At Mediations Australia, our team of experienced Perth family lawyers and nationally accredited mediators offers a smarter, more cost-effective approach to resolving family law disputes throughout Western Australia.
Unlike traditional family law firms that focus primarily on litigation, our Perth-based family law practitioners specialise in early resolution strategies through mediation and collaborative law. This approach helps Perth families resolve their disputes faster, with less stress, and at a fraction of the cost of going to the Family Court of Western Australia.
Perth’s family law landscape has changed dramatically. The Family Court of Western Australia now strongly encourages—and in most parenting matters, requires—parties to attempt Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) before filing court applications. At Mediations Australia, we’ve built our entire practice around this modern, resolution-focused approach.
Our Perth family lawyers understand that when you’re going through separation or divorce, you need practical solutions—not prolonged legal battles that drain your finances and emotional wellbeing. Here’s what sets us apart:
Our Perth family lawyers provide comprehensive assistance across all areas of family law. Whether your matter involves children, property, or financial arrangements, we have the expertise to help you achieve a fair resolution.
If you’re considering divorce in Perth, our experienced divorce lawyers can guide you through the entire process.
Under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), you must be separated from your spouse for at least 12 months before you can apply for divorce. The separation period proves to the Court that the marriage has irretrievably broken down.
It’s important to understand that divorce is a separate legal process from property settlement and parenting arrangements. Many Perth couples are surprised to learn that obtaining a divorce order doesn’t automatically divide their assets or determine arrangements for their children—these matters must be addressed separately.
Critical time limits apply: You have 12 months from the date your divorce becomes final to apply for property settlement orders. For de facto couples, the time limit is 2 years from the date of separation. Missing these deadlines can significantly impact your entitlements, which is why we recommend seeking advice from our Perth divorce lawyers as early as possible.
If you’re facing a family law matter in Perth, don’t navigate it alone. The team at Mediations Australia offers a free initial consultation to discuss your situation and explain your options.
We ensure fair and equitable division of assets, handling every detail meticulously. Our transparent pricing starts at $2,000 + GST per individual.
We streamline the divorce application process, managing all paperwork and court representations to make it as smooth as possible.
For families with children, we prioritize creating workable parenting plans that uphold the best interests of the children. We draft agreements covering custody, visitation, education, and healthcare, minimizing disruptions in children’s lives.
Mediation is a cost-effective alternative to court battles. Our mediators facilitate discussions to help parties reach mutually agreeable solutions, saving money and reducing emotional strain.
At Mediations Australia, we believe mediation should be your first consideration when dealing with family law disputes—not a last resort. Here’s why our Perth clients consistently find mediation more effective than litigation:
Cost Savings
Court proceedings in the Family Court of Western Australia are expensive. Legal fees, court filing fees, expert reports, and barrister fees can quickly escalate into tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. Mediation typically costs a fraction of this amount, leaving more of your family’s assets intact for your future.
Faster Resolution
A contested family law matter in the Family Court of WA can take 12-36 months or longer to reach trial. During this time, you’re living with uncertainty while your legal costs mount. Mediation can often resolve matters in a matter of weeks, allowing you to move forward with your life.
You Stay in Control
In mediation, you and your former partner work together to create solutions that work for your family. In court, a judge who doesn’t know your family makes decisions for you. Mediated agreements tend to be more durable because both parties have ownership of the outcome.
Better for Children
Research consistently shows that children fare better when their parents can communicate and cooperate effectively. Mediation helps preserve (or rebuild) your co-parenting relationship, which benefits your children in the long term. Court battles, on the other hand, often entrench conflict and make future cooperation more difficult.
Confidentiality
Mediation is confidential. What’s discussed in mediation stays in mediation (with limited exceptions). Court proceedings, by contrast, are generally public and can result in written judgments that remain on the record.
Going through separation or divorce is stressful enough without trying to figure out which legal process is right for you. Should you try mediation? What about collaborative law? Do you need to go to court? The Resolution Path Assessment Quiz takes the guesswork out of this decision.
In just 2-3 minutes, you’ll answer 10 straightforward questions about your situation. The quiz asks about things that actually matter—how well you and your former partner communicate, whether there are any safety concerns, how complex your finances are, and how urgent your matter is. There are no trick questions and no wrong answers. You simply select the option that best describes your circumstances.
Once you’ve completed the assessment, you’ll receive a personalised recommendation explaining whether mediation, collaborative law, or court proceedings might be the most suitable path forward. You’ll see a clear breakdown showing how your answers shaped the recommendation, along with practical information about what that option involves, its benefits, and realistic expectations around timeframes and costs.
The quiz isn’t about pushing you toward any particular outcome. If your situation genuinely requires court intervention—for example, due to safety concerns or an uncooperative former partner—the assessment will tell you that honestly. The goal is simply to help you understand your options so you can make informed decisions about your family’s future.
Your responses are completely confidential. Nothing is stored or shared—the quiz runs entirely in your browser.
Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or you’ve already begun the separation process, this quick assessment can provide valuable clarity on the best way forward. Take the quiz, get your results, and if you’d like to discuss them further, book a free consultation with our team.
Answer a few questions to discover the best approach for your family law matter
This confidential assessment will help you understand whether mediation, collaborative law, or court proceedings might be the most suitable path for your situation.
Property settlement is often the most significant financial matter you’ll deal with during separation. Our Perth property settlement lawyers help you navigate the complex process of dividing assets, liabilities, and financial resources fairly and efficiently.
The Family Court of Western Australia follows a four-step process when determining property settlement:
Our Perth family lawyers have extensive experience with complex property settlements, including those involving business interests, company and trust structures, superannuation splitting, and high-value asset pools. We work with trusted accountants, valuers, and financial planners to ensure you receive a fair outcome.
When it comes to your children, finding workable parenting arrangements is paramount. Our Perth parenting lawyers understand that children’s matters require a sensitive, child-focused approach that prioritises the best interests of your children above all else.
Following significant amendments to the Family Law Act 1975 that came into effect in May 2024, the Family Court now focuses on six key considerations when making parenting orders:
Our Perth parenting lawyers can help you develop practical parenting plans that address day-to-day care, school holidays, special occasions, and major decisions about your children’s education, health, and welfare.
Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) is a form of mediation specifically designed to help separating families reach agreements without going to court. In Western Australia, FDR is not just an option—it’s a legal requirement for most parenting matters.
Mandatory FDR Requirements in Western Australia
Under Australian family law, you cannot apply to the Family Court of Western Australia for parenting orders unless you have first attempted FDR and obtained a certificate from an accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner. This requirement applies to:
Section 60I and Section 66H Certificates Explained
The type of FDR certificate you need depends on your circumstances:
Section 60I Certificates: Apply under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) for parents who have been married. These certificates are issued by accredited FDR practitioners nationally.
Section 66H Certificates: Apply under the Family Court Act 1997 (WA) for parents who have never been married to each other. These are specific to Western Australia’s family law jurisdiction.
At Mediations Australia, our Perth-based FDR practitioners are registered to issue both types of certificates. The certificate will indicate one of several outcomes, including that you both attended and made a genuine effort, that one party refused to attend, or that FDR was not appropriate due to concerns such as family violence.
Exemptions from FDR
The Family Court of Western Australia will accept applications without an FDR certificate in limited circumstances:
The FDR Process with Mediations Australia
Our Perth FDR process is designed to help you resolve your dispute efficiently while ensuring both parties feel heard and respected:
Child Support Disputes
Child support matters can be complex and emotionally charged. Our Perth family lawyers have extensive experience dealing with child support issues through Services Australia (formerly the Child Support Agency), the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, and the Family Court. We can help you understand your obligations, challenge an assessment, or pursue enforcement if the other parent isn’t meeting their responsibilities.
Family Violence Restraining Orders
Family violence is never acceptable, and protecting yourself and your children is paramount. Our Perth lawyers can assist with both Family Violence Restraining Orders (FVROs) and Violence Restraining Orders (VROs) under Western Australian law. Family violence encompasses more than physical abuse—it includes behaviour that coerces, controls, or causes fear, including financial, emotional, and psychological abuse.
De Facto Relationship Disputes
De facto couples in Western Australia have similar rights to married couples when it comes to property settlement. Generally, you must have lived together for at least two years in a genuine domestic relationship for the Family Court to recognise your de facto status, though exceptions exist. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, our Perth family lawyers can assess your situation and advise on your options.
Grandparents and Extended Family
Family law recognises that grandparents and other significant people can play important roles in children’s lives. If you’re a grandparent seeking to maintain or establish a relationship with your grandchildren, or if you’re another family member concerned about a child’s welfare, our Perth team can help you understand your rights and options.
Consent Orders and Binding Financial Agreements
Once you’ve reached agreement—whether through mediation or negotiation—you’ll want to formalise it properly. Our Perth family lawyers can help you with:
How long does it take to get divorced in Perth?
The divorce process itself takes approximately 4-6 months from filing to finalisation. However, you must first be separated for at least 12 months before you can apply. Separation can occur while living under the same roof, though you may need to provide evidence of this arrangement.
Do I need a family lawyer for mediation?
While you don’t need a lawyer to attend mediation, having legal advice before and after mediation is highly recommended. Understanding your legal rights and entitlements helps you make informed decisions during mediation. At Mediations Australia, we can provide both mediation services and legal advice, or you can obtain independent legal advice elsewhere.
What if my ex refuses to attend mediation?
If one party refuses to attend FDR, the practitioner can still issue a certificate stating that the other party declined to participate. This certificate allows you to proceed with a court application. However, courts generally look favourably on parties who have made genuine efforts to resolve matters outside of court.
Can I change parenting orders after they’re made?
Yes, parenting orders can be changed if there has been a significant change in circumstances. You’ll generally need to attempt FDR again before applying to the court for variation. Our Perth family lawyers can advise whether your circumstances warrant a change and the best approach to take.
What’s the difference between a parenting plan and consent orders?
A parenting plan is a written agreement between parents that isn’t legally enforceable—it relies on goodwill and cooperation. Consent orders are approved by the Family Court and have the full force of law, meaning breaching them can result in penalties. We generally recommend consent orders for greater certainty and protection.
How is property divided in Western Australia?
There’s no automatic 50/50 split. The Court considers the full asset pool, each party’s contributions (financial and non-financial), and future needs factors. The goal is a division that is “just and equitable” in the circumstances. Our Perth property settlement lawyers can provide an assessment of your likely entitlements.
