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Mediation Services
What is Mediation?
Mediation is a confidential, interactive and structured process whereby an independent and neutral third party (mediator) assists disputing parties in finding a resolution to help resolve a dispute or conflict. Through open communication and assessment of options, the mediator facilitates the negotiation of all people involved to reach a mutually acceptable agreement regarding the matter at hand.
Both involved parties are encouraged to actively participate in the mediation process in order to reach a positive outcome for all persons involved. This is an affordable way for people to attempt to resolve a dispute and is an effective alternative to court proceedings.
Mediation is usually a voluntary process that’s sought to resolve many different types of disputes without having to attend court. However, at times, court orders or statutes may require compulsory participation in mediation.
Unlike the litigation process, where an impartial third party imposes a decision over the matter, the parties and the mediator largely control the mediation process. Mediation is sought for many different reasons and types of disputes, including;
- family dispute resolution and separation mediation
- property and financial disputes
- commercial and small business disputes
- neighbourhood and community disputes
Mediators do not provide legal advice, force parties into agreements or decide who is right. Instead, they offer an effective alternative solution to the legal system and provide all parties involved with the opportunity to actively participate in reaching an amicable agreement.
Here at AID Resolutions, we strive to provide a welcoming, inclusive, safe and neutral space for all participants involved in the mediation process. We want all parties to feel comfortable, recognised and heard through the facilitation of constructive conversation and hosted mediation.
We provide flexible dispute resolution and mediation services to suit your specific needs and circumstances, with the provision of face-to-face mediation at a location of your choice. We also provide remote mediation options, including telephone sessions and online mediation via video conferencing, in the case of high conflict or parties being in different locations.
Our Mediation & Dispute Resolution Services
Family Dispute Resolution & Separation Mediation
AID Resolutions’ family mediators provide an inclusive and respectful family dispute resolution service and co-parenting mediation on the Gold Coast, as well as nationwide. Our team supports both parties in coming to an agreement between themselves by promoting effective dialogue and constructive negotiation. Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) is a specialist type of mediation that helps separated or separating families come to their own agreements in relation to their children and parenting matters.
In the event of separation or divorce, as accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners (FDRPs), we help facilitate constructive mediation which is guided by the best interests of the involved child or children moving forward. As an alternative to litigation, family mediation helps you avoid the stress, inconvenience & high costs involved in pursuing a court case. A Section 60I Certificate can also be issued if required.
As a leading child inclusive mediation provider, our in-house child consultant works with your children, voicing their individual concerns for the future and provides you with total peace of mind for your family. Through our separation mediation service, former de facto, divorced or separated couples are also supported in the division of property & financial assets in a calm and conducive setting.
Financial & Property Settlement Mediation
Financial and Property Settlement Mediation enables the involved parties to discuss and negotiate disputes in a safe and neutral environment, with the aim of reaching an agreed resolution. It is an entirely confidential process that assists separated couples or separating families to agree upon the distribution of their financial assets, liabilities and property moving forward.
AID Resolutions can help you reach the best possible outcome for everyone involved. Through the use of practical conflict resolution techniques and open communication, your mediator will support you in resolving outstanding disputes regarding finances and property assets.
Full and frank disclosure is required during the mediation process to ensure that agreed arrangements are both fair & equitable and also consider the contributions and future needs of both parties. Four key steps that are involved in financial & property settlement mediation include;
Step 1: Identifying assets, liabilities and other financial resources
Step 2: Factoring in the contributions of each party
Step 3: Assessment of future feeds
Step 4: Determining a just and equitable agreement
Commercial Disputes, Small Business & Workplace Mediation
As an independent third party, we provide a structured process to facilitate commercial dispute resolution as well as effectively address conflicts within small businesses and workplaces. Our extensive experience allows disputing parties to properly identify and explore existing disputes and issues, supporting both parties in reaching desired outcomes and developing a practical plan for moving forward.
All Inclusive Dispute Resolutions’ mediation process assists individuals in resolving disputes in a commercial, small business or workplace setting, through the use of an independent, trained and qualified mediator. Conducting mediation prevents enduring a long drawn out court case, greatly reduces legal fees and allows both parties to both reach a final settlement within a shorter time frame.
It is important to note that this is not a process designed to ‘uncover truths’, determine facts or highlight findings on exactly what happened, nor, do mediators make a ruling on who is right or wrong. In this case, a workplace investigation may need to be conducted beforehand if there are reasonable grounds to believe a workplace policy may have been breached.
Neighbourhood & Community Dispute Resolution
Here at AID Resolutions, we believe that everyone has the right to live in a peaceful and harmonious neighbourhood and surrounding community. Thus, we endeavour to help people resolve neighbourhood disputes or disagreements both promptly and effectively, along with providing comprehensive community mediation services.
We are here to help guide constructive discussion between all involved parties and facilitate a considerate and structured dispute resolution process in a safe and calm setting. Our impartial mediator does not find and present options and solutions, however, they actively assist and empower parties to develop and present viable resolutions to each other.
Common issues that require mediation include disputes regarding trees, fencing, animals, noise, retaining walls, common facilities, parking and construction. AID Resolutions’ community and neighbour dispute resolution is a practical alternative to the high legal expenses, drawn-out process and complexities of court. We are there to facilitate the involved parties to discover the most practical solutions to their neighbour dispute or community-related dispute.
Get Started with a complimentary telephone mediation consultation today!
At AID Resolutions, we strive to provide you with a comfortable and supportive environment in which you can explore the challenges you are facing and work toward reaching an agreement. Call us today to discuss your mediation needs!
Why Choose AID Resolutions for Mediation?
Calm Approach
We provide a calm, inclusive, and welcoming space for all parties to facilitate a successful mediation process. Through our extensive dispute resolution experience, you can feel confident knowing that you're in capable hands.
Personalised Service
Our experienced mediators provide tailored & professional service to help you move forward with your life. Through mediation, both parties are able to achieve a resolution that they are comfortable with, without having to worry about exorbitant legal costs.
Timely & Flexible Options
AID Resolutions puts you first and strives to respond to every client inquiry as quickly as possible. If you need online mediation, face-to-face mediation or telephone mediation, we can tailor our services to meet your specific needs & circumstances.
Experienced & Certified
We are nationally accredited mediators and registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners (FDRP). With extensive experience in the field, we are also registered as part of the Australian Mediation Association to give you total peace of mind.
How Does Mediation Work & Why Use It?
Mediators assist people and organisations in conflict, work on reaching an agreement by acting as a neutral third party. It’s an effective alternative to the legal system for several reasons and provides numerous benefits, such as:
Mediation costs significantly less than going through the court system where each party is required to have their own legal representation.
Our mediation services allow you to participate fully in the end result. It offers both parties in dispute the opportunity to directly engage in the process and agree on a shared resolution.
Mediation is a convenient option that helps you avoid the lengthy, drawn-out process of attending court. It is a practical alternative to the high costs and complexities of the legal system, saving a lot of time for everyone involved. It works to resolve disputes as quickly and efficiently as possible, with sessions generally running from a half or full day to 2-3 weeks.
Mediation is conducted in private whereas court proceedings are recorded and made available to the public. Especially when regarding separation, family and parenting matters, mediation can be a much less intimidating alternative to the litigation process.
Your mediator serves as a supportive but neutral presence for both sides, helping clients facilitate open discussion and explore a range of possible solutions, ultimately leading to a mutually agreeable outcome.
Benefits Of Mediation
Mediation provides you and the other party with the opportunity to resolve your particular dispute in an open, safe & conducive space. Whether it involves family matters, property and financial settlements, separation, small business, or neighbours, our mediation and dispute resolution services can help you avoid the formality and excessive legal costs associated with court proceedings.
AID Resolutions and Mediation services enable you to be an active participant in the outcomes that impact your future so that you can start focusing on rebuilding your life. It offers many benefits compared to going through the legal system, including;
Fast & Affordable
Ordinarily, a dispute can be resolved more quickly through mediation compared to the court process. You can also avoid the extensive associated legal costs of preparing and running a trial. Mediation is a prompt process, usually taking between a half or full day and up to a few weeks, which is much faster than going through the courts.
Informal & Flexible
Mediation is customised to suit your individual needs & circumstances, empowering the involved parties regarding the final outcome. As a less formal process, the mediator supports both parties to come to a mutual resolution. It's a great alternative to the intimidating nature of court & can be held in person, over the phone or via video conference.
Confidential
Mediation is a completely confidential process that's carried out in a private setting as a joint process or an individual session. Compared to court, where all your information is kept on public record, details of your mediation are kept confidential and can only be disclosed if there is a threat to a person or property.
Minimises Stress
Mediation is less formal and less intimidating than appearing in court. By coming to an agreement with a mediator, the stress of living with uncertainty is greatly alleviated, allowing all parties involved in the dispute to carry on with their lives. Conversely, the court process can be extremely stressful, adversarial, expensive and time-consuming.
Feel Heard
Mediation can help you feel not only valued but ultimately empowered as you get to tell your side of the story & have constructive conversations about issues and proposed arrangements. Everyone’s perspectives, needs, concerns and interests are taken into account in the mediation process, with all options being considered.
Cease Conflict
Mediation promotes open communication between the parties, assisting them in working together towards a mutual agreement. Manage the emotional burden of conflict when dealing with your ex-partner, business associate, family members or neighbour. Our calming setting is conducive to resolving any kind of dispute.
Protect Families
Facing growing uncertainty and unresolved conflict can have detrimental impacts on any children that are involved. Disputes following divorce or separation can negatively impact their wellbeing. However, when both parents come to an agreement through mediation, the children benefit greatly from added clarity and security.
Make a New Start
Attending mediation to resolve your dispute can help you focus on rebuilding your life. It allows parties to participate directly in the process of reaching an agreement and attaining a satisfying outcome. In court, the outcome is instead dictated by the judge and jury. Our mediation services allow you to gain closure and finality.
Please note: In most cases under Family Law, it is compulsory for parties to make a genuine attempt to resolve disputes through Family Mediation before commencing court proceedings. A Section 60I Certificate can be obtained by the mediator and is required should you wish to enter the court system. For example, if you wish to turn your parenting arrangements into consent orders.
Our Mediation Process
Our mediation process follows a clearly defined structure and can be conducted in person at our Gold Coast office or alternatively, via telephone or online.
At AID Resolutions, we aim to help you avoid unnecessary legal costs and streamline the process to resolution for both parties involved. AID Resolutions’ Mediation sessions generally follow the steps outlined below:
Mediator Introduction & Parties Opening Statement
Setting the Mediation Agenda
Exploring Issues & Conducting Individual Meetings
This part of the mediation is aimed at exploring each of the main agenda items, ultimately assisting each party to gain a better understanding of the other’s perspective. In addition to facilitating the discussion, your mediator will assist both parties to consider alternative and practical options for resolving their dispute.
Each party will be given the opportunity to speak privately with the mediator. Separate sessions allow each party to speak freely and confidentially with the mediator about anything that they didn’t wish to discuss in an open joint session. The mediator will also assist parties in exploring and discussing any proposals to put to the other party or options for a mutual agreement where possible.
Negotiation and Reaching an Agreement
As the mediation progresses, the mediator will work with each party to suggest different options, with a view to reaching the best resolution. Depending on the situation, this may involve testing the practicality, feasibility and necessity of each one, as well as considering potential implications and outcomes in the case of non-agreement.
When parties reach an agreement on some or all of the items discussed during mediation, this will be documented in writing to reflect the formal terms reached. It is each party’s responsibility to ensure they’re aware of the legal implications of the decisions made. It is not the mediator’s role to provide advice to either party at any stage of the mediation process. It is also strongly advised to seek legal advice before agreeing to all or some of the items included in the proposed agreement.
Face-to-Face Mediation and Online Dispute Resolution Services
At AID Resolutions, we’re here for you every step of the way, offering private & confidential face-to-face mediation for Gold Coast and Brisbane based clients, as well as online mediation services, nationwide.
By facilitating fair, informal & neutral dispute resolution and mediation, we assist all parties involved in reaching amicable and enduring agreements. Our online mediation service allows you to resolve disputes with ease, without the need for additional travel.
This gives parties who do not wish to be in the same room for their mediation or who live in different locations an accessible and more convenient alternative. From anywhere in Australia, you can mediate from the comfort of your own home or desired location.
Contact AID Resolutions
For an obligation-free discussion to explore your needs
At AID Resolutions, we understand that you may have some questions about mediation & how to best prepare for the mediation process. Call us directly or please fill out the details below and we’ll contact you as soon as possible!
Frequently Asked Questions
Family Dispute Resolution is a specialised form of mediation. To be able to work with families and conduct Family Dispute Resolution (FDR), the practitioner requires qualifications in not just Mediation, but also in Family Dispute Resolution. As a speciality area, it requires knowledge in domestic and family violence, the Family Law Act, relationship power dynamics, the impact of conflict on children and how to conduct mediation with a child focus. Certain legal obligations also apply to FDRPs.
A Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner is required to be accredited with the Attorney General’s Department and meet their qualification standards.
Section 60(i) Certificates are a requirement in the Family Law Act 1975 and inform the Court that the parties have attempted to resolve their dispute regarding the children prior to attending Court.
An accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner can provide a Section 60(i) Certificate as part of Family Dispute Resolution. There are 5 different certificates that can be issued as well. Ideally, clients will hopefully be able to resolve their dispute in mediation and not need to go to Court, however in certain circumstances attending Court may be the only way to get a resolution.
Please note that Section 60(i) Certificates are only valid for 12 months from your last attendance or attempt at Family Dispute Resolution and can not be issued or reissued after this time.
Not all cases are suitable for mediation. However, following your intake session with one of our mediators, we can assess your situation and dispute and advise accordingly.
Mediation can be a daunting experience, but it doesn’t have to be. Understanding the process is important and we are here to ensure that you have all of the information you need. We can help the involved parties to openly discuss and come to a mutual agreement regarding the dispute/s at hand and help them avoid the arduous and expensive process of attending court.
Generally, there are two stages to the Mediation process:
- The first stage is intake – this is a one on one appointment with the Mediator, both parties attend an individual Intake appointment to assist the Mediator to make an assessment of suitability for mediation, to have an understanding of the previous and current relationships between all significant parties and to assist the clients in preparing for mediation.
- The second stage is mediation. There are several ways this can be conducted, some of these include:
- Joint mediation where the parties and the Mediator are all in the same room.
- Shuttle mediation, where the parties are in separate rooms and the mediator goes between the rooms facilitating the discussion and negotiations.
- Legally assisted mediation, where the client’s Lawyer’s attend the mediation and assist their clients by providing in the moment advice regarding their situation and the negotiations.
There is also the option of telephone and online mediation. In certain circumstances, Child Informed Mediation may also be an option. This is a process whereby the children speak to a qualified Child Consultant and the Child Consultant attends the mediation on the children’s behalf and assists the parents to consider their children’s views when negotiating.
The 4 main steps of mediation involve;
- Mediation Introduction & Parties Opening Statement
- Setting the Mediation Agenda
- Exploring Issues & Conducting individual meetings
- Negotiation & Reaching an Agreement
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