Parenting Mediation

Clarity Mediation Centre provides parenting mediation services on the Gold Coast and online across Australia, assisting separating parents to resolve disputes relating to the care and arrangements for their children.

Parenting mediation (also known as Family Dispute Resolution) is a structured and confidential process where an independent mediator assists parents to discuss issues arising from separation and explore practical solutions for their children’s future care.

Mediation allows parents to work towards agreements regarding parenting arrangements without the need for court proceedings.

What is Parenting Mediation?

Parenting mediation is a process where a neutral mediator helps parents discuss and negotiate arrangements for their children following separation.

During mediation, the mediator facilitates discussion between the parties and assists them to explore possible solutions that may meet the needs of both parents and children.

The mediator does not make decisions or impose outcomes. Instead, the mediator supports the parties to communicate effectively and consider practical options for reaching agreement.

Parenting mediation focuses on the best interests of the children while helping parents develop workable arrangements moving forward.

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Issues That Can Be Discussed At Parenting Mediation

Parenting mediation can assist parents to resolve a range of issues relating to the care of their children.

Common topics discussed during mediation include:

where the children will live
time spent with each parent
communication between parents
school and education decisions
medical and health decisions
holiday and special occasion arrangements
travel arrangements

Through mediation, parents may be able to develop practical parenting arrangements that support the wellbeing and stability of their children.

Benefits of Parenting Mediation

Parenting mediation may offer several advantages compared with court proceedings.

These may include:

a confidential and structured process
reduced legal costs
faster resolution of parenting disputes
greater flexibility in parenting arrangements
a less adversarial process for parents and children

Mediation can often help parents maintain a more constructive relationship moving forward, which can be beneficial for children following separation.

Parenting Plans and Agreements

Where parents reach agreement during mediation, the arrangements may be recorded in a parenting plan or used as the basis for consent orders if the parties wish to formalise the agreement through the court.

Parenting plans can provide a flexible framework for parents to manage parenting arrangements and may assist in reducing future conflict.

Many parents find that reaching agreement through mediation allows them to develop arrangements that better reflect their family’s needs.

Family Dispute Resolution and The Act

Under the Family Law Act, parties are generally required to attempt Family Dispute Resolution before commencing parenting proceedings in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.

Family Dispute Resolution provides parents with an opportunity to resolve disputes regarding their children before resorting to court proceedings.

Where appropriate, an accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner may issue a Section 60I certificate following the mediation process.

Online Parenting Mediation Across Australia

Parenting mediation can be conducted in person on the Gold Coast or online across Australia using secure video conferencing.

Online mediation is often suitable where:

parents live in different cities or states
travel to a mediation location is difficult
parents prefer not to attend mediation together in person

Online Family Dispute Resolution follows the same structured process as in-person mediation.

Book Parenting Mediation

If you are seeking assistance to resolve parenting arrangements following separation, you can contact Clarity Mediation Centre to arrange an intake appointment.

Parenting mediation services are available on the Gold Coast and online across Australia.

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Frequently Asked Questions