Before You Begin
Answers to the questions clients most often ask before their first mediation session. Tap a question to expand it.
Mediation itself isn't binding — but what you agree to during it can be. Once you reach an agreement, it can be formalised in writing. In family matters, this can become consent orders or a binding financial agreement with appropriate legal advice; for other disputes, a written agreement can form a binding contract between the parties.
No. Mediation is designed to be accessible without legal representation, and the mediator can't act as your lawyer regardless. That said, you're always welcome to get independent legal advice before signing any agreement — and for some matters, like family property settlements, we'd actively recommend it.
That's a real possibility, and it's not a failure. For family parenting matters, the mediator can issue a certificate confirming a genuine effort was made, which may be needed if the matter proceeds to court. For other disputes, you keep all the same options you had before mediation, including further sessions or other dispute resolution paths.
Sometimes, with adjustments — and sometimes not. This is exactly what our intake screening is for. If a safety concern comes up, a practitioner follows up privately before anything is arranged, and the format may change — for example, shuttle mediation, where you're never in the same room — or, in some cases, mediation may not be appropriate at all.
We offer half-day and full-day sessions. Most straightforward matters fit comfortably into a half day; more complex disputes, or those with several issues to work through, often benefit from a full day.
A half-day session is $2,000 + GST, a full day is $3,000 + GST. Time beyond what's booked is charged at $300 + GST per hour — this is set out clearly in your mediation and costs agreement, which you'll review and sign before your session.
Yes — mediation is voluntary for both parties. We can invite the other party to participate, but we can't compel them. If they decline, we'll talk you through what other options are available.
Generally, yes. Family dispute resolution communications have specific legal protection under the Family Law Act; other mediations are typically conducted on a without-prejudice basis. There are limited exceptions, covered in your mediation agreement, including risks to safety or a child, or where the law requires disclosure. See the mediator's role for more detail.
Yes. Let us know during intake or beforehand, and we'll factor it into the session arrangements.
No. If a joint session doesn't feel right, shuttle mediation keeps you in separate spaces throughout, with the mediator moving between you. We discuss this preference during intake.
No — and that's by design. A mediator is impartial. Their job is to help both parties communicate and find their own resolution, not to judge who's right or argue on anyone's behalf.
You can. Participation is voluntary throughout, not just at the start. If a session isn't working, you can ask for a break, raise it with the mediator, or end your involvement.
That's common, and still valuable. A partial agreement can be formalised for the issues you have resolved, while the remaining issues can go to a further session, or be addressed another way.
In mediation, you and the other party shape the outcome together, with a neutral facilitator, rather than a judge deciding for you. It's typically faster, less expensive, more private, and more flexible than litigation.
