What is Mediation? 

Mediation is a process in which an independent person assists two or more people or organisations in dispute to negotiate and to make mutually satisfactory decisions on their dispute.  It is a form of "assisted negotiation".

The features of mediation are:

• It is a decison making process where the parties are assisted by the mediator by attempting to improve the decision making process to assist the parties to reach an outcome agreeable to both.
• Mediation brings clarity to the situation and each parties issues.
• It reduces and/or overcomes communication problems, allowing each party to understand and perceive the others view point.
• It promotes constructive and efficient negotiations by focusing on needs and interests rather than the positions the parties may have taken.
• The parties themselves are empowered and encouraged to take chare of their own decisions and accept responsibility for consequences of those decisions.
• The relationships of the parties are improved or at least not deteriorated (which is the opposite usual outcome of litigation).
• The parties are provided with a method/model of resolving later conflicts or at least made aware that there is a viable alternative to litigation.

The costs of Mediation:

• The initial consultation with the first party seeking information about mediation or other alternatives which are available - $110 for approximately half an hour.
• To conduct mediation:
  • In property matters - $1,100 per party - which includes preparation, arrangements for the mediation, intake sessions with the parties individually and three hours of mediation time.
  • In children's matter -$750 per party - which includes preparation, arrangements for the mediation, intake sessions with the parties individually and three hours of mediation time.
  • In the event mediation is agreed to continue beyond three hours then at $220 per party per hour.
• To issue an invitation in children's matters as required by the Family Law Act $220 (inclusive of GST) which includes the issue of a S60I Certificate if applicable (Issued at the mediators discretion under the terms of the Family Law Act & Regulations).

View the following YouTube video by a US state Court body (InCourt Indiana).  Whilst the videos are American content they provide information relevant to mediation. 
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE MEDIATOR?

Phone: (07 38043244
Email: enquiries@flms.com.au