At EM Family Law, we take pride in offering high-quality mediation services designed to help parties resolve their disputes in an effective manner. Our team of legal professionals has extensive experience in negotiating settlements related to both parenting and property issues. Additionally, we are a National Accredited Mediator and members of LEADR and IAMA, two of the most well-respected organisations in the industry. We are dedicated to providing exceptional mediation services that can assist parties with the challenges they face.

Benefits of hiring expert Family Law Mediation services:

Family Law Mediation is a useful and cost-effective way for parties to reach an agreement on all issues without resorting to litigation. It can also help those who have already initiated legal proceedings but wish to resolve their matter without incurring the expense of going to court. Mediation can provide effective communication tools which can help separated parents manage their day-to-day parenting issues. This method of resolving disputes is usually quicker and much more affordable than other methods. As a mediator, Frances Edwards serves as an impartial facilitator and cannot take sides or make decisions for the parties. She utilizes an evaluative approach to mediation, meaning she can explain the application of a legal principle but cannot provide legal advice before or during mediation. It is recommended that each party seek independent legal advice prior to entering into mediation, though they may choose to attend with or without a lawyer present.

Mediation Process Sydney:

If you are looking for a Mediator in Sydney, or a mediator in NSW, EM Family Law can assist you. Prior to the joint mediation session, Frances Edwards will conduct a pre-mediation meeting with each party and/or their lawyer to gain an understanding of the issues between them. She may request that they collate certain documents and information beforehand. If she deems it suitable, a date and venue for the mediation will be set. Depending on the type of dispute, it will last either half or a whole day. The mediation can be conducted with or without lawyers present. During the session, Frances Edwards will facilitate discussions to help the parties identify and discuss all relevant issues, as well as any additional ones that arise. Her goal is to help them reach a negotiated resolution for all matters in dispute.

Mediator Confidentiality

Confidentiality is essential to the success of mediation as it allows parties to speak freely and candidly, knowing that all discussions will be kept confidential. To ensure this, a Confidentiality Agreement must be signed by all participating parties before the mediation begins. This Agreement ensures that anything discussed in preparation for or during the course of the mediation will remain confidential, as far as permitted by law. The Agreement allows parties to explore all possible options for resolution without fear of repercussions, increasing the likelihood of reaching a successful settlement. Best Mediator Sydney

Family Law Mediation Facts:

Mediation is an effective form of dispute resolution in which an impartial third party assists two or more parties involved in a disagreement to reach an agreement. It can be used to resolve financial and parenting issues, before or after court proceedings have commenced. Agreements concerning the care of children reached through mediation can be formalised through Parenting Plans and made legally binding by the Court (known as consent orders). Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) is a type of mediation that must take place prior to any court action for parenting matters in most cases. Dispute resolution services are an affordable and fast way to solve disputes, allowing the parties more control over the process and outcome. When selecting someone to assist with FDR, ensure they are registered with the Commonwealth Attorney–General’s Department as a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP), or accredited with the Australian Institute of Family Law Arbitrators and Mediators (AIFLAM) if conducting arbitration. For assistance with dispute resolution, seek help from Legal Aid, Community Legal Centres, or private legal practitioners. Legal Aid may be subject to means and assets tests, as well as limitations on the type of cases for which it can provide assistance. Community Legal Centres offer free advice and may be able to help with representation in some cases; find a list of Community Legal Centres in each state and territory on their website. Private legal practitioners typically work for a fee, which they will stipulate upfront. Each state and territory has a Law Society or Institute (for solicitors) and a Bar Association (for barristers) that often provide referral services to legal practitioners, mediation services, and lists of arbitrators.