Frequently Asked Questions

General faq’s

  • Family Mediation (Family Dispute Resolution under the Family Law Act 1975) is a structured process designed to help separating families resolve disagreements with the guidance of an accredited Family Mediator.

    Instead of going straight to court, mediation gives you a safe, supported space to talk through issues and work towards practical solutions that suit your family.

    What Can Be Mediated?

    • Parenting matters – such as care rosters, holiday arrangements, time with extended family, school choices, or special needs.

    • Property & financial matters – including how assets (like a home or investments) and debts are divided, taking into account past contributions and future needs.

    • Grandparent matters – supporting grandparents to reconnect and maintain meaningful relationships with their grandchildren.

    Who Are Family Mediators?

    Family Mediators must be accredited, and they are authorised to issue section 60I certificates where required.

  • Our Family Mediation process is designed to be simple, supportive, and efficient. We guide you through each step with care, ensuring you're informed and supported from start to finish.

    1. FREE 30min Consultation
      A free confidential call with a Family Mediator to discuss your situation, answer your questions, and decide if Evolvd are the right service for you.
      To book call, click here.

    2. Invitations $100*
      Once you’ve decided to move forward, Evolvd invites the other party to participate. If the invitation is accepted, both parties book separate assessment sessions.

      *deducted from Family Mediation fees if booked and attended.

    3. Assessment $180 to $240 pp.
      For Parenting & Grandparent Matters each party attends for 1.5hr ($180 pp). The purpose is for the Family Mediator to assess if mediation is appropriate/suitable for you circumstances.

      For Property & Financial Matters each party attends for 2hrs ($240 pp). The mediator covers suitability but also establishes the asset pool, and gathers additional information on how the process works, getting legal advice and court application requirements.

    4. Mediation Sessions
      If both parties agree to participate, we schedule a mediation session.

      Parenting & Grandparent Matters 3hrs ($360 pp).

      Property & Financial 4hrs ($480 pp - split over 2 sessions)

      The sessions are structured to the needs of each matter, and if an agreement is reached we draft for each party to sign (see below)

    5. Written Agreement or Parenting Plan.
      Where agreement is reached the Family Mediator drafts the agreement into a Parenting Plan for Parenting & Grandparent Matters, or a Heads of Agreement for Property & Financial Matters.

    See the Fees and Payments FAQ’s for more information,

  • We offer a FREE 30min call with a Family Mediator to discuss your needs and where you can ask any questions you may have - about us, about the process, about anything you need to clarify, so you are confident that Evolvd is the right service for you.

    Book your FREE 30min call here.*

    *The booking form asks for extra details to help us make the most of your free 30-minute session. Sharing this information is optional.

  • How We Contact the Other Person

    Family Mediators are required to make at least two attempts to reach the other person, with one of those attempts in writing.

    At Evolvd, we begin by sending the other person a written invitation — usually by email or mail — along with our handbook Your Guide to Parenting Mediation. We invite them to get in touch with us within 7 days.

    If we haven’t heard back, we then follow up with a phone call and allow another 7 days for them to respond.

    After that, we’ll update you on the outcome and ask whether you’d like us to keep trying. If you decide instead to request a section 60I certificate, we will let the other person know that the certificate has been issued so the process is clear and transparent for everyone.

  • Is an assessment required for all Family Mediation?

    Yes. Every participant must attend a private, individual assessment appointment before any joint mediation session is scheduled. This applies to all types of Family Mediation — including Parenting Matters, Property and Financial Matters, and Grandparent Matters.

    The assessment provides an opportunity to share your story in a confidential setting, learn more about what mediation involves, ask questions about process and identify any safety concerns, risks, or special needs for you or your children.

  • After each person has had their individual assessment, the mediator decides if it’s safe and appropriate to proceed. They look at things like the history of the relationship, any safety concerns, or whether both people are able to take part in the process.

    Your safety and wellbeing are always the top priority. The assessment is also your opportunity to share your circumstances privately, so the mediator understands what you need before mediation begins.

    You’ll be informed of the outcome once the assessment is complete. If mediation isn’t suitable, you can request a section 60I certificate. For confidentiality reasons, mediators can’t provide detailed reasons for these decisions.

  • Can I Still Participate if There’s a Family Violence Order?

    If there is a family violence or intervention order in place (such as an AVO, DVO, or IVO), you may still be able to take part in Family Mediation. This depends on what the order allows and whether the mediator is satisfied that it’s safe and appropriate to continue.

    The mediator will carefully review any existing orders and talk with you about options to make the process as safe as possible.

  • In many cases, you can bring a support person to your assessment and mediation sessions. This may be a trusted friend, family member, or support worker.

    All parties must agree to their presence at a joint session, and the mediator must approve them in advance.

    Support people provide emotional support only. They cannot speak on your behalf, give instructions, or interrupt the process. They must maintain confidentiality and respect the mediation process at all times.

    If you’d like a support person to attend, let us know please let us know when you attend your assessment session description.

Family Mediation faq’s (con’t)

  • Every parenting mediation session at Evolvd follows a clear, supportive structure. This helps create a respectful space where everyone knows what to expect and feels guided throughout the process.

    At the start of your session, your Family Mediator will explain how the process will run, set some ground rules, and confirm the topics you'd both like to focus on. From there, you’ll move into a structured conversation where each person can raise concerns, explore and generate options, and work toward practical, future focused agreements.

    Evolvd offers three session formats. The Family Mediator determines the structure. However, they will work collaboratively with both parties to find the approach that best supports safe, balanced, and constructive communication:

    • Joint Sessions – Both parents participate in the same online space and speak directly with each other, with the mediator guiding the discussion. This format works well when communication is respectful and cooperative.

    • Shuttle Sessions – Each parent remains in a separate online space while the mediator moves between them. This approach helps reduce tension and is often used when communication is strained or safety is a concern.

    • Hybrid Sessions – A flexible mix of joint and shuttle. For example, you might begin in shuttle and move to joint if things progress positively, or the reverse if tensions rise.

    The structure may adapt as the process unfolds, always with a focus on what will support meaningful discussion and help move things forward constructively.

  • Confidentiality is critical for Family Mediation. It’s what makes the process safe and effective. When you know your information is private, you can speak more openly and focus on finding solutions.

    At Evolvd, we take confidentiality seriously because it helps build trust, reduces conflict, and protects the privacy and dignity of everyone involved.

    Another important safeguard is inadmissibility. This means that what is said in mediation generally cannot be used later in court. This protection encourages both people to be honest and explore options without fear that their words will be used against them.

    There are circumstances where the law requires a mediator to share information, such as if there’s a risk of harm to a child or someone’s safety, or if a crime is disclosed. Your mediator will explain these exceptions clearly before the process begins.

  • Effective preparation helps you feel more confident, focused, and ready to make the most of your Family Mediation (FDR) session. It allows you to reflect on what matters most.

    For Parenting & Grandparent Matters:

    Consider your children's (or grandchildren’s) needs, what is working currently and what is not. Come with suggestions on how to improve their experience of separation and consider how conflict can be reduced.

    For more suggestions see our downloadable guide called Your Guide to Parenting Mediation.

    For Property & Financial Matters:

    Consider your needs, contributions, future needs, and the if you would like to retain any assets etc. You may also need to get legal advice and financial advice before the session.

    Preparation Guide coming soon.

  • A Parenting Plan is a written agreement between parents that outlines arrangements for the care of their children.

    It can include topics such as living arrangements, time spent with each parent, communication, schools, religious or cultural needs, decision-making, and how future changes or disagreements will be managed.

    Parenting Plans are made jointly and in good faith. They are not legally binding but can be taken into account by a court if disputes arise later on. Because they are flexible and cooperative, Parenting Plans are often a helpful and practical way to support ongoing parenting after separation.

  • A Heads of Agreement (HoA), is a record of what was agreed in mediation regarding the division of assets. It is signed by both parties at the conclusion of mediation.

    Once signed the parties take solicitors to draft the HoA into consent orders or a binding financial agreement (BFA) for submission to court.

    Please speak with your solicitor about the difference between consent orders or BFA’s.

Fees, payments, & cancellations

  • FREE 30min consult - book here

    Invitations for Party A $100 (refundable) – see conditions

    Parenting & Grandparent Matters – total $540 per party

    • Assessments 1.5hr $180.00 + gst where applicable

    • Mediation session 3hr $360 + gst where applicable.

  • Property & Financial Matters – total $720 per party

    • Assessments 2hrs $240 + gst (where applicable)

    • Mediation session 2 x 2hrs $480 + gst (where applicable)



  • For General Mediation Services please book at 30min consult and a quote will be provided.

    The information below is a guide only.

    General Mediation (Individuals) - per party $540

    • Assessments 1.5hr $180.00 + gst where applicable

    • Mediation session 3hr $360 + gst where applicable

    General Mediation (Businesses) - per party $1350

    • Assessments 1.5hr $450 + gst where applicable

    • Mediation session 3hr $900+ gst where applicable


    General Mediation (NGO’s/Social Enterprise) - per party

    • Assessments 1.5hr $450 + gst where applicable

    • Mediation session 3hr $900+ gst where applicable

    Workplace Mediation – $500per hour

  • Payments

    To confirm your booking, payment is required in advance for all appointments.

    Cancellations

    Cancellations* made up to 7 days before your appointment are fully refundable.

    Cancellations* made up to 3 days before will receive a 50% refund.

    Cancellations* of 3 days or less are non-refundable.

    *The non-cancelling party receives a full refund.

  • Mediation is a way for people in conflict to resolve conflict with the help of a neutral third party. There are many types of alternative dispute resolution, and mediation is often used to where preserving relationships is important.

    At Evolvd, we offer several types of mediation, including:

    General Mediation

    includes customer, business disputes, neighbour or tenant issues, workplace or community disagreements.

    Evolvd mediators are accredited under the NMAS/AMDRAS framework, to mediation these kind of disputes.

    Family Dispute Resolution (FDR)

    Includes Parenting & Grandparent Matters, and Property & Financial Matters. To keep things simple, at Evolvd we call FDR Family Mediation.

    Family Mediation (such as a Parenting Matter) must be conducted by an accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP) or Family Mediators.

     All Family Mediators at Evolvd are accredited with the Attorney General’s Department.

    See Family Mediation FAQ’s for more information.

  • Being Invited to Mediation

    Getting an invitation to mediation can feel daunting, but it’s usually a positive step. It means there’s an opportunity to work things out without going to court. Mediation is designed to give you a safe, structured space to talk through the issues and try to reach agreements.

    If you’re not sure what to do, or you need more time to think about it, you can call the mediator. They may be able to extend deadlines so you can explore your options and get legal advice. Most mediators understand that these are big decisions and want you to feel confident moving forward.

    Voluntary Mediation

    Many types of mediation are voluntary. You don’t have to say yes, but it’s important to know what might happen if you say no. The other person may choose to take another path — such as getting a lawyer involved or making a complaint through an authority. Mediation is often the most affordable and constructive way forward, so if you’re unsure, it’s a good idea to get legal advice before deciding.

    Parenting Mediation (Family Dispute Resolution)

    Parenting Mediation, sometimes called Family Dispute Resolution (FDR), is a little different. For most parenting matters, it’s a required step before the court will even hear the case.

    If you refuse to take part, the other parent can be given a section 60I certificate that shows you declined. This allows them to apply straight to the court. If the matter goes to court and the judge rules against you, there’s also a risk you could be ordered to pay costs.

    Because the consequences can be serious, it’s really important to get legal advice before making a decision about Parenting Mediation.

  • A mediator is there for both of you, not just one person. While one party usually starts the process, the mediator’s role is to stay neutral and create a safe, balanced space where each of you can be heard.

    It’s natural to feel uncertain if you didn’t choose the service yourself. Let us reassure you that our mediators are trained to follow strict professional standards so the process feels fair and respectful. You’re encouraged to reach out with any questions, and in most cases you’ll be given reasonable time to seek legal advice before deciding whether to participate.

    Received an invitation from Evolvd, click here to book a FREE 30min call to answer any questions.

  • Section 60I certificates apply to parenting matters only. If parenting mediation doesn’t go ahead, isn’t suitable, or doesn’t result in agreement, the mediator may issue a Section 60I certificate.

    This certificate is simply a record that a parent or grandparent’s participation in a mediation process. It is required to apply to the court for parenting orders. Only a registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP) can issue one.

Family Mediation faq’s