Mediation Services Perth
form of strength
Professional Mediation Services in Perth WA
Our Principal, Mark Davies, is accredited by the Attorney-General’s Department as a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner and is a nationally accredited mediator under the Australian Mediator and Dispute Resolution Accreditation Standards (AMDRAS). He is also a member of the Australian Institute of Family Law Arbitrators and Mediators.
As both a mediator and practising family lawyer, Mark brings a unique perspective to the process and can issue the appropriate certificate required to commence Family Court proceedings for parenting matters when required.
We approach every mediation with clarity, compassion, and a focus on tailored solutions, helping clients navigate sensitive issues while protecting their interests and supporting constructive, long-term outcomes.
Mediation
Mediation is a form of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) that allows parties to a family law dispute, with the assistance of a neutral third party (the mediator), to identify disputed issues, develop options, consider alternatives and endeavour to reach an agreement outside the Family Court process. This confidential process is often more efficient, cost-effective, and less stressful than Family Court proceedings.
At Davies & Co Lawyers we offer both shuttle and face-to-face ADR options, tailored to suit your circumstances. Our mediation services cover a wide range of family law issues, including:
- Parenting arrangements
- Property and financial settlements
- Mediation-Style Conferences
We are also frequently instructed by other family lawyers to assist their clients by chairing Mediation-Style Conferences on their behalf.
Family Dispute Resolution
For matters involving children under the age of 18, Family Dispute Resolution (FDR), is mandatory before commencing parenting proceedings in the Family Court, as defined by the Family Law Act (unless an exception applies).
FDR is a type of mediation in which a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP), a specially trained mediator in family law disputes, assists separating parties to resolve disagreements about children.
Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners are accredited by the Attorney General’s Department to issue certificates to persons who want to issue Family Court proceedings for Parenting Orders.
They can do so only if:
- A person did not attend Family Dispute Resolution due to the refusal, or the failure, of the other party or parties to attend.
- A person did not attend Family Dispute Resolution because the FDRP determined that it was not appropriate to conduct Family Dispute Resolution.
- A person attended Family Dispute Resolution with the other party or parties, but that person, or one or more of the parties did not make a genuine effort to resolve the issue or issues.
- A person attended Family Dispute Resolution with the other party or parties and all parties made a genuine effort to resolve the issues.
- The parties attended Family Dispute Resolution, but part-way through, the FDRP decided that it would not be appropriate to continue.
Our role
When engaged as a mediator or FDRP, our Principal, Mark Davies, will facilitate productive, respectful discussions, to assist parties to reach agreement in relation to their dispute, but he will not make decision on their behalf or provide them with legal advice.
All our family lawyers are committed to creating a supportive, informal environment when conducting mediation or Family Dispute Resolution services, so that the parties to the dispute feel comfortable to:
- Express their views and priorities
- Share what matters most to them and why
- Explore practical options for resolving their dispute
Our aim is to guide both parties toward mutually acceptable outcomes, without pressure or coercion, and without the need for court intervention wherever possible.
Whether you’re based in Perth, rural Western Australia, interstate, or overseas, we offer flexible options for participation via telephone or Microsoft Teams, ensuring accessibility for all clients.
Most of our clients are referred to us through word of mouth and professional referrals. While our calendar is often booked in advance, we aim to offer mediation appointments within two weeks wherever possible.
Our role
When engaged as a mediator or FDRP, our Principal, Mark Davies, will facilitate productive, respectful discussions, to assist parties to reach agreement in relation to their dispute, but he will not make decision on their behalf or provide them with legal advice.
All our family lawyers are committed to creating a supportive, informal environment when conducting mediation or Family Dispute Resolution services, so that the parties to the dispute feel comfortable to:
- Express their views and priorities
- Share what matters most to them and why
- Explore practical options for resolving their dispute
Our aim is to guide both parties toward mutually acceptable outcomes, without pressure or coercion, and without the need for court intervention wherever possible.
Whether you’re based in Perth, rural Western Australia, interstate, or overseas, we offer flexible options for participation via telephone or Microsoft Teams, ensuring accessibility for all clients.
Most of our clients are referred to us through word of mouth and professional referrals. While our calendar is often booked in advance, we aim to offer mediation appointments within two weeks wherever possible.
Conciliation Conferences & Court Ordered Mediation-Style Conferences
Following the first court event during Family Court of Western Australia property/financial proceedings, parties are often required to attend a Mediation-Style Conference or Conciliation Conference.
A Mediation-Style Conference allows the parties to work though their dispute with a mediator in the presence of their respective lawyers, who can provide advice in relation to options generated throughout the mediation and any terms of settlement which are proposed.
A Conciliation Conference is usually the second court event for parties involved in property/financial matters and occurs approximately 2 to 3 months after the first court event (depending on Court wait periods). However, the Court has the discretion to order the parties to attend a Conciliation Conference or Mediation-Style Conference at any time in either parenting or property/financial proceedings.
A Conciliation Conference typically lasts for about three hours and is conducted by a Registrar of the Family Court of Western Australia. Their role is not to give legal advice, and unlike that of a Magistrate or Judge, they will not pass judgment on either party and will not decide for the parties. Rather, their role is to assist the parties in reaching a genuine settlement.