What is Family Mediation?
Family Meditation, also known as Family Dispute Resolution (FDR), is a collaborative process where a neutral third party (FDRP) helps families resolve disputes related to parenting, separation, and property settlement.. Mediation encourages open dialogue, reduces conflict, and helps families focus on the best interests of the children. It’s a practical and supportive alternative to court, aiming for long-term, positive outcomes.
Family Meditation, also known as Family Dispute Resolution (FDR), involves a neutral third party, a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP), helping families resolve disputes related to children, separation, and property settlements. By facilitating communication, families can come to agreements without resorting to Family Court.
Family Meditation: Who Can Participate in Mediation?
This service primarily helps separated parents. However, the process is open to other important people in children’s lives, such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, and step-parents. Envision Mediation provides an inclusive environment for all families, including members of the LGBTQIA+ community, ensuring everyone feels heard and supported.
Family Meditation: The Mediation Process
Once you contact Envision, we’ll schedule an individual assessment. This session, lasting 1.5 hours, can take place via video, phone, or in person. It helps us determine which service best fits your family’s needs. After the first assessment, we’ll invite the other party to the mediation process and complete an assessment. Envision will then contact both parties with an outcome and recommendations for your family moving forward.
What Happens During Mediation?
A mediation session is up to three hours in length. The mediator will begin by assisting the parties to let each other know what they are hoping to achieve in mediation. The mediator will also help the parties identify what they already agree on, what’s working well and what may not be working so well. The mediator will assist you and the other party see each other’s points of view, communicate effectively and work towards agreements that are in the best interest of the children.
Turning a Parenting Plan into a Legal Document
Parenting Plans aren’t legally binding in nature. However, they offer flexibility, allowing adjustments as children’s needs evolve. If both parties agree, a Parenting Plan can be made into a legally binding “Consent Order” through the Family Court. For more information, visit the Family Court of WA.
Family Meditation: What If Mediation Doesn’t Work?
If one party refuses to attend or mediation isn’t suitable in your situation, we may issue a 60I/66H certificate. This certificate allows you to apply for parenting orders through the Family Court. Certificates remain valid for 12 months. Before applying to the court, we recommend seeking legal advice.
What if my matter is urgent?
In circumstances of high risk or urgency, you may be able to apply for an exemption from Family Dispute Resolution. Please seek your own independent legal advice or contact the Family Court of WA if you think your matter may qualify as urgent. If you have concerns for your or your children’s safety, you may want to consider contacting your local Family Violence Service. Please see links below for WA support services: