What is Family Law Mediation, and how does it work?
Family Law Mediation is a form of ‘ADR’ or alternative dispute resolution. Family Law Mediation works by providing a forum for parties to address and resolve a dispute with the support of their Family Law Lawyers and without need for litigation.
What happens if mediation fails?
If a family dispute is unable to be resolved through mediation, the conflicting parties will need to then issue proceedings in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.
What are the benefits of family mediation sessions?
Family mediation, also often referred to as alternative dispute resolution sessions, are a cost-effective method of ensuring family disputes are settled without the need for litigation. Mediation can support families in resolving conflicts that may negatively impact separation or divorce proceedings.
Oxford Partners is conveniently situated on Little Lonsdale Street, nestled in the bustling centre of Melbourne’s CBD, just a stone’s throw away from Flagstaff Station. This prime location ensures seamless accessibility whether you’re travelling by train, tram, car, or by foot if you prefer to take a leisurely stroll through the city. Additionally, its proximity to the serene Flagstaff Gardens offers a nearby escape to nature, allowing for a perfect balance between urban convenience and natural tranquillity.
What can I expect from my first family mediation session?
Similar to couples therapy sessions, the goal of all Family Law mediators is to ensure that the best interests and welfare of all parties are adequately represented. Unlike couples therapists, Family Law mediators ensure these interests are represented not just in mediation sessions, but specifically throughout your wider separation or divorce proceedings as well. It is likely that you won’t have to do much talking in your first family mediation session, and that your selected family mediator will spend time establishing the rules behind sessions, as well as the tone in which future sessions are to be conducted.
How can I prepare for family mediation?
When preparing for a mediation session, practising active listening and emotional regulation is just as important as coming prepared with the correct documentation and information required throughout your separation or divorce proceedings. It is also worth noting that mediation sessions can often last over an hour and can be emotionally taxing on occasions, so make sure to schedule with plenty of time before and after your session for your own personal wellbeing.
How much do family mediation sessions cost?
The costs of family mediation sessions are dictated by the nature of the disputes that both parties are looking to resolve through mediation, as well as the length of sessions. As family mediation sessions are conducted with an intent to resolve disputes between two parties, the costs associated with family mediation are generally shared by the two concerned parties themselves, that is unless a financial arrangement has been agreed upon prior to mediation.
Is family mediation mandatory, or is it possible to take your case straight to family court?
Whilst it is possible to take your divorce or separation case straight to Family Court, family mediation sessions are generally recommended for families across Victoria as the sessions are an immensely cost-effective solution to managing conflicting needs during divorce or separation proceedings.
What do you wear to family mediation?
When you attend family mediation it’s important to appear well groomed and wear somewhat conservative clothing like a button-down shirt, slacks and enclosed shoes.
What are some tips for a successful family mediation?
Family mediation is a straightforward and cost-effective way to find a resolution regarding financial and child custody issues during legal separation or divorce. For family mediation to succeed, it’s important to keep the following things in mind: gather all the required information and documentation ahead of time make a list of all the matters you want to be resolved at mediation approach any discussions or ideas with a calm and cooperative mindset. With these tips and the support and guidance of your family lawyer you can increase your chances of a successful family mediation.
How can family mediation help me?
Family mediation facilitates negotiations between couples where both parties are seeking a mutually agreeable way to divide their assets and share parenting responsibilities for their children. Family mediation can help couples maintain important relationships with each other and with their children after a separation or divorce by fostering communication, understanding and cooperation. If you’re looking for a way to avoid the expense and stress of a high conflict family law battle, consider alternatives such as family mediation.
What questions might I be asked during family mediation?
The mediator will have both parties in attendance to describe the situation from their perspective, to explain what they need to achieve a settlement, and to describe any other issues they feel are of importance. Together with the mediator, each of you will develop proposals for resolving problems related to child custody and access, parenting time arrangements for the children, spousal support or maintenance payments between spouses, division of assets and debts and any other relevant issues.
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