Mark Northam

Accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner

Nationally Accredited Mediator (AMDRAS)

Australian Principal Solicitor

We provide professional mediation and family dispute resolution services with a focus on fairness, respectful communication, and assisting people in finding successful ways to resolve their differences.

Mediation is a confidential process that empowers parties to identify and resolve their issues and reach practical and cost-effective outcomes without expensive and time-consuming court proceedings. Each matter is approached with care and flexibility, following a clear framework that ensures participants feel supported, prepared, and heard at every stage.

Family Dispute Resolution

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Support for separated or separating families to create successful agreements regarding parenting and their children with a special focus on children.

We also assist couples in identifying issues, needs and future plans to develop plans and agreements regarding property settlements.

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Business and Commercial Dispute Resolution

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Assistance for businesses, professionals and organisations in resolving and reaching agreement on commercial and business disputes to enable settlement and moving forward.

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Workplace Dispute Resolution

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Assistance and guidance for organisations, teams and employees to effectively and quickly address disputes and reach agreement on the issues to restore professional and productive working relationships.

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How Mediation Works

Mediation is a structured and impartial process designed to support clear communication, informed decision-making, and practical resolution. Each matter is approached with care and flexibility, while following a clear framework to ensure participants feel supported and prepared at every stage.

Initial Consultation

The process begins with a free initial confidential consultation with one or both parties individually to discuss your circumstances, determine whether mediation is appropriate, explain the process, and answer any of your questions. This provides an opportunity to establish expectations and ensure everyone feels comfortable proceeding.

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Woman on phone during initial consultation

Preparation and Information Gathering

Prior to mediation, relevant information is identified from each party in confidential individual intake sessions conducted by Zoom or phone. This may include information about the family, financial documents, workplace/personnel information, background information, and any key issues to be addressed. This helps ensure discussions are focused, balanced and productive.

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Hands typing on keyboard and taking notes

Mediation Sessions with Both Parties

Mediation sessions are conducted either online or in person in a neutral and respectful environment. The parties may or may not address each other directly, and the mediator facilitates constructive and respectful dialogue to help the parties explore options for resolution. While the mediator provides guidance, any decisions are made by the parties.

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Couple at mediation meeting

Agreement and Next Steps

Where agreement is reached, the outcomes are clearly recorded, providing a practical framework for moving forward. Participants are supported to understand the next steps, including any formalisation of agreements or referrals for independent legal advice where appropriate.

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Couple shaking hands after agreement
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FAQ Section

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our services

Family Dispute Resolution is a structured and impartial process that assists separated or separating families resolve disputes, particularly those relating to children and parenting arrangements. The mediator is neutral and helps participants to identify issues, explore options, and work toward practical agreements that reflect the best interests of all involved.
In most parenting matters, parties are required by the court to make a genuine effort to reach an agreement through Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) before commencing court proceedings. There are limited exceptions, including cases involving family violence, urgency, or risk to a child. A 60I certificate to be used in court may be issued by the Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner based on the results FDR mediation.
A section 60I certificate is a document issued by a registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner confirming that an attempt at dispute resolution has been made, or that mediation was not appropriate in the circumstances. This certificate may be required if an application is made to the Court in parenting matters.
Legal representation is not required to participate in mediation. However, parties are encouraged to obtain independent legal advice before and after mediation to ensure they understand their rights and obligations and any agreement reached.
Mediation can assist with a wide range of disputes, including:
  • Parenting and child-related matters
  • Property and financial settlements
  • Disputes arising from separation or divorce
  • Workplace disputes
  • Commercial or business-related disagreements
Mediation is a confidential, voluntary, and collaborative process in which parties retain control over decision-making and are assisted by a neutral mediator. Court proceedings are formal, adversarial, often very expensive, and determined by a judicial officer. Mediation often allows for more flexible, timely, and cost-effective outcomes.
What is said during FDRP mediation must be held as confidential by the mediator subject to limited legal exceptions, such as concerns about child safety or risk of harm. While the parties are not prohibited from discussing what is said during mediation with others, what is said during mediation generally cannot be used in any way for court proceedings. This confidentiality supports open communication and encourages honest discussion between participants without concern about whether that discussion may present legal issues later on.
Agreements are not reached in all cases, and in some cases the parties are able to reach an agreement on some issues but not on others. If an agreement cannot be reached, mediation may still help clarify issues and narrow areas of dispute to enable further discussion between the parties privately or in further mediation sessions. Where appropriate in family dispute cases, the Practitioner may issue a section 60I certificate, allowing the parties to pursue other options including court proceedings.
Workplace Mediation is a confidential and effective process designed to address conflict within professional environments or between organisations. It assists individuals, teams, and organisations to improve communication, resolve disputes, reach successful resolutions, and restore and rebuild productive working relationships in a constructive and professional manner.
Each matter is carefully assessed to determine whether mediation is appropriate. The mediator takes steps to ensure the process is safe, fair, and balanced. Where mediation is not suitable, alternative options will be discussed.
The length of the mediation process varies depending on the nature and complexity of the dispute. Some matters may be resolved in a single session, while others may require multiple sessions.
Appointments can be scheduled through this website or by contacting the office directly. A no-cost initial consultation can help determine whether mediation is suitable for your circumstances and explain the next steps. To book an initial consultation, please click the Book Free Consultation button at the top of the screen or click here. If you're ready to book a mediation, or are a lawyer booking mediation for your client, please see the Book Mediation button at the top of the screen or click here.