Separation is hard enough. Mediation gives you and your former partner a structured, private space to reach agreements on children, property, and finances — with a nationally accredited mediator who is also a family lawyer.
Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) is a mediation process designed specifically for separated couples. It helps you and your former partner negotiate agreements about parenting arrangements, property, and finances — on your terms, not a court’s.
FDR mediation is required by law before most parenting applications can be filed in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. A registered FDRP like Shane can conduct this process and issue the Section 60I Certificate you need if court proceedings become necessary.
Private FDR mediation with Shamac Lawyers means no waiting lists, no referrals, and a mediator who understands the legal landscape your decisions sit within.
Before filing a parenting application in the Federal Circuit and Family Court, you generally need a Section 60I Certificate issued by a registered FDRP. Shane is registered to issue these certificates.
The certificate records the outcome of the mediation process — whether agreement was reached, whether a party failed to attend, or whether mediation was deemed inappropriate. It does not record what was said in the sessions. Exceptions apply where there is family violence, child abuse, or urgency — in those cases you may file without a certificate.
Indicates that one party refused or failed to attend mediation
Issued when mediation is deemed unsafe or unsuitable due to factors such as family violence or power imbalances.
Confirms that all parties actively participated in the mediation process.
Indicates that one party did not engage meaningfully in mediation.
Issued if mediation sessions break down and no resolution can be achieved.
Mediation empowers you to craft agreements that suit your family’s unique needs, rather than having a decision imposed by a judge.
Even a short court process costs far more than private mediation. The savings are substantial — and the outcome is often better.
No waiting for court listings. Private mediation can be arranged quickly, keeping your matter moving when it matters most.
Cooperative agreements reached away from court are more likely to be followed and easier to live with long term.
What is said in mediation cannot generally be used as evidence in court. You can speak frankly without fear.
A collaborative process is far less damaging to long-term co-parenting than adversarial litigation.
Publicly funded mediation services often come with lengthy delays. With Shamac Lawyers, you’ll have access to quicker appointments, reducing stress and keeping your case moving efficiently.
Our private mediation sessions are tailored to your unique circumstances. You’ll receive dedicated support from experienced professionals focused on achieving fair and practical outcomes.
We ensure that all discussions remain private, creating a safe space for you to explore solutions that work for everyone involved.
Going to court is not only time-consuming but also expensive. Investing in mediation is a proactive step towards resolution without the financial and emotional burden of litigation.
We speak with you briefly to understand your situation and confirm that mediation is appropriate. If there are safety concerns, intervention orders, or significant power imbalances, we'll discuss whether FDR is the right pathway.
We meet with each party separately before the joint session. This gives everyone a chance to prepare, understand the process, and raise anything they'd prefer to address privately first.
Both parties meet with Shane as mediator. Sessions are structured but flexible — we set an agenda, work through each issue, and use private caucuses where needed. Available in person at Clarence Chambers, Melbourne, or by Zoom.
If agreement is reached, we assist with documenting the parenting plan or heads of agreement. If agreement isn't reached, Shane issues the appropriate Section 60I Certificate so you can proceed to court if needed.
Once both parties agree on a resolution, it can be formalised into a legally binding document—ensuring clarity and protecting both sides from future disputes.
The mediation process is tailored to your family’s unique needs. Here’s what you can expect:
Family law mediation is a structured process where a neutral third party, the mediator, helps separated or divorcing couples resolve disputes about parenting arrangements, property settlements, and other family-related issues. Mediation focuses on fostering communication and finding mutually acceptable solutions without the need for court intervention.
Both parties need to participate for joint mediation to proceed. If the other party refuses, Shane can still conduct the process, attempt to contact them, and issue a certificate recording their non-attendance — which you can then use to file in court.
Safety is the first consideration. We conduct a screening assessment before any joint session. In some cases, shuttle mediation — where parties are in separate locations or on separate Zoom calls — can still work. In others, mediation isn’t appropriate and we’ll tell you that clearly.
Yes. What is said in mediation is confidential and generally cannot be used as evidence in court proceedings. There are limited exceptions — for example, if a child’s safety is at risk.
Pre-mediation sessions are typically 45–60 minutes each. The joint session is usually 2–3 hours, sometimes longer for complex matters. Sessions are available in person at Clarence Chambers, Melbourne, or by Zoom.
Contact us for a quote. Fees depend on the complexity of the matter and the number of sessions required. Private mediation is typically significantly less expensive than even a single day in court.
Shane will issue the appropriate Section 60I Certificate reflecting the outcome, which allows you to file in court if that becomes necessary. Mediation doesn’t close off any options — it opens them.
At Shamac Lawyers, our experienced family lawyers provide guidance and support throughout the mediation process. We help you prepare, ensure your rights are protected, and work towards achieving a fair and amicable resolution that meets your needs. If mediation fails, we are ready to represent you in court with compassion and expertise.
It depends on the complexity of the dispute. Some cases are resolved in one or two sessions, while others may take a few weeks. Mediation is generally much faster than court, allowing families to reach agreements without unnecessary delays.
Mediation itself isn’t legally binding, but agreements can be formalised into a legally enforceable document—such as a consent order or a financial agreement. A family lawyer can help with this process to ensure your rights are protected.
If mediation doesn’t result in an agreement, parties may need to go to court. However, Australian law requires most parenting disputes to attempt mediation before proceeding to trial. If mediation is unsuccessful, a Section 60I Certificate will be issued, allowing the case to move forward in court.
Yes. Family mediation services in Melbourne are commonly used to negotiate property settlements. If an agreement is reached, a financial agreement lawyer can ensure that the terms are legally binding and enforceable.
You don’t need to have everything worked out before you make an enquiry. A brief initial conversation is enough to understand whether mediation is the right pathway and what the process would look like for your matter.
