Gold Coast Mediation

Resolve Your Dispute with our
Gold Coast Mediation Services

We Are Family Lawyers

Because of our experience both practising family law and working as mediators, Mediations Australia can tailor our dispute resolution processes to your situation.

But We’re Not Really Family Lawyers

While mediation aims to produce a ‘win-win’ situation for both parties, going to court for an adversarial hearing leads to a decision that produces a winner and a loser. At Mediations Australia we are all about a resolution that works for both parties and prevents further legal action in court, which is expensive and time-consuming. Our objective is always to sort out your family dispute as promptly as possible.

We Don’t Play Like Family Lawyers

Litigation can cost anywhere from a minimum of $60,000 upwards, not including ‘hidden’ legal costs. In comparison dispute resolution is much more affordable and we are always transparent from the start about our fees, with no extra, hidden charges. This is reflected in practices such as collaborative law, where everyone involved makes a prior agreement to seek a solution rather than move the matter to the courts, and family law arbitration, which resembles a court judgment but is faster and more accessible to the parties than the family court.

We have a number of mediation rooms across the Gold Coast and can organise the sessions at venues convenient to you. If you have more questions about our dispute resolution processes or anything else relating to your family dispute, contact the Gold Coast of Mediations Australia today on 1300 242 494.

What is the difference between Mediation and Family Dispute Resolution?

While often used interchangeably, these terms have subtle differences:

• Mediation is a broader term covering all types of dispute resolution
• Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) is specifically for family law matters
• FDR practitioners must have specialized accreditation
• FDR can issue Section 60I certificates
• Mediation can be used for any dispute type

What is the process of Mediation?

At Mediations Australia, our mediation process follows these key steps:

1. Initial Assessment Call (free consultation)
2. Individual Intake Sessions
3. Joint Mediation Session, which includes:
   • Opening statements
   • Issue identification
   • Option exploration
   • Agreement development
4. Documentation of Outcomes

What are Section 60(i) Certificates?

Section 60I certificates are legal documents that:

• Confirm you’ve attempted family dispute resolution
• Are required before filing parenting matters in court
• Can be issued for various reasons including: • Genuine effort to participate • Other party’s refusal to attend • Matter unsuitable for FDR
• Valid for 12 months from issue date

Are all cases suitable for Mediation?

Not all family matters are appropriate for mediation. Factors that may make mediation unsuitable include:

• Family violence concerns
• Power imbalances between parties
• Mental health issues affecting capacity
• Risk to child safety
• Complex fraud allegations
• Urgent court intervention needed

What are the fees for Mediation?

Our transparent fee structure includes:

• Initial consultation: Free
• Intake sessions: $350 plus GST per party
• Full day mediation: $2,000 – $3,000 plus GST (shared between parties)
• Section 60I certificate: Included in service
• Additional sessions if needed: Quoted upfront
• No hidden costs or surprise fees

Consider mediation as an investment – traditional court proceedings can cost $60,000+ per party.

How can I persuade the other party to engage a mediator?

Propose it, but in a way that doesn’t give the impression of weakness. This can be accomplished by demonstrating why it makes sense for both the other side and yourself. The following are the most prevalent reasons for engaging in dispute resolution mediation:

• It optimises the odds of reaching an agreement – if there are any – and maintains everyone’s costs to a minimum
• It keeps problems from spiraling out of hand.
• If a lawsuit has been filed, it is in your favour to show to the Court that you have strived to reach a settlement as soon as possible.

Although there is a cost aspect, it is little when compared to the rewards attainable and the alternative of litigation.

How effective is mediation?

In a word, extremely. Most mediation provider organisations that have done research on the success rate of mediation say it has an 85 percent likelihood of working. This is because when parties are in a position where they all feel empowered to negotiate successfully and achieve their goals, they are more likely to succeed. Mediation gives you that authority.

What should I do to get ready for a mediation?

If you are legally represented and want your family lawyer to attend the mediation, you will be guided by your lawyer. Whether or not legal counsel is present, mediation is a collaborative effort to find a solution rather than a chance to score points against the other side. That isn’t to suggest that all sides shouldn’t be given the chance to present their case, defend their points, and express their feelings — these are all valuable and cathartic experiences. The most important thing to remember is to arrive at the mediation after thoroughly preparing and deciding what you require as a basic minimum. And don’t think of the mediator as an adversary or a tool to represent you; you must have faith in the mediator, knowing that anything you say in confidence will be kept private unless and until you give the mediator permission to reveal it.

When is it appropriate for me to mediate?

In general, the earlier, the better. When there is a disagreement, tensions tend to rise with time, making a resolution more difficult to achieve the longer a dialogue is postponed. It’s akin to any dispute, the longer it lingers the worse it gets. It is typically easier to avoid issues than it is to solve them once they have developed. However, there are times when facts must be clarified before a fruitful discussion can take place.

Is mediation a good idea?

Mediation is a useful method for attempting to resolve a dispute when private negotiation has failed. In many cases, Mediation is a party’s last chance to resolve a dispute before going to court.

The Courts are also aware of the benefits of Mediation, and in most cases, if the parties have not already done so (or even if they have), the Court will order the parties to return to Mediation before the matter proceeds through the Court system, with the goal of resolving the matter for the least amount of money and with the least amount of exposure for the parties to the stress and delays of Court proceedings.

Is it possible to compel me to attend mediation?

Unless your situation falls under one of the exceptions listed above, you must first try to resolve your differences with your former partner through Family Dispute Resolution before seeking parenting orders from the court. You do not need to restart the FDR process if you have already completed Family Dispute Resolution or had parenting orders issued in the previous 12 months.

When you begin the legal process in a property settlement lawsuit, the court will almost always mandate mediation before your case can be heard in front of a judge.

In family law cases, mediation is typically the most expedient and cost-effective means to reach an agreement. Mediation is a good concept and a good investment for most people, regardless of whether or not the Court requires it.

Is a settlement obtained through mediation legally enforceable?

Mediation agreements are not legally enforceable until they are formalised in a fashion that is recognised by the Family Law Courts.

A binding financial agreement between you and your partner, or a Consent Order from the Court, can be used to formalise a property settlement. The former will be recognised by the court, but it will be more difficult to enforce than a Consent Order.

The Family Law Act requires you to enter into a Parenting Plan when it comes to children’s issues. Your Parenting Plan can be formalised and incorporated in Consent Orders, making it easier to enforce the agreement.

The court will expect you to have had independent legal advice and will assess the agreement to ensure it is just and equitable before issuing a Consent Order, whether for a property settlement or a Parenting Plan. Non-compliance might result in fines if your agreement is embodied in a Consent Order.

At Mediations Australia, we can assist in the drafting of the agreement.

Is it necessary for me to be in the same room as my ex?

Certainly not. The mediator can “shuttle” between two different rooms if necessary, or you can use teleconferencing. If you are concerned about your safety, you can have a plan put in place to protect you, which includes following any Apprehended Domestic Violence Order.

What is Child Inclusive Mediation, and how does it work?

You or your former partner may choose Child Inclusive Mediation if it is appropriate. Your children are welcome to attend and participate in this sort of mediation. Separately from you and your former partner, the mediator will speak with your children. Your children may be included in the general conversations by the mediator.

In some circumstances, such as when your children are extremely small, Child Inclusive Mediation will not be appropriate.