Mediation and Family Dispute Resolution (FDR)

Family Law Mediation

Mediation provides an opportunity for parties to work toward how their family law matter is resolved. Mediation as a dispute resolution process can take place before going to Court, or once proceedings have been commenced in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. A qualified mediator will assist the parties in navigating the key issues in dispute, acting as a neutral third party who can provide some insight and guidance to assist the parties in reaching a resolution.

The discussions had in mediation are confidential, and the mediator will provide a safe environment for these discussions to take place. Mediators also have experience in family law matters where family violence is an issue, and can arrange a safety plan to ensure each party feels comfortable during the mediation, including by offering a shuttle mediation. A shuttle mediation is where each party has their own room, and the mediator moves between rooms to communicate offers and information, to avoid direct interaction between the parties whilst maintaining the efficiency of a mediation.

Mediation can take place in person or online, depending on the needs of the parties and what will yield the best result for the parties.

At Inner West Mediation Hub, Elizabeth Hogg is our accredited mediator who can assist you in resolving your family law matter. Elizabeth is accredited with the Australian Mediator and Dispute Resolution

Accreditation Standards (AMDRAS), the Australian Institute of Family Law Arbitrators and Mediators (AIFLAM), the Lawyer Mediation Accreditation (LMA) Scheme, and is a qualified Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP). Elizabeth is an experienced family lawyer and mediator who is capable of assisting parties in mediation to resolve their family law matters.

Family Dispute Resolution (FDR)

Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) shares many similarities to mediation, however, Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP). In the dispute process, FDR is often a necessary step prior to commencing proceedings before the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, an FDR provides all the benefits of mediation, assisting parties to navigate the issues of the family law proceedings and working toward a resolution, with the benefit of a practitioner with additional training.

At the conclusion of FDR, the FDRP can issue the parties a Section 60I Certificate, which is provided to the Court if proceedings are commenced. The Section 60I Certificate asserts that the parties have made their best efforts to resolve the dispute before asking for the Court’s assistance. There is a distinction between mediators and Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners, as not all mediators are Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners and able to provide a Section 60I Certificate.

Elizabeth Hogg is a qualified FDRP and is accredited as a mediator with the Australian Mediator and Dispute Resolution Accreditation Standards (AMDRAS), the Australian Institute of Family Law Arbitrators and Mediators (AIFLAM), and the Lawyer Mediation Accreditation (LMA) Scheme. Elizabeth is able to facilitate FDR prior to proceedings being commenced, and is able to mediate with the parties again during the course of their proceedings. At all stages, Elizabeth is focused on assisting parties toward a resolution.