Walking into your first mediation session can feel daunting — especially when emotions are running high and the stakes involve your children. The good news? Most people leave their first session feeling relieved that it was nothing like they feared. Here’s exactly what happens, so you can go in prepared.
Whether you’ve been referred by a lawyer, asked to attend by your former partner, or taken the step yourself, family mediation is often the most practical — and least costly — path to reaching agreements about parenting and separation. Across Australia, it’s also legally required before most parenting matters can go to court (more on that below).
This guide walks you through the entire process from first contact to follow-up, so you know exactly what to expect at every stage.
First: What Is Family Mediation?
Family mediation is a structured conversation facilitated by a neutral, accredited professional — a Registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP). The mediator’s job is not to take sides, give legal advice, or make decisions for you. Instead, they create a safe space where both parties can speak, be heard, and work toward practical agreements.
Mediation is used most often by separated or divorcing parents to resolve issues like parenting arrangements, living arrangements for children, and communication between households. It can be done in person or online — which means families across all of Australia can access the same quality of support.
“The mediator’s role is not to decide who’s right — it’s to help both of you find a way forward that works for your children.”
Before the Session: The Intake Process
Before both parties ever sit in the same room (or video call), your mediator will speak with each of you separately. This is called the intake or pre-mediation assessment, and it’s an important step that often gets overlooked.