Grandparent Mediation
The Australian Family Law Act 1975 provides an avenue for grandparents to take matters to court to seek Parenting Orders for their grandchildren. However, as with parents and guardians, parties are required to at least attempt a Family Dispute Resolution (mediation) process first, and to produce a s60I certificate as proof. Northern Frontiers has fully accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners (that can issue s60I certificates as appropriate), and work with grandparents to resolve matters relating to their grandchildren.
At Australian Mediation parents, grandparents and guardians are encouraged to work through their differences together, with an independent Mediator, and generate a Parenting/Grandparenting plan that is in the best interests of children and grandchildren. Mediation can often save considerable time and money, and ensure relationships are not forever damaged by unwanted litigation and animosity.
What matters can I mediate about?
Allowing them to spend time with, communicate with, or even have a child live with them if it's in the child's best interests, especially if parents are unable or unwilling to care for the child due to issues like neglect, violence, or substance abuse, though Family Dispute Resolution (mediation) is usually required first.
How do I talk to someone or make a booking?
For bookings and information please call us on 1300 90 81 70, text message mobile 0419 531 269, email office@australianmediation.com.au, for FREE 15 MINUTE consultation (can be shorter if you only have a few questions) or use the LiveChat feature at the bottom right of this webpage.
What if mediation isn't successful, or they refuse to join?
The intention of mediation is to generate a Record of Parenting/Grandparenting Agreement. If mediation is not successful, or the other party refuses to participate (for whatever reason), a s60I certificate can be issued, and you can then proceed to court if you wish.
Concerned the other party won't agree to mediation?
If the other party, for whatever reason, does not wish to mediate, or ignores requests, we also offer a Parenting / Grandparenting Proposal Preparation service. This proposal can then either be sent directly to the other party, or via legal advisors.
If you complete your individual Intake & Assessment session, and then we contact and invite the other party and they refuse to attend, you will be issued a s60I certificate. This certificate will indicate to the court that you tried mediation, but for whatever reason, the other party did not attend. The Australian Family Courts may then be engaged to potentially decide on your matter.
Grandparent Mediation: FREE 15min Consultation
To enquire call 1300 90 81 70, text 0419 531 269, email office@australianmediation.com.au, or use the LiveChat feature at the bottom right of this webpage.
Why choose Australian Mediation?
- We get things moving quickly! First step is your Intake & Assessment session with the Mediator - typically no longer that 2-3 business days following your initial contact with us. Government subsidised mediation providers frequently have waitlists extending 3-5 months.
- Both parenting and property matters can be included in a mediation process, saving time and money.
- There is no requirement to mediate face-to-face with your ex-partner. The entire mediation process may be completed via phone or videochat, and you don’t even need to have direct voice contact if you prefer (the Mediator switches between the parties).
- Our mediators (Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners - FDRPs) are fully accredited through the Attorney General's Department in Canberra and can therefore issue s60I certificates. Family Law lawyers know what these are, as they are required prior to going court.
- We encourage clients to seek legal and financial advice however, you are not required to have your lawyer present during mediation, unless you wish to.
What happens if the other party does not join the mediation process?
Firstly, if the other party refuses to join the mediation process a s60I certificate may be issued by the Mediator. This may indicate that you have started the mediation process (by doing your Intake & Assessment session) but for whatever reason the other party has not joined, and the whole process cannot continue. If this does occur, you can still meet with one of our Mediators and generate a Parenting Proposal that can either be presented by yourself to the other party for their review, or used as a basis for any court/legal applications. Please click here for more information on our Parenting Proposal Preparation service.
Family separation can be a time of great stress and uncertainty - especially for children.
What children and grandchildren need most is Routine, Reliability and Regularity – as well as happy parents and grandparents. Ongoing parental conflict is the number one risk factor in terms of children’s long-term mental health and well-being.
Separated families who disagree about a parenting and grandparenting issue/s are legally required to make a genuine effort to resolve their differences before asking a court to decide (exemptions apply). Mediation is a common, inexpensive form of dispute resolution.
Australian Mediation offers a range of family law mediation services via phone and videoconferencing platforms Australia-wide. We pride ourselves on providing friendly child-focused parenting and grandparenting mediation services.
Mediation helps restore family stability and minimise the risk to children’s health and well-being by assisting to develop a practical parenting plan.
Is my matter suitable for mediation?
Anything to do with parenting may be listed as an agenda item for mediation and included in a parenting plan. Examples include a child’s education; time spent with grandparents; communication between parents; health; surname; passports; vaccinations; parental relocation with the child (and child-recovery matters); rules for re-partnering; cultural issues, religion etc.
You can discuss your mediation agenda items with the Mediator during pre-mediation sessions, and will have until the day prior to a joint session to advise the Mediator of your finalised agend list. We do not share either party's agenda items with the other party, outside a joint session.
Who can start a mediation process?
Anyone with an ongoing interest in the care and well-being of a child can initiate family law mediation. This includes parents (regardless of marital status or length of relationship); step-parents; grandparents, other extended family members and significant others.
Clients can advise the other party that they will, or would like to, commence a parenting mediation process, or you can rely on Australian Mediation to do this as part of our formal process. Some clients believe it will achieve a better result if they advise their ex-partner of the mediation process, whereas others prefer to limit direct contact with the other party and ask Australian Mediation to assist. Please discuss your preferences, and individual circumstances, with your Mediator.
Is Mediation expensive?
Mediation is intended to be an alternative to only relying on lawyers and Courts to resolve your matter. As lawyers cost between $400 - $700 per hour, Australian Mediation charges significantly less than these legal costings. This means you can save considerable money (often $1,000s) by utilising an impartial Mediator to assist in resolving your matters, rather than only lawyers (where each party requires their own). For a full breakdown of our mediation costs click here for current pricing.
How soon can I get started?
As soon as you like! The longest you might wait for an Intake and Assessment Session is normally 3 - 5 business days. This is your first formal step in taking control of your family situation so that all involved can move on…
Appointment times:
For your convenience Australian Mediation offers appointments from 7.30am weekdays. Out of hours appointments are available on a case-by-case basis, including evenings and weekends. To enquire call 1300 90 81 70, text message via mobile on 0419 531 269, use the online chat feature at the bottom right of this webpage, or email office@australianmediation.com.au
Got a question or three?
If you are not sure where to start, contact our Office today and confidentially talk through your situation. There is no pressure to book, and we are happy to provide information (not advice) where possible.
Call 1300 90 81 70, text message 0419 531 269, email office@australianmediation.com.au, or use the online chat feature on this page to speak with someone now.
There’s no obligation to make a booking. We’re happy to answer your questions, even if you’re simply researching your options or comparing different mediation providers.
Contact Us Today
Phone
+1300 90 81 70
Mobile: 0419 531 269 (text or call)
LiveChat: If you have any questions about our services and don't have time to ring or email, feel free to use the online chat function (bottom right of this page).
Reception Opening Hours
Mon-Fri: 7.30 am – 8.00 pm. Last-minute sessions available for urgent matters. Text message 0419 531 269 for the fastest response.