Family mediation lawyers Perth – helping you reach your own agreement. 

Mediation
family-law-mediation

Experienced & accredited mediation services

Providing mediation services for both property and parenting matters, we will help you get the best outcome in your circumstances.

Family law mediation

You make your own decisions

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

Family law mediation (a form of ADR) is the process through which a separated couple, with the assistance of an independent and impartial mediator, work together to resolve their parenting and/or property matters with the aim of reaching their own agreement. 

The mediator will help you both identify possible solutions and to reach agreement. You do not need to be in the same room to do this. Some parties prefer to be in different rooms or to attend by phone. Mediation is about everyone feeling safe enough to express themselves and feel heard, allowing long-lasting agreements to be made. It is confidential and voluntary so both parties must agree to participate. 

Where appropriate, mediation can be a great option for your family law matter. It is a family-focused, collaborative approach to resolving issues that emphasizes solutions and problem-solving over conflict. The mediator will help you find your own solutions so that you do not need a court to make decisions for you. 

mediation-lawyer

Collaborative family law

Experienced mediators & family lawyers

If you want to apply for a parenting order, you will have to comply with “pre-action procedure”. This includes trying to negotiate the terms of a parenting agreement. This process is known as “compulsory family dispute resolution”. You can choose the type of dispute resolution that best suits your situation. For instance, family counselling, negotiation or conciliation.

In our capacity as mediators, we can assist you prepare a Parenting Plan but not parenting orders. That is because in a family law matter, we effectively wear only one of two hats – either that of a mediator or as family lawyer but we cannot be both. Our experience in both areas however, compliment each other.

When acting as a mediator, we act impartially and assist the parties to reach their own agreement by facilitating negotiations. If you agree on the terms of a Parenting Plan you can then take this Plan to a solicitor to be formalised into a consent order or you can do this yourself.

Why

Perth Divorce Lawyers & Mediators

Mediation intake session

Contact us to arrange a fixed fee intake session. Intake sessions are required to determine whether your matter is appropriate for mediation.

Invitation to the other party

If appropriate, we will invite your former partner to attend an intake session themselves. Usually, each party pays for their own intake session.

Joint session

If mediation is appropriate, we can then arrange a joint session so that you can communicate with each other, discuss your differences and find a solution.

Your matter is handled by experienced mediators

You can rely on our experience. The same mediator (or co-mediators) will work on your matter from start to finish.

We listen

We give your matter the attention it deserves. We pride ourselves on providing our clients with the highest standard of mediation services.

Exceptional client care

We understand that each family is different. We take the time to get to know your situation. We are transparent approachable and here to help – structuring our mediation services to best suit your needs.

Mediation process

We foster communication over conflict

The mediation process is based on compromise. Although it is possible that neither side gets everything they want, both sides walk away feeling that they were heard.

As your mediators, we share a common goal in finding a resolution to your matter to the benefit of all involved. 

Family law mediation can be a valuable first step to resolve a range of disputes including property settlements, parenting, child support and spousal maintenance.   

Intake & invitation

We will conduct mediation intake sessions with both parties individually. If mediation is appropriate, we can then arrange a ‘joint’ session so you can discuss your concerns and find a solution.  

Joint session

The mediator maintains a safe environment so that both parties can express themselves and feel heard. The mediator may suggest mutually beneficial solutions and encourage compromise where necessary.

Our goal

The main goal of family law mediation is to help parties find common ground and negotiate long-lasting resolutions to their differences.

Agreement

If parties are unable to reach an agreement through mediation, they may have to apply to the Family Court for the appropriate orders to be made.

Mediation tips & advice

Simplifying your mediation

01
Choosing mediation

Mediation is voluntary. There are different mediation models available to you, including with or without lawyers present.

family-law-mediation-tip-1
02
Preparing for mediation

For property settlements, you will need to attend to disclosure and valuation matters. For parenting settlements, read about age-appropriate parenting arrangements.

family-law-mediation-tip-2
03
Take independant legal advice

It is important to take independent legal advice on your rights, entitlements and obligations prior to attending mediation.

family-law-mediation-tip-3
04
What will your settlement look like?

Consider making enquiries on your options to settle your matter prior to attending mediation. Depending on the matter, you may need advice from other professionals like your accountant or family therapist.

family-law-mediation-tip-4

Testimonials

Satisfied clients

Client

Ballajura, WA
Annelie Van Zyl provided me with excellent legal service. Going through a divorce including property settlement, I didn’t know what to expect. Aside from her obvious skill and remarkable success rate, Mrs. Van Zyl is genuinely committed to her clients. …

Client

Hocking, WA
I approached Perth Divorce Lawyers as I was referred by a good friend and colleague and needed specialised assistance with my Family Court matter. Perth Divorce Lawyers helped me though the complex process of my matters. As there were a number of issues there was a lot of preparation before the hear…

Client

Perth, WA
I approached Perth Divorce Lawyers because I required assistance with my Family Court proceedings mainly requiring legal assistance with parenting and financial matters including the preparation of my will and divorce matters.Perth Divorce Lawyers helped me by providing sound legal advice, complet…

Client

Aveley, WA
Under difficult and emotional circumstances I received expert guidance throughout the legal process. Yes, it is expensive that I can’t deny though in retrospect my final settlement and fees were better than forecast. The decision to choose Annelie and pursue a fair share of assets was without doubt …

Client

Kalgoorlie, WA
Thank you guys for everything will recommend you to everyone who needs a lawyer. …

Client

Perth, WA
Again, thank you so much for your generosity, empathy and strength to fight alongside myself.  From very early on I remained determined to never give up and let [XXX] decide how I would live out my life financially.  I could not have done this without you. I chose very wisely. …

Client

Morley, WA
The quality and promptness of your advice and service has been excellent throughout this experience. Hence you will have noticed I have recommended your services to several acquaintances. …

Client

Bassendean, WA
You’ve been wonderful through the process. Thanks so much. …

Client

Marangaroo, WA
Thank you for all your help and support really appreciate it. …

Client

Ellenbrook, WA
Thank you for everything I appreciate everything done by you. I will recommend your company when I hear of any family matters. …

Client

Clarkson, WA
Thank you for all your hard work. Without you I wouldn’t have been able to navigate family court or settle our finances. You have been amazing.  …

Client

Midland, WA
Thank you very much for your help in this matter. Hopefully there will be no need for it but if I ever need to deal with Family Court matters I will be sure to give you a call. …

Client

Malaga, WA
Thank you for all your advice and help. You are the best! …

Client

Ellenbrook, WA
Up to now all has gone smoothly with my separation. Thank you for your services. …

Client

Perth, WA
What a crazy journey – I really do appreciate the post Family Court Conciliation conference assistance you’ve provided. …

Client

Karratha, WA
Thanks Annelie, perfect again. …

Client

Perth, WA
Thank you for reviewing and editing the Minute – I am very pleased with these changes. Annelie, thank you. You’re amazing at what you do. …

Client

Girrawheen, WA
Thank you for all you have done for me. …

FAQs

Simply put mediation is “assisted negotiations”.

Mediation offers an informal means of resolving disputes, without the need for preparation of expensive documents and without the need for attendance at court events. Mediations take place at a time and location to suit the parties and the mediator,  offers an opportunity for parties to tailor the process to suit their needs and circumstances, is private and usually costs much less for a family than litigation.
(https://www.aiflam.org.au/aiflam-members/mediation)

Mediation models may vary but usually you will attend joint sessions that provide an opportunity for the parties or their representatives to set out their interests / concerns to the other party or representative, you will have private sessions with the mediator to discuss possible agreements to meet each party’s particular interests / concerns, further joint sessions will allow the parties the opportunity to discuss their preferred outcomes, if applicable, agreements will be written up.  If no agreement, the mediator can assist to narrow the issues between the parties, thereby reducing court time and expense.

(https://www.aiflam.org.au/aiflam-members/mediation)

If  your asset pool is less than $750,000.00, our mediators charge a fixed fee of $2,199.00 (GST inclusive).  This includes all preparation and up to a full day mediation.  This does not include the cost of the venue for the mediation nor the cost of each party’s individual lawyer.

The cost of an intake session (up to 90 minutes) is $330 (incl. GST) per session.  Usually each party pays for their own intake session.   The joint session (up to 3 hours) is charged at $165 (incl. GST) per person per hour (total $990).

Mediation is a versatile process that can address a plethora of issues in family law matters. These include but aren’t limited to child custody and visitation arrangements, spousal and child support agreements, and property division. 

Mediation can also facilitate discussions around more delicate matters such as future communication strategies and plans for introducing new partners to children. It’s a space where you can work out almost any issue that would otherwise be settled in court, but with more flexibility and personal input.

The mediation process can vary considerably depending on the complexity of the issues at hand and the readiness of the parties to negotiate and compromise. Typically, mediation might take anywhere from a few hours to several sessions spread over a few weeks. It is generally a quicker option compared to going through the court system, offering parties the opportunity to resolve their disputes in a time-efficient manner.

Mediation in itself is not legally binding. It is a voluntary process where parties come together to work out agreements mutually. 

However, once an agreement is reached, it can be formalised into a legally binding document, such as a consent order or a binding financial agreement, which can be enforced by a court if necessary. It’s usually advisable to have a lawyer review the agreement before it is formalised to ensure your interests are protected.

If parties are unable to reach an agreement during mediation, they retain the right to take the matter to court where a judge can make a decision on their behalf. It’s not uncommon for parties to resolve some issues in mediation and then seek a court’s assistance for unresolved matters. 

Mediation is not a one-shot opportunity; parties can choose to return to mediation at any time to try and work things out.

An experienced family lawyer can play a significant role in the mediation process by advising you on your rights and potential outcomes if your case were to go to court. During the mediation, they can serve as advocates, helping to negotiate agreements that protect your interests. 

Moreover, they can assist in drafting the legal documents that formalise the agreements reached in mediation, ensuring that they are enforceable and in your best interest.

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of the mediation process. Everything discussed during mediation is confidential and cannot be used in court later, with few exceptions (like in cases of disclosed abuse or threats). 

Mediators are bound by strict confidentiality rules, ensuring that the discussions and negotiations occurring during mediation remain private. This encourages open and honest communication, with parties feeling secure to discuss issues freely without fear of repercussions.