Is Mediation Right for your Family Dispute? 
Take the self-assessment quiz today to find out.

Not at all. Booking a free 15-minute consultation call comes with no obligation to book a mediation service. The call will be used to identify your needs, discuss your options (some you may not be aware of) and only then discuss if your situation could benefit from mediation.

A parenting plan is a written agreement that sets out parenting arrangements for your child/ren. Your plan is created by you both with the help of Michelle.

One of the biggest benefits is that you and your former partner do not need to go to court to create one. Unless a court orders otherwise, you and your former partner can agree to change a parenting order by entering into a parenting plan. It is different from a parenting order, which is made by a court.

A parenting plan is not a legally enforceable agreement but can be turned into one if necessary. Michelle can advise on how this is done.

A parenting plan often includes, but not limited to:
- time your children spend with each of you
- Where your children attend kindergarten/ school
- Special days (Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, religious holidays, birthdays)
- How costs are shared
- How to co-parent
- Travel
- Communication
- Any other major decisions needed

The Family Law Act requires that parents that are not in agreement about their child’s parenting arrangements must attend mediation. They must also obtain a Certificate of Attendance (Section 60I Certificate) before an Application for a parenting Order, can be made to the court.

Michelle is registered and accredited to issue these certificates.

Mediation is not just for parents, it can also help bridge a divide when grandparents want to establish terms to see their grandchildren.

It is also an effective way for siblings and other family members to resolve differences with the help of an unbiased third party.

The cost of each intake session starts from $300 plus GST. And the cost of your mediation will be discussed during your initial phone consultation and your intake session, so your situation and requirements are better understood by Michelle.

The positives about this cost is that it is generally 50% less than the cost of using lawyers.

These costs can be paid for by either party or shared between both of you.

Generally, mediations often go 3-4 hours but it may be longer for complex issues. As a mediator, Michelle believes you have taken time out of your busy schedule to attend, so extends time as needed to reach decisions. Usually property / financial mediations take a few sessions.

Your intake session is private and confidential and not shared with your ex partner. If you are concerned about your safety, Michelle can help you create a safety plan confidentially. Michelle can help, as well, if an intervention order has been issued or will be needed. The exception to confidentiality is if there is anything discussed regarding harm to children or damage to property, as a mandatory reporter, it is Michelle’s duty of care to report this to the appropriate authorities.

Whilst children cannot attend the mediation, Michelle can set up a ‘child inclusive session’ where your child/children would speak to a child counsellor. The child counsellor would then come to mediation to deliver feedback to both parents. This is also much less stressful for children involved.

Michelle specialises in Family Law Mediations and her services include:

• Creating parenting plans
• Property settlements
• S60 (i) Certificates
• Legally assisted mediations
• Child access
• Divorce and separation coaching
• Conflict resolution for blended families (when there is re-mariages/re-parenting involved)
• Family mediations - mediations with elders/between family members

After your confidential intake session, Michelle will send a letter to your ex inviting them to participate. This will be followed up with another letter if phone contact cannot be made. Michelle will discuss with your ex the ramifications of not attending mediation.

This is another term for mediation that is often used.

Agreements made in mediation are good faith agreements. If you need something legally binding, Michelle will be able to assist you with specialist lawyers, if you do not have your own.

MSZ Mediation can conduct mediation over video conference should that be the most appropriate option.

Child inclusive mediation (CIM) is a process where children's voices are heard and considered in mediation sessions. It involves direct consultation with children to understand their feelings, needs, and perspectives, which are then integrated into the decision-making process.

This approach ensures that the children's best interests are at the forefront of any agreements made during mediation. It provides a platform for children to express their views and helps parents make informed decisions that consider the emotional and psychological well-being of their children.

In child-inclusive mediation, after initial intake sessions with the mediator, a trained mediator / child consultant engages with children, providing them with a safe and neutral space to express their feelings, concerns, and preferences regarding the family situation. The information gathered from these sessions is then incorporated into the overall mediation process, guiding the development of parenting plans and other agreements.

To empower children by ensuring their voices are heard and promoting more informed, child-centered decisions in the resolution of family conflicts.

The ultimate goal is to create parenting arrangements and decisions that prioritize the well-being and happiness of the children involved, promoting a more cooperative and supportive family environment.

- Empowerment: Children feel heard and valued in the process.
- Better Outcomes: Agreements are more likely to be adhered to when children’s needs are directly considered.
- Reduced Conflict: Understanding children’s perspectives can reduce parental conflict and lead to more amicable solutions.

While it can be beneficial for many, it may not be suitable in all cases, such as those involving significant conflict or safety concerns. Our mediator will assess the suitability of this approach on a case-by-case basis.

Our child consultants are trained professionals skilled in communicating with children. They use age-appropriate techniques to ensure that children feel comfortable and can express themselves freely. The consultants then accurately convey these views to the parents during mediation.

Typically, children aged 5 and above can participate in child-inclusive mediation, but this can vary based on individual maturity and circumstances. The decision is made collaboratively with the parents and the mediator..

Children's participation is voluntary, and their involvement is carefully managed to ensure they are not exposed to conflict or stress. Our child consultants provide a supportive environment and are trained to handle sensitive situations with care.

While children’s views are highly valued and considered, the final decisions rest with the parents. However, having a clear understanding of their children's needs and preferences often leads parents to make more child-focused decisions.

Our mediator can provide guidance on how to talk to your children about the process in a way that is reassuring and age-appropriate. We aim to make the experience as positive and constructive as possible for everyone involved.

Child-inclusive mediation recognizes the unique perspective of each child involved and aims to foster a more child-centered approach to family dispute resolution.