Section 60I Certificates
A Section 60I Certificate, which Australian Mediation can issue as appropriate, is an important legal document in parenting matters under Australian family law. Before most parents can apply to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia for parenting orders, they are required to make a genuine effort to resolve their dispute through Family Dispute Resolution, commonly known as parenting mediation. The certificate is issued by an accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP) and confirms the outcome of a mediation process. Outcomes may include, for example, mediation been attempted but no (or not complete) agreement reached, that one party did not attend (for whatever reason), that the matter was unsuitable for mediation, that mediation began but could not continue, and also if one or both parties did not mediate effectively.
Australian Mediation provides professional, confidential and affordable mediation services Australia-wide, including parenting mediation, property mediation and grandparent mediation. Mediation can help separated parents, care providers, grandparents and extended family members discuss important issues such as children’s living arrangements, time with each parent, communication, schooling, holidays, property settlement and financial matters.
While an s60I Certificate is generally required for parenting order applications, many separated couples also benefit from property mediation at the same time or as part of a broader separation process. Property mediation can assist parties to discuss the division of assets, liabilities, superannuation and financial responsibilities without immediately going to court.
What if my ex-partner refuses to mediate?
A s60I / 66H certificate may be issued if one party, for whatever reason, does not agree to mediate. You will need the certificate as evidence of your attempt to resolve the dispute through mediation before asking a court to decide things for you. Australian Mediation's mediators are accredited to issue these certificates if/when deemed appropriate – and S60I certificates may be issued within 24 hours of your initial assessment.
What happens if mediation is not appropriate?
In some circumstances, mediation may not be appropriate, including where there are concerns about family violence, safety, urgency or a significant power imbalance. In those situations, a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner may issue an s60I Certificate without mediation proceeding. Australian Mediation can help you understand the s60I Certificate process and explore practical options for parenting and property mediation.
I’m a grandparent…can I use mediation to gain access to my grandchildren?
Yes, definitely! If you have been cut off from your grandchildren through family separation or any other reason, you must first try to resolve the matter through a Family Dispute Resolution process (mediation) before initiating court action. The court will require proof (i.e., the s60I / 66H certificate) before they will process your application, and Australian Mediation is able to issue these certificates as appropriate. Click here for information on our Grandparent Mediation service.
Parenting & Property Mediation
Got questions? Email office@australianmediation.com.au calll or text 0419 531 269, or chat with us now using the livechat feature on this page.
Do I have to mediate?
Yes, in most situations, but certain limited exceptions apply. When family disputes arise around parenting and/or property matters, and parties fail to reach agreement themselves, the Australian Family Law Act 1975 requires parties to seek resolution with the assistance of a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (aka Mediator) prior to seeking court action. There is an expectation that parties mediate in good faith and demonstrate a desire to reach agreement. A s60I certificate may be issued if someone refuses to join mediation (for whatever reason), does not make a genuine effort to resolve the dispute, or when agreement simply cannot be reached.
Why choose Australian Mediation?
- Australian Mediation helps you get things moving quickly. Your first step is an Intake and Assessment session with a Mediator, usually within 2–3 business days of your initial contact. By comparison, some government-subsidised mediation services have waitlists of 3–5 months.
- We can assist with both parenting and property mediation, helping you save time, stress and legal costs. Mediation can be completed by phone or video, and you do not have to speak directly with your ex-partner if you prefer. The Mediator can move between parties separately.
- Our accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners are registered through the Attorney-General’s Department and can issue s60I certificates where appropriate.
- We encourage clients to seek legal and financial advice before, during and after mediation, if they wish to. However, you are not required to have a lawyer present unless you choose to.
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.