To Organise a Mediation

After I am requested to do any mediation both of the parties or their respective solicitors will be contacted and appointments will be made. This initially will be for an intake session to ascertain the parameters of the dispute and to consult and agree on the process of the Mediation or Family Dispute Resolution.

We offer a range of options for the mediation process including:

• joint meetings with the parties, and if represented their solicitors;
• individual meetings with each party;
• shuttle meetings, (in separate rooms);
• telephone conferences; and
• having regard to the matter, co-mediation, where suitable with appropriate experts such as counsellors.
• Should an expert be a part of the mediation process then there will be further costs involved.

Prior to the mediation being undertaken, the parties will:-

• agree and confirm appointment times for an intake and the Family Dispute Resolution;
• complete an Intake Form and provide any other information as required;
• execute a Mediation Agreement and return a Mediation Agreement; and
• place the relevant fees into their respective lawyers’ trusts accounts.

My charges are $300.00 per hour, plus GST. Each party will be required to place in their Solicitor’s Trust Account prior to the intake and mediation occurring, the sum of $825. This amount is the fees for the intake, the reading of materials, and the mediation itself, which will take approximately five hours. Should the matter take less than the time provided for by these fees then balance monies will be refunded to each party and should the matter take more time then the balance will be required to be paid within seven days of the mediation.

Where parties are represented, their lawyers are encouraged to attend the mediation however it is not compulsory.

We are available to conduct mediations during usual business hours Monday – Friday from 9am until 5pm. If your client is unable to attend for mediation during those times we are able to offer our services after hours and on weekends by prior arrangement. The venues for such mediations are either:

Queensland Law Society - Facilities Department
179 Ann Street
Brisbane, QLD 4000

or

AAT Mediation Rooms
4 Level
119 North Quay
Commonwealth Courts Building
Cnr North Quay & Tank St,
Brisbane

or

At any other suitable venue that the parties request and agree to.

The mediation rooms above are equipped with the following:

• wheelchair access
• separate rooms for meeting privately or taking time out.

There is a cost of hire for the mediation rooms usually.

All of the above mentioned mediation rooms have public parking available and are close to public transport.

We advise that the notes taken by the mediators during the course of the mediation are solely for the mediator’s reference during the mediation. The notes are destroyed at the conclusion of the mediation.

There are some exceptions where we are required by law to disclose facts of which we become aware, for example if such information would cause harm to a person or property.

If the parties are able to reach an agreement then a Parenting Plan or Minutes of Consent or, in the case of de facto property matters, a Deed or Heads of Agreement can be drawn up. I as the mediator will not draft such an agreement but will assist the parties to accurately reflect the agreement reached.

I am registered to issue certificates under s 60I of the Family Law Act 1975.