A new way forward, with empathy and expertise.

For a Smoother Separation

Why mediation?
We know that separation and divorce is a challenging, upsetting time for many. It can be hard to figure out what to do next when life turns upside-down.

Mediation can really assist as a cost-effective, informal, and kinder pathway toward people reaching their own agreements about the future without the turmoil of court proceedings.

Our compassionate approach helps parents focus on the future in a confidential, voluntary setting that is not about "winning or losing" but rather, finding a more peaceful common ground and deciding things that best help your kids to grow and thrive.

Services

Family Dispute Resolution

Family Dispute Resolution is a process where the FDR Practitioner helps people affected or likely to be affected by separation or divorce to resolve some or all of their disputes with each other. That means disputes related to property and finances as well as to children. FDR is about helping people have difficult conversations with each other around issues important to them, with the goal of reaching agreements they can live with. Family dispute Resolution Practitioners (FDRPs) are trained family mediators who are neutral, independent and objective. They don't make decisions but rather help separated people discuss and propose solutions around property division and parenting. FDRPs are also able to issue relevant paperwork (s60I certificates) required to initiate court proceedings.

Relationship Mediation

Committed couples can sometimes need a way to talk about prickly issues without the need for therapy. Couples can communicate in an amicable way with a mediator facilitating difficult topics where individuals come to their own agreements about a better way forward.

Co-Parenting Solutions

Mediation is nurturing of the relationship of former partners into a co-parenting team - a role parents have for life. It’s not easy to commit to deeper thinking around discussing, exploring and negotiating problems but for parents who can strive to arrive at mutual solutions between each other in the best interests of the children, life can more quickly return to a healthier equilibrium navigating a new version of family life for everyone. Finding effective solutions for co-parenting can be daunting but mediation allows space to discuss and arrive at possible parenting plans that address all the issues important to both parents, keeping the best interests of any children of the relationship front and centre.

Discover an easier path
Mediation can assist you to unlock your own solutions for a new future.
About
Vanessa is an accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP) and mediator, and qualified lawyer (non practising). She is committed to helping people through what may feel like the the worst time of their life to feeling there's light at the end of the tunnel. As a parent of three she understands the reality of hectic family life as well as the unique challenges and needs of neurodivergent family members.  

you decide

 Separation can leave people feeling lost and overwhelmed, but mediation offers a gentle, confidential way through the maze, to empower parents willing to engage constructively, to move towards a new framework around co-parenting and family life version 2.0, with less cost and less stress. 

 Mediation is a confidential process that allows for focus on the issues parents raise. They know their kids better than anyone and although the intimate relationship has ended, parenting is for life. People can pivot to a parenting partnership with kids' well-being first and foremost. 

 Conflict is harmful to kids and mediation can help preserve a healthier, more positive dynamic between parents tasked with raising children into adulthood. Parent plans can change as they grow. They aren't binding, but are often adhered to more easily because parents have agreed on it themselves. 

Schedule Booking

Contact

  • Based in Highett and Moorabbin. Servicing Melbourne, Bayside, Mornington Peninsula
  •  +61-418107135
  •  By Appointment. In person or online. Send a message or call for a brief confidential chat about what you are looking for.

F.A.Q

Mediation is a way of resolving disputes between two or more people without going to court. It is a voluntary process, which means that the parties involved choose to participate. The mediator is a neutral third party who helps the parties to identify the issues, develop options, and reach an agreement.

Why should I choose mediation?
Mediation can be a beneficial option for couples who are separating or divorcing because it is:

  • Voluntary: Both parties must agree to participate in mediation. Even after a mediation has begun, parties are free to stop and leave at any time. 
  • Confidential: Subject to safety, the discussions that take place during mediation and pre-mediation are confidential and can't be shared by the mediator unless with permission and can't be used in court. Signed parenting plans can be used as evidence of prior arrangements. 
  • Neutral: The mediator is a neutral third party who does not take sides.
  • Cost-effective: Mediation is typically less expensive than litigation.
  • Time-efficient: Mediation is typically faster than litigation.
  • Self-determined: The parties have the power to reach their own agreements, which make them easier to stick to.
What happens in mediation?
The mediation process typically involves the following steps:
  1. Intake: Each party meets separately with the mediator to discuss the issues on their mind and goals.
  2. Opening statements: Each party has a chance to tell their side of the story.
  3. Issue identification: The mediator helps the parties to identify the key issues in the dispute.
  4. Option generation: The parties work together to develop possible solutions to the dispute.
  5. Negotiation: The parties negotiate with each other to reach an agreement.
  6. Closure: The mediator summarizes the agreement and makes sure that both parties understand it.
What are the benefits of mediation?
Mediation can help couples to:
  • Communicate more effectively: Mediation can help couples to communicate more effectively and to understand each other's perspectives.
  • Develop a parenting plan: Mediation can help couples to develop a parenting plan that is in the best interests of their children.
  • Divide their assets and debts: Mediation can help couples to divide their assets and debts in a fair and equitable way.
  • Reduce conflict and stress: Mediation can help to reduce conflict and stress during the separation process.
  • Protect their relationship with their children: Mediation can help couples to protect their relationship with their children by avoiding the negative effects of litigation.
Mediation is not always right for everyone.
If you are experiencing safety concerns or there is a power imbalance where a party can't truly express their needs, mediation may not be appropriate and the FDRP will assess this after intake. 
  • It is important to be prepared for mediation. This means gathering information about your finances, your children, and your goals for the future.
  • Parties should ideally obtain legal advice prior to mediation so as to fully understand and appreciate applicable rights and responsibilities, as well as have any signed agreements checked over.