. For more information on these, please click here.

Mediation - No Agreement Reached

If you and your former partner are not able to come to an agreement, it is often the case that one party will initiate court proceedings for a Judge to make the decision. The Family Law Act has made it compulsory for parents to attend Family Dispute Resolution if one parent wishes to file an application with the court for parenting orders.

In most cases if the parents are unable to agree at this mediation or if one parent does not participate / turn up, the other parent will receive a certificate which allows them to proceed with their application to court. If there is a risk of family violence, a parent seeking parenting orders is often exempt from this process.