Step One:
Invitations to Mediate
Extending invitations to get the process started.
Usually a party will contact a mediator requesting an invitation be extended to the other party, inviting their participation to the mediation process. You can make enquiries through this link, or otherwise calling Nathan’s chambers on: (07) 5618 8218, where further information will be requested and provided in extending an invitation to mediate.
Step Two:
Intakes conducted
If both parties are agreeable to mediating, the mediator needs to ensure the matter is suitable for mediation.
Where both parties are accepting of the proposed mediation dates, costs associated and location of the mediation, the next step requires the mediator to conduct an intake with each party to ensure the matter is suitable to mediate, having regard to the Family Law Act and it’s regulation legislation.
Nathan utilises a confidential online form to obtain initial information from each party, which will be provided to each party at this stage. From that form, a phone call is usually scheduled to ensure information is clearly understood and each party is comfortable to proceed.
Step Three:
Meeting with pyschologist
Assessment with Child Consultant / Psychologist - separate sessions with each parent and meeting with the children.
Following intakes, each parent has an individual session with the Child Consultant / Psychologist to discuss the children, any concerns and key issues in dispute.
The Child Consultant / Psychologist then meets the children to find out their experiences, relationships, challenges, and any views and wishes about the parenting arrangements.
In some circumstances, the Child Consultant / Psychologist may request to observe each parent with the children. These meetings are usually completed in person at the Child Consultant / Psychologist’s offices.
Feedback session - each parent will have another session with the Child Consultant / Psychologist who will provide feedback about the assessment and child-focused issues.
Following the Child Consultant / Psychologist initial meetings they provides a feedback and information session with each parent. This is to explore topics such as developmental stages and parenting arrangements; how children build meaningful relationships; and the impact of conflict and separation on children.
The feedback session is also an opportunity for parents to ask any questions about the assessment. The Child Consultant / Psychologist may also provide parents with some resources and information sheets.
Feedback will be provided 48-72 hours before mediation. This session can be completed via phone or online if preferred.
Step Four:
Assessment & Feedback provided to parties and mediator
Parties attend the mediation session (in person or online) with Nathan who, together with the information provided by the Child Consultant / Psychologist, will assist the parties finding solutions and compromise towards a mutually acceptable outcome.
With the benefit of this information, the mediation occurs on the scheduled time, date, and location. Agreements may be formalised by way of a parenting plan, or a head of agreement which can be formalised into parenting orders usually with the assistance of a parties legal representative.
Step Five:
Mediation conducted