We share a strong interest in assisting parents and carers to settle disagreement and resolve conflict in ways that address children’s interests and wellbeing.
We are conscious of the delays and stress involved in the Court process and the desirability to avoid ongoing conflict. For this reason we seek to help parents/carers to settle disputes and stabilize and support arrangements for children as early as possible.
In conciliation the format focuses the couple more actively towards an outcome than in more standard mediation. The conciliators provide their analysis of the situation and likely court outcomes and their assessment of appropriate arrangements for children.
Incorporating information from children into the decision making process can be useful for some families. Therefore, on occasions, when requested by the parents and when considered appropriate by the mediators the psychologist will interview child/ren and provide direct feedback about the child/ren’s experience of their changed family situation. Note that this process only occurs following a half day consultation between the mediators and parents.
Conciliation can occur with or without legal representation and before, during or after the commencement of court proceedings.
This private conciliation provides the opportunity for participants to reach a structured, personalised agreement with a substantial saving on expensive litigation. . The conciliation process can conclude with formal or informal written agreements, such as consent orders or a parenting plan.
