Section 60I Certificate
Section 60I Certificate Sydney | Family Dispute Resolution
Are you separating and need a Section 60I Certificate before going to court? Mediation House offers accredited Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) services from our Sydney CBD office — or online from anywhere in Australia, with a 30% fee reduction.
Book a Free 15 minute consultation to assess your family dispute
What is a Section 60I Certificate?
A Section 60I Certificate is a legal document issued by an accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP). Under the Family Law Act 1975, this certificate is required before either parent can apply to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia for parenting orders.
In simple terms: before a judge can make decisions about your children, the law requires that you have genuinely attempted mediation first. A Section 60I Certificate is proof that you have done so.
Who Needs a Section 60I Certificate?
You will need a Section 60I Certificate if:
You and your ex-partner cannot agree on parenting arrangements for your children
You are considering applying to the court for a parenting order
You need a formal record that FDR was attempted, even if agreement was not reached
The other party has refused to attend mediation (a certificate can still be issued)
Important: Even if the other party refuses to participate, Mediation House can still issue your Section 60I Certificate, allowing your court application to proceed.
You and your ex-partner cannot agree on parenting arrangements for your children
You are considering applying to the court for a parenting order
You need a formal record that FDR was attempted, even if agreement was not reached
The other party has refused to attend mediation (a certificate can still be issued)
Are There Exemptions?
The court may grant an exemption from the FDR requirement in limited circumstances, including:
Family violence or child abuse is present or at risk
An urgent order is required to protect a child
One party is unable to participate due to incapacity
The location of one party is unknown
If you are unsure whether an exemption applies to your situation, contact us for a confidential consultation.
Family violence or child abuse is present or at risk
An urgent order is required to protect a child
One party is unable to participate due to incapacity
The location of one party is unknown
The FDR Process at Mediation House
Our process is straightforward, confidential and designed to minimise stress:
Initial Consultation — We speak with you individually to understand your situation, explain the FDR process and assess suitability.
Invitation to Other Party — We contact the other party and invite them to participate. If they decline, a certificate is still issued.
FDR Session — A structured, facilitated discussion focused on your children’s needs. Sessions can be held in person at our Sydney CBD rooms or online via secure video conferencing.
Outcome — Whether agreement is reached or not, we issue your Section 60I Certificate promptly following the process.
Initial Consultation — We speak with you individually to understand your situation, explain the FDR process and assess suitability.
Invitation to Other Party — We contact the other party and invite them to participate. If they decline, a certificate is still issued.
FDR Session — A structured, facilitated discussion focused on your children’s needs. Sessions can be held in person at our Sydney CBD rooms or online via secure video conferencing.
Outcome — Whether agreement is reached or not, we issue your Section 60I Certificate promptly following the process.
In-Person or Online — You Choose
Mediation House offers full FDR services both in person at our Sydney CBD office and online via secure video conference — giving you flexibility and convenience during what is already a stressful time.
Online FDR sessions receive a 30% fee reduction — making professional, accredited mediation even more accessible, wherever you are in Australia.
Why Choose Mediation House?
Registered FDRP: Michael Tyler is a registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner, accredited by the Australian Attorney-General’s Department and holding a Juris Doctor and Graduate Diploma in Family Dispute Resolution.
Child-focused: Our process keeps your children’s wellbeing at the centre of every discussion.
Confidential: Everything discussed in FDR is confidential and cannot be used as evidence in court proceedings.
Affordable alternative to court: FDR is significantly faster and less expensive than contested court proceedings, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars and take months or years.
Flexible: In-person (Sydney CBD) or online with a 30% fee reduction.
Prompt service: We understand urgency. We work to schedule sessions quickly so your matter can move forward.
Registered FDRP: Michael Tyler is a registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner, accredited by the Australian Attorney-General’s Department and holding a Juris Doctor and Graduate Diploma in Family Dispute Resolution.
Child-focused: Our process keeps your children’s wellbeing at the centre of every discussion.
Confidential: Everything discussed in FDR is confidential and cannot be used as evidence in court proceedings.
Affordable alternative to court: FDR is significantly faster and less expensive than contested court proceedings, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars and take months or years.
Flexible: In-person (Sydney CBD) or online with a 30% fee reduction.
Prompt service: We understand urgency. We work to schedule sessions quickly so your matter can move forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can I get a Section 60I Certificate?
Once both parties are engaged, the process can typically be completed within one to two weeks. If the other party refuses to attend, we can issue your certificate sooner. Contact us to discuss your timeline.
What if the other party won’t come to mediation?
We will make genuine efforts to engage the other party. If they refuse or fail to attend, we issue a Section 60I Certificate reflecting this, which allows your court application to proceed.
Is FDR the same as going to court?
No. FDR is a voluntary, confidential process conducted outside of court. The mediator does not make decisions — you and the other party are in control of the outcome. It is far less formal, faster and significantly less expensive than court.
Can we formalise any agreement we reach?
Yes. Agreements reached through FDR can be documented as a Parenting Plan or, if you wish to make them legally binding, filed with the court as Consent Orders.
Does mediation cover property and financial matters as well?
Yes. Mediation House also offers mediation for property settlement and financial disputes arising from separation. Please see our Services page for full details.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Contact Mediation House today for a confidential, no-obligation conversation about your situation. We are here to help you move forward.
Phone: 02 9159 9161Email: Click here to contact us
Office: Sydney CBD (in-person) | Australia-wide (online)