Parenting
Sherwood Mediation specialist Family Dispute Resolution service can assist you to discuss parenting arrangements for your children after separation. ​During your Family Dispute Resolution session you can discuss the time the children spend with each parent, who makes decisions about the children, education, healthcare, travel, special occasions, school holidays and any other issues. Any agreement will be prepared as a parenting plan.​​
Sherwood Mediation focuses on the best interests of the children and seeks to promote healthy co-parenting relationships. For more information about how the Family Court determines the best interests of the children click here.
Property
Trust Sherwood Mediation's expertise to guide you through dividing assets and debts after separation. We understand that ending a marraige or de facto relationship is not easy and are here to support you on your journey.
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Our Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner will assist you to discuss which assets and debts you will keep, which assets and debts your ex-partner will keep, if any assets will be sold, how superannuation will be split and if any cash payments will be made.​ ​​If you reach an agreement this will be prepared as a written agreement. This can be turned into a legally binding consent order. For information about consent orders click here.
​​​A property settlement involves permanently dividing assets (real estate, vehicles, savings, furniture, investments etc), debts (mortgages etc) and superanuation. For information about how the Family Court divides property click here.​​
Fees (per person)
Initial Appointment (1 hour)
$150
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Mediation
$150 per hour (minimum 2 hours)
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Certificate (if required)
$50​
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We offer a complimentary call with the Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner, however additional calls will incur a fee.​​​
What is Family Dispute Resolution?
Where a neutral third party mediator facilitates a discussion to resolve disputes about parenting or property post separation.
Process
Individual Appointment (1 hour)
In this confidential session, you can discuss your situation with the Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner privately. The FDRP will assess risks, determine if mediation is suitable, and address any special arrangements needed for your safety and comfort. You can also ask any questions.
Mediation (2+ hours)
In this joint session each person will have the opportunity to expresses what they would like to discuss. The Family Dispute Resolution practitioner will make a list (agenda) of all items to discuss and then facilitate discussions, explore solutions, with the aim to achieve mutually agreeable solution.
Agreement
If an agreement is reached the FDRP will prepare this as a mediated agreement or parenting plan. If no agreement is reached then you will be issued a Certificate for parenting matters.
A FDR Practitioner:
Does
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Create a safe space;
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De-escalate conflict;
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Keep the conversation solution focused.
Does not
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Give legal advice;
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Take sides; or
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Decide the outcome.
Family Dispute Resolution produces quicker outcomes than Court proceedings.
FDR focuses on maintaining or rebuilding positive relationships.
FDR is less costly than Court proceedings.
Parents must attempt FDR before applying to Court for parenting matters, unless an exemption applies
Why attend Family Dispute Resolution
What if we can't agree?
If no agreement is reached at Family Dispute Resolution parties can make an application to the Family Court for parenting or property orders. For more information about making an application to Court click here.
Where no agreement is reached for parenting matters parties can request a section 60I or 66H Certificate from the Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner. A Certificate is required to lodge a parenting application inthe Family Court of Western Australia, unless an exemption applies.
