Family Focus Mediation Process

A supportive, structured pathway to help your family move forward with clarity and confidence.

STEP 1 — Complimentary Consultation (15 minutes)

We offer a free 15‑minute telephone consultation to help you understand how mediation works and to answer any initial questions.
This is a simple, pressure‑free way to determine whether mediation is the right next step for your family.

STEP 2 — Individual Intake & Assessment

$245 per person (incl. GST) - Parenting
(40 minutes to 1 hour — telephone or Zoom)

Each person completes their own confidential intake session.

We also provide a Confidential Parenting Questionnaire/portal to help you supply all relevant information prior to your session.

During your intake session, we:

• Learn about your situation, concerns, and goals and go over your answers and any documents uploaded

• Conduct safety and suitability screening

• Explain the mediation process in detail

• Begin identifying the key issues to be discussed

Once both parties have completed their intake, we can move to the next stage.

Refer to the Certificate Issued section for applicable fees if your matter does not proceed to mediation.

$330 per person (incl. GST) - Property
(40 minutes to 1 hour — telephone or Zoom)

We also provide a Confidential Property Questionnaire/portal to help you supply all relevant information prior to your session.

Each person completes their own confidential intake session.
During this session, we:

• Learn about your situation, concerns, and goals

• Conduct safety and suitability screening

• Explain the mediation process in detail

• Discuss the requirements of Full and Frank disclosure of your Assets & Liabilities in mediation

• Begin identifying the key issues to be discussed

Once both parties have completed their intake, we can move to the next stage.

As there is no certificate process for property matters, if an agreement cannot be reached or mediation does not proceed or your matter is not appropriate for mediation, we will provide you with information about your available options.

STEP 3 — Invitation to the Other Party

After your intake session, we contact the other party to invite them to participate in mediation.
They will complete their own intake and assessment before a mediation date is offered.
This ensures both parties are fully prepared and that mediation is appropriate and safe for everyone involved.

STEP 4 — Mediation Session (Family Dispute Resolution)

Our Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) sessions can be conducted online or in person.
Your practitioner will determine whether a joint session or shuttle mediation is the most suitable format.

Our Mediation Fees:

Half‑Day Mediation (up to 4 hours): $940 per person (incl. GST)
Full‑Day Mediation (up to 6 hours): $1840 per person (incl. GST)

Your mediation fee includes:

• Accredited FDR Practitioners

• Private and joint sessions as required

• Agenda setting and negotiation support

• Use of online or in‑person mediation rooms

Please note: Additional travel or room hire fees may apply for in‑person sessions.

STEP 5 — Documentation & Next Steps

Parenting Plan Drafting

Included in Mediation Fee
We can prepare a clear, practical Parenting Plan based on the agreements reached in mediation.

Heads of Agreement

Included in Mediation Fee
We can prepare a clear, Heads of Agreement based on your agreements reached in mediation.

Section 60I Certificate - Parenting only

$190 (incl. GST)
If mediation is assessed as unsuitable, or if one party declines to participate, we can issue a Section 60I Certificate.

Important: Parenting Plans and property/financial agreements are not legally binding unless formalised as Consent Orders or documented in a Binding Financial Agreement (BFA). We recommend obtaining independent legal advice to ensure your agreements are properly documented and enforceable.

Important: Property mediations do not have an associated certificate. However, you may request a form confirming that you have attended Family Dispute Resolution (FDR).

After‑Hours & Weekend Appointments

Subject to availability — please contact us to discuss.

After‑hours weekdays (4pm–9pm)
Weekends (9am–4pm)

• Intake Session (up to 1 hour): $350 per person (incl. GST)

• Half‑Day Mediation (up to 3 hours): $1,440 per person (incl. GST)

• Full‑Day Mediation (up to 6 hours): $2,440 per person (incl. GST)

If additional time is required:

• Standard hours: $330 per person per hour (incl. GST)

• After‑hours/weekends: $400 per person per hour (incl. GST)

Alternatively, you may book an additional mediation session.

Why Choose Mediation?

Mediation is significantly more cost‑effective than litigation, which can quickly escalate into tens of thousands of dollars.
It also avoids the emotional strain, delays, and uncertainty of court proceedings.

Mediation offers:

• A faster, more streamlined path to resolution

• A child‑focused, future‑focused approach

• Greater control over outcomes

• A supportive environment to communicate and negotiate safely

At Family Focus Mediation, we are committed to helping families reach practical, respectful, and sustainable agreements.