Child Focus Mediation
When parenting arrangements are the issue, the conversation needs to stay centred on what actually works for your children. Child-focused mediation helps parents build practical, workable parenting plans while keeping the children's wellbeing at the heart of every discussion.
What is child-focused mediation?
Child-focused mediation is a family dispute resolution process where the children's needs and wellbeing stay central to every discussion, helping separating parents reach practical, workable parenting arrangements without children present in the room.
Who is child-focused mediation for?
- Parents needing to agree on living arrangements and day to day care
- Parents working out decision-making responsibilities for schooling, health or other major decisions
- Families wanting an approach that genuinely centres the children's needs, not just each parent's position
- Parents who must attempt FDR before applying for parenting orders
The child-focused mediation process
- Initial consultation, individually with each parent to understand the situation and assess suitability.
- Suitability assessment, including whether child-inclusive mediation, giving the children a confidential voice, is appropriate for your family.
- Mediation session, a structured discussion focused on the children's day to day needs and long term wellbeing.
- Outcome, a written parenting plan, and a section 60I certificate where required for court.
Why choose Mediation House
Michael J. Tyler is a registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner, accredited by the Australian Attorney-General's Department, holding a Juris Doctor and Graduate Diploma in Family Dispute Resolution. Sessions are confidential, available in person at our Sydney CBD office or online Australia-wide with a 30% fee reduction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is child-focused mediation?
Child-focused mediation is family dispute resolution conducted with the children's needs and wellbeing kept central to every discussion between separating parents, without children present in the room. Child-inclusive mediation goes a step further and gives children a confidential voice in the process where appropriate.
Is child-inclusive mediation right for every family?
No. It's considered case by case and isn't suitable where there are safety concerns. Your mediator will assess whether it's appropriate for your family before including a child's voice in any part of the process.
Is mediation required before applying for parenting orders?
Yes, in most cases. Parents must attempt family dispute resolution before applying to court for parenting orders, unless an exception applies, such as family violence, child abuse, or urgency.
What does the process produce?
A written parenting plan outlining living arrangements, decision-making responsibilities and how future disputes will be resolved. This can later be formalised as consent orders if needed.
How does this differ from standard FDR?
Child-focused mediation isn't a separate legal process, it's how we run family dispute resolution when a child's day to day life and development are the central issue, keeping their perspective and best interests at the front of every decision.
Ready to talk through your parenting arrangements? Contact Mediation House for a confidential, no-obligation conversation.
Phone: 02 9159 9161
Office: Sydney CBD (in-person) | Australia-wide (online)