Parenting Mediation Article

What Happens in Parenting 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 parenting mediation, what to expect from the parenting mediation process, and whether you need Family Dispute Resolution before applying for court orders. Many separated parents also want to understand how parenting 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 parenting mediation process

The parenting 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. Parenting 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 parenting mediation before court

Court can be expensive, time-consuming, and emotionally draining for everyone involved. Parenting 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.

Family Dispute Resolution Linda Denaro

Take Next Steps

To book or enquire about mediation, please email Linda at support@lindadenaro.com.au

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