Clients of this program are separating or separated couples and their children, other family members or carers, where resolution is being sought with regard to parenting or property matters.
Clients can self refer or may be referred by the Federal Magistrates Court, family law solicitors or other family dispute resolution or counselling services.
After initial telephone intake, each of the participants is seen separately at a pre-mediation counselling session by a family dispute resolution practitioner. This session lasts for approximately one hour and provides an opportunity for each person to meet the family dispute resolution practitioner and discuss their issues in a confidential setting. It also provides an opportunity for the family dispute resolution practitioner to screen for domestic violence or any other significant issues.
Following a session with the initiating party, a letter is sent to the second person inviting them to a pre-mediation counselling appointment. Following both parties attendance at pre mediation counselling appointments in parenting matters, both parties will be asked to attend a child focussed education group called ‘Mum’s House Dad’s House. Provisions are made so separating/separated partners are not in attendance at the same group. Following this, a two hour joint mediation session is conducted. Where there are safety concerns, the family dispute resolution is conducted as a shuttle (family dispute resolution practitioner moves between the two participants located in separate rooms).
Child Inclusive family dispute resolution is offered at our Adelaide service. This requires the agreement of both parents and involves meeting with a Child Consultant to discuss the process and to establish the individual needs and interests of the child(ren), each child is seen on his/her own.
Similar processes are also used for other types of disputes e.g. parent/grandparent/adolescent etc.
Since the changes to the Family Law Act in 2006, people are required to attempt family dispute resolution before an application can be made to the court except where exceptions apply.
CONTACT & SESSION INFORMATION
3 Helen Street
MOUNT GAMBIER SA 5290
Phone 8723 6599
Fees:
- First pre-mediation counselling session: FREE
- First Family Dispute Resolution session: FREE
- Subsequent Family Dispute Resolution sessions: $60 per person or $30 per person with concession card
- Property dispute resolution: $35.00 per hour per person or $30 per person with concession card
- Preparation of a written agreement: $60 per person or $30 per person with concession card
Waiting List: Variable