What is Parenting Plan Mediation?
A parenting plan documents the care arrangements of your children. Parenting plan mediation is a key component of family dispute resolution. Theoretically, parenting plans are useful in that they distil an agreement between you and your ex-partner about the parenting and care arrangements of your children.
A Parenting Plan Mediation is simply the negotiation and agreement between you and your ex-partner on those matters.
“The family law system in Australia is groaning under the weight of a vast backlog of more than 20,000 cases and families are waiting up to five years for bitter child custody and property disputes matters to be resolved.”
Sydney Morning Herald, 18 August 2020
Benefits of Child Custody Mediation and Co-Parenting Agreements
- Much more cost-effective compared to court proceedings
- Faster resolution of family disputes
- Maintains control over child custody decisions
- Will promote better co-parenting relationships
- Can create flexible and adaptable co-parenting agreements
- Way less stressful for your children and parents
Effective Co-Parenting Through Mediation
At Mediations Australia, we support separated parents in moving beyond conflict and building practical, long-term co-parenting solutions that truly work. We understand that separation is difficult—especially when children are involved. That’s why our approach is centred around cooperation, communication, and child-focused outcomes.
Our team of nationally accredited family dispute resolution practitioners facilitates structured, guided conversations between parents to help them reach mutual understanding and workable agreements. These aren’t one-size-fits-all plans; we take the time to understand your unique family dynamics, lifestyle demands, and the specific needs of your children. The goal is to develop clear, flexible parenting agreements that can adapt over time and reduce the potential for future conflict.
We help you establish communication protocols, decision-making strategies, and routines that prioritise your child’s wellbeing while ensuring both parents remain actively involved. This process allows both parties to feel heard and empowered—shifting the dynamic from adversarial to cooperative.
The result is more than just a signed agreement. It’s a practical roadmap that sets the tone for your family’s future. It’s a foundation of respect, shared responsibility, and peace of mind.
Whether you’re just beginning the separation process or seeking to update existing parenting arrangements, Mediations Australia offers an efficient, compassionate, and cost-effective alternative to court proceedings. With our expert guidance, you can make informed decisions together—reducing stress, avoiding legal battles, and focusing on what matters most: your children.
We offer services across Australia, in person or online, to make your family mediation journey as simple and accessible as possible.
Commonly Asked Questions
What to expect in parental mediation?
At Mediations Australia, our parental mediation process is designed to be supportive and effective. You can expect:
- A neutral, comfortable environment to ensure safety and open dialogue
- A skilled mediator guiding discussions
- Opportunity to express your concerns and needs
- Focus on creating a comprehensive parenting plan
- Exploration of various custody and visitation options
- Assistance in reaching mutually beneficial agreements
We strive to make the process less stressful than court proceedings, while ensuring the best interests of your children are prioritized. Book a free consultation to learn more about our tailored approach.
What are the disadvantages of mediation?
While mediation is generally beneficial, potential drawbacks include:
- It may not be suitable for high-conflict cases or those involving domestic violence
- Agreements aren’t automatically legally binding
- Success depends on both parties’ willingness to cooperate
However, at Mediations Australia, we mitigate these disadvantages by:
- Carefully assessing each case for mediation suitability
- Offering assistance in formalizing agreements through consent orders
- Employing skilled mediators trained in conflict resolution
Our team can help you determine if mediation is the right choice for your situation. Contact us for a free initial assessment.
How does parental mediation work?
At Mediations Australia, our parental mediation process typically involves:
- Initial consultation to assess your situation
- Preparation of both parties for the mediation process
- Mediation sessions where a neutral mediator facilitates discussions
- Exploration of various parenting arrangements
- Development of a comprehensive parenting plan
- Assistance in formalizing the agreement, if desired
We offer both face to face and ‘shuttle’ style mediation to suit your needs. Our experienced mediators guide you through each step, ensuring a focus on your children’s best interests. Schedule a free consultation to learn more about our process.
How much does mediation cost in Australia?
At Mediations Australia, we pride ourselves on offering cost-effective mediation services. While exact costs can vary depending on the complexity of your case, mediation is generally significantly less expensive than going to court. For example, taking a family law matter to court can cost upwards of $60,000, whereas our mediation services are a fraction of this cost.
We offer transparent pricing with no hidden charges. For a precise quote tailored to your specific situation, we recommend booking a free initial consultation with our team.
What are the 5 steps of mediation?
At Mediations Australia, our mediation process typically involves these key steps:
- Initial Consultation: We assess your situation and explain the process.
- Preparation: We help both parties gather necessary information and prepare for mediation.
- Mediation Sessions: Our skilled mediator facilitates discussions to address all aspects of your dispute.
- Agreement Drafting: We assist in creating a detailed agreement based on the outcomes of mediation.
- Finalization: We ensure the agreement is formalized and, if needed, validated by the appropriate court.
Our structured approach ensures efficient and effective resolution of your family law disputes. Contact us today to start your parenting plan mediation journey with a free consultation.
