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Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution. In family law it’s called family dispute resolution (FDR), and it’s run by an accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP).
A mediator doesn’t take sides, make decisions or give legal advice. They help you both talk through the issues calmly and work towards an agreement you can live with. Unlike court, the outcome is decided by you, not imposed by a judge.
Our team includes Accredited Family Law Specialists who are also trained mediators and Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners, so we understand the process from both sides. We help families in Orange, Bathurst, Blayney, Molong, Cowra, Parkes and across the Central West prepare for mediation in person, by phone or by video.
Orange · by appointment only
Dubbo · by appointment only
Phone and video appointments available
One party contacts an FDR practitioner, who invites the other party to take part.
Each person meets the mediator separately to check that mediation is safe and suitable.
You meet together, in separate rooms (shuttle mediation) or online, to work through the issues.
Any agreement is drawn up by a lawyer as consent orders, a parenting plan or terms of settlement.
We can give you advice before mediation so you know your rights and a fair range of outcomes, and we can attend with you if lawyer-assisted mediation suits your matter.
Parenting matters: before you can apply to court for parenting orders, you generally must attempt family dispute resolution and obtain a section 60I certificate from an accredited FDRP. Exceptions apply in cases of family violence, child abuse, urgency or where a person can’t participate effectively.
Property matters: there’s no section 60I certificate, but the Court’s pre-action procedures still expect you to make a genuine effort to resolve the dispute, including through dispute resolution, before filing, unless an exception applies.
During court proceedings: the Court can order the parties to attend mediation, and an FDR practitioner will report on whether a genuine effort was made.
Clear advice. Real support. People in your corner.
Most family law matters in Orange are resolved without a judge. We focus on negotiation, mediation and agreement wherever possible, and if court is needed, you’ll have experienced advocates beside you.
A section 60I certificate is issued by an accredited FDRP and must be filed with an application for parenting orders. It may state that:
Only accredited FDRPs can issue these certificates under the Family Law Act 1975.
Generally, yes. What’s said in mediation, and any offers made, can’t be used as evidence in court if the matter doesn’t settle. That lets everyone speak openly.
There are important exceptions. Mediators must report concerns about a child’s safety, and an agreement you reach isn’t confidential once it’s formalised.
Mediation isn’t suitable for everyone. If there is family violence, tell us and the mediator. Shuttle or online mediation, or an exemption, may be appropriate. Call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 for confidential support.
Need to find a mediator? We can recommend experienced accredited FDR practitioners, including The Mediation Centre, or you can search Family Relationships Online. If you’re on a lower income, Legal Aid NSW’s Family Dispute Resolution Service may be able to help.
Special Counsel · Solicitor in Charge, Orange, Dubbo & Orana
Julie leads our family law work for clients in Orange and across the Central West. Admitted as a solicitor in New South Wales in 1998, she brings more than 25 years’ experience across all areas of family law, with particular skill in dispute resolution and arbitration.
Clients value Julie’s kind, considerate and compassionate approach. She’ll take the time to understand what matters most to you and your family.
Julie is supported by ALA Law’s family law Partners Amanda Little, Rosemary Aloisio and Bernadette Melhem, each an Accredited Specialist in Family Law.
Costs vary between providers. Some government-funded services charge fees based on income, while private mediators charge hourly or session rates. Mediation is almost always far cheaper than going to court.
You don’t have to have one, but getting legal advice before mediation means you understand your rights and what a fair outcome looks like. Some matters suit lawyer-assisted mediation, where your lawyer attends with you.
For parenting matters, the mediator can issue a section 60I certificate so you can apply to court. Even partial agreement can narrow the issues and reduce costs.
Yes. Many FDR practitioners offer mediation by video or phone, which suits families spread across the Central West or where face-to-face meetings aren’t appropriate.
Not on its own. To make it binding, it should be formalised as consent orders or, for property, a binding financial agreement. We can prepare these for you.
Not always. A mediator will assess suitability, and options such as shuttle mediation, online sessions or an exemption may apply. Talk to us confidentially about your situation.
Book a confidential appointment. We’ll listen, explain your options and help you take the next step with confidence.