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Family Mediation Article

Parenting Coordintor Linda Denaro

What Happens in Family Mediation?
A Simple Guide for Separated Parents

Parenting Coordintor Linda Denaro

Understanding your options and what supports children best

If you are separating and trying to work out parenting arrangements, you may be wondering what happens in family mediation, what to expect from the family mediation process, and whether you need Family Dispute Resolution before applying for court orders. Many separated parents also want to understand how online family mediation works, what a Section 60I Certificate means, and how mediation can support child-focused parenting arrangements without going straight to court.

What to expect from the family mediation process

The family mediation process usually begins with an individual intake session. This gives each parent an opportunity to explain their concerns, raise any practical issues, and discuss what they would like to resolve. It also helps assess whether mediation is suitable.

If mediation proceeds, the next step is the mediation session itself. Depending on the circumstances, this can happen in a joint session or as a shuttle process with parents in separate rooms online. The focus is usually on practical parenting issues such as communication, changeovers, routines, holidays, decision-making, and arrangements that support the children.

During mediation, the mediator does not decide who is right or wrong. The role of the mediator is to guide the conversation, keep things structured, and help both parents work towards workable agreements. The final decisions stay with the parents.

Do both parents have to be in the same room?

Not always. Some parents prefer to mediate separately, especially where communication is strained or emotions are high. Online family mediation can be run as a shuttle process, with each parent in a separate virtual room while the mediator moves between them.

What happens if agreement is reached?

If parents reach agreement in mediation, they may be able to record the outcome in a Parenting Plan or take the agreement to a lawyer to seek Consent Orders if they want it made legally binding.

What happens if no agreement is reached? 

If no agreement is reached, that does not mean the process was pointless. Mediation can still help clarify the issues, narrow the areas of disagreement, and give each parent a better understanding of the other’s concerns. In parenting matters, a Section 60I Certificate may be issued in certain circumstances, including where mediation is attempted but no agreement is reached, or where mediation is assessed as not appropriate

Why many parents try family mediation before court

Court can be expensive, time-consuming, and emotionally draining for everyone involved. Family mediation gives parents the opportunity to have more say in the decisions that affect their children, rather than having those decisions made for them by a judge. It offers a calmer, more practical, and child-focused way to work through parenting issues before moving into litigation.

For many separated parents, it is not only about avoiding court, but about finding a less stressful way forward. When parents feel more heard, more in control, and less overwhelmed by the process, it can also help reduce the emotional strain on their children. A structured and supportive mediation process can help parents make clearer decisions, reduce conflict, and work towards parenting arrangements that create more stability for the whole family.

Taking the first step

If you are feeling unsure about what to expect from family mediation, you are not alone. For many parents, simply understanding the family mediation process can make the first step feel less overwhelming. Whether you are trying to sort out parenting arrangements, understand how online family mediation works, or want to know what happens before applying for court orders, Family Dispute Resolution offers a structured place to begin.

How Linda Denaro works in mediation

Linda provides family mediation online via Zoom, offering a practical and accessible process for separated parents across Australia. Before mediation begins, it will be discussed whether both parents are best supported in the same virtual room or in separate virtual rooms, with Linda moving between each parent where needed. If you would like to know more about how the process works and what to expect, you can download the Mediation Guidebook and FAQ.

Family Dispute Resolution Linda Denaro

Contact

Want to know more or book a mediation?

If you have questions about the process or feel ready to take the next step, Linda welcomes you to get in touch to discuss mediation and the best way forward. You can contact Linda at support@lindadenaro.com.au

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