Phase 1: Preliminary Conference -  Initiating Parent

A Preliminary Conference is conducted with the initiating parent to establish suitability for family dispute resolution, to gain an understanding of what the initiating parent is hoping/expecting and to effectively prepare the initiating parent for mediation, this includes reality testing their expectations.

NOTE: If there is a Violence Order in place, this MUST be emailed prior to engaging in any sessions with the Practitioner.

Preliminary Conference appointments are available online

Phase 2:  Preliminary Conference - Responding Parent

The responding parent is contacted by the FDRP 'inviting' them to participate in family dispute resolution. Contact is promptly after the Initiating Parent has had their Preliminary Conference and are asked to respond with their intention within seven days and to make an appointment for their Preliminary Conference. They then participate in the same process however each session is confidential.

Preliminary Conference appointments are available online

Phase 3: Joint session with Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner

After a thorough assessment and effective preparation of both parents, the joint session is arranged and three hours are allocated. The mediation is conducted with each parent given time to express their concerns, ask questions, put their proposal forward, to reach agreement and for the parenting agreement to be documented.

 Rather than making recommendations or imposing a decision, the FDRP (mediator) encourages parents to reach their own voluntary solution by exploring each others interests.

Joint meditations are available online

Phase 4: What if agreement is not reached?

The majority of meditations reach agreement as our  emphasis is placed on effectively preparing each parent including encouragement to seek legal advice.

However, if agreement is not reached, parents may choose to attend another, shorter joint session if they believe they will reach agreement. OR, a s.601 Certificate is provided by the Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner and parents need to seek guidance from their legal practitioner about the next steps.

Phase 5: Financial Matters

If financial matters are to be mediated, a two hour joint mediation session is conducted within a short time frame AFTER children's matters have been agreed. It is a requirement that parties undertake to have sourced all the necessary information to reach agreement about their financial matters. If lawyers are present for the financial component - they are expected to document the financial agreement.

Rhonda Emonson will conduct your Family Dispute Resolution sessions

Dr Rhonda Emonson (Law Res) is a Mediator | Resilience Coach and Counsellor with extensive experience in the conflict resolution arena.

Rhonda's research was about how to effectively prepare parents for FDR and she has been in the mediation field since 2008 providing conflict resolution both for workplace disputes and parenting disputes.

To meet the needs of those in dispute, sessions are conducted via telephone or ZOOM with appointments generally available within 14 days.