Do I need mediation before going to Family Court?
In most cases yes — Australian law requires FDR before filing parenting orders. Exceptions apply for urgency and family …
Read the answer →
Knowledge hub
Your Mediation Questions, Answered
Clear answers to common questions about mediation, family dispute resolution, workplace disputes and commercial mediation in Australia. Written and reviewed by accredited Australian mediators and Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners.
Browse by topic
What do you need help with?
👪
Family Mediation
Parenting, property, separation, FDR and Section 60I certificates.
11 questions →🏢
Workplace Mediation
Employees, employers, HR teams and workplace conflict.
3 questions →🤝
Commercial Mediation
Business, partnership, shareholder and contractual disputes.
0 questions →⚖️
Estate Mediation
Wills, estates, inheritance and family provision disputes.
0 questions →💬
About Mediation
Costs, confidentiality, lawyers, preparation and what to expect.
6 questions →All questions
Browse the full library
20 answered questions, each with primary Australian sources and expert review.
Family Mediation
What happens if my ex refuses mediation?
If your ex refuses family mediation, the FDRP issues a Section 60I certificate allowing you to apply to the Family Court…
Read the answer →What is a Section 60I certificate?
A Section 60I certificate is issued by an accredited FDRP after family mediation is attempted or unsuitable. Required be…
Read the answer →Who can issue a Section 60I certificate?
Only an accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP) registered with the Mediator Standards Board can issue …
Read the answer →How much does family mediation cost in Australia?
Family mediation costs $2,000–$5,000 for a full-day private session. Free options exist through government services. Far…
Read the answer →How long does family mediation take?
Most family mediation sessions are completed in a single day of four to six hours. Complex property and parenting matter…
Read the answer →What happens if family mediation fails?
If family mediation fails, the FDRP issues a Section 60I certificate allowing you to apply to the Family Court. Partial …
Read the answer →Is family mediation confidential?
Yes — family mediation is confidential. What is said during FDR cannot be used as evidence in court proceedings, with na…
Read the answer →Can mediation deal with parenting and property at the same time?
Yes — mediation can resolve parenting and property settlement in one process, usually more efficient than running two se…
Read the answer →Can I bring a lawyer to family mediation?
Yes — you can bring a lawyer to family mediation as a support person or adviser. Their role is to advise you, not to adv…
Read the answer →Is mediation suitable where there is family violence or coercive control?
Mediation is often not appropriate where there is family violence or coercive control. Exemptions from FDR apply, and sa…
Read the answer →Workplace Mediation
When should HR use an external mediator?
Use an external mediator when internal resolution fails, a conflict of interest exists, or the allegations are serious e…
Read the answer →Workplace investigation vs mediation: what's the difference?
A workplace investigation determines facts. Mediation helps parties reach a voluntary resolution. They serve different p…
Read the answer →Is workplace mediation confidential?
Yes. Workplace mediation is confidential. What is said in the session cannot be used in subsequent proceedings, with nar…
Read the answer →About Mediation
What is shuttle mediation?
Shuttle mediation is where parties stay in separate rooms and the mediator moves between them. It is used where face-to-…
Read the answer →How much does mediation cost in Australia?
Mediation costs $1,500–$5,000 per session in Australia, varying by dispute type. Government subsidies apply for family m…
Read the answer →How long does mediation take?
Most mediation sessions take four to six hours in a single day. Complex disputes may need a second session. Court procee…
Read the answer →What happens during mediation?
During mediation a neutral mediator helps parties reach a voluntary agreement. Sessions follow four stages: opening, exp…
Read the answer →Do I need a lawyer for mediation?
You do not need a lawyer for mediation, but independent legal advice before and after is strongly recommended for proper…
Read the answer →Is mediation legally binding?
Mediation is not legally binding itself, but agreements can be formalised as consent orders or a binding financial agree…
Read the answer →Can't find your question?
Call us and we'll answer it — or send it below and we'll add it to the library.
Ask a question →