Mediation and Family Dispute Resolution
Tahlia Bleier, our Solicitor Director, is a qualified Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP) and Mediator. Tahlia is Member of AIFLAM, the Australian Institute of Family Law Arbitrators and Mediators, and have been working nearly exclusively in the area of family law for 8 years.
Drawing on personal and professional experience, Tahlia understands the gravity and importance of decisions families make when two parents separate, both as they relate to parenting and financial matters. As a mediator, Tahlia strives to provide her clients with a high level of commitment and care, acknowledging that there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach in family law. Every family is unique and requires a tailored solution for them, which starts with the selection of the right mediator.
Tahlia approaches every mediation with a fresh, careful and measured philosophy, allowing time for pre-mediation sessions where required. Tahlia understands the true cost to parties of litigation and leverages this reality throughout the mediation process to encourage the resolution of matters.
What is Mediation?
A mediation is facilitated by a qualified professional who is experienced and able to assist parents to negotiate an acceptable outcome to their dispute, without the need of the further intervention of lawyers and the court.
The mediator is a neutral third party, who does not take the side of either party during the mediation. They at as a conduit between the parties, assisting them at inching closer together and towards a resolution.
Mediation is a confidential process, which means that what is said, offered and discussed in mediation cannot be repeated and used during any court proceedings. The mediator will also take all required precautions in order to ensure that parties feel safe and secure during the mediation, putting in place a safety plan or appropriate measures to ensure the mediation is a success.
Mediation can take place in person, with all parties, their lawyers and the mediator in one room, by shuttle (where the mediator moves between the parties), or online via MS Teams or Zoom. The mediator will tailor your mediation to ensure that the best possible forum is utilised to give the day the best chance of success.
What is Family Dispute Resolution?
A qualified Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner can issue the parties a Section 60I Certificate at the conclusion of the FDR event, which is a compulsory document that must be filed when any parenting proceedings are commenced. This certificate confirms to the court that parties have done everything in their power to resolve their dispute without the need for the court's intervention.
Often the terms 'mediation' and 'FDR' are used interchangeably in the family law space. It is important you check when booking your mediation/FDR that the mediator will be able to issue you with a Section 60I Certificate if FDR is not successful. Not all mediators will be able to issue you with a Section 60I Certificate.
Tahlia Bleier is a qualified Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner and will be able to issue you or your client with a Section 60I certificate in the unfortunate circumstance where the FDR event is not successful. Often, even where Tahlia has to issue a Section 60I certificate, parties will come back to Tahlia for mediation during the course of their parenting proceedings, and, guides them towards a resolution and an exit pathway away from the court.
What is the Cost?
Half Day Mediation/FDR (in person or online) - $2,500 + GST - only available for a parenting or property dispute, not both
Invitation to FDR where one party chooses not to engage - $300 + GST
Intake Session/Issue of Section 60I Certificate (if not suitable to proceed to FDR) - $600 + GST
All mediation/FDR packages include an intake session with each party, the reading of position papers and other relevant documents, and the issue of a Section 60I Certificate if required.
Venue hire can be arranged at the cost of the Parties where required.
Bookings and Availability
Scheduling a mediation session has never been easier — use our convenient online booking system to reserve a time that works best for you and the other party.
Click below to view Tahlia’s availability and, when you are ready, to book your mediation instantly.
We kindly request that you confirm that both you and the other party have agreed on the mediation date before you confirm the booking using the below link. If you would like to tentatively reserve a date pending confirmation from the other party, please email us at [email protected].
URGENT mediations are also available at short notice. Please contact us by email for urgent availabilities, as this availability may not be visible in Tahlia’s online calendar.