Relationships Australia Mediation Service (RAMS)
FDR provides an environment to safely discuss family issues that are unresolved or in dispute. FDR practitioners (mediators) are impartial and provide assistance in reaching workable agreements that address key issues and meet the best interests of children. Issues that can be addressed include living arrangements for children, education, improving communication, child support, health care and a range of other parenting issues. Mediation is usually between two parents but conflicts between parents and gandparents can also be mediated.
Parties who wish to make their agreements legally binding can consult with their lawyers to turn agreements into consent orders. The Relationships Australia Mediation Service usually has a short waiting list and services are available in the Sydney CBD, North Ryde, Westmead, Wollongong or Newcastle.
Relationships Australia Mediation Service is also able to assist clients to reach agreement on the distribution of their property (Family Relationships Centres are unable to provide this service). Property settlement mediation involves the identification and valuation of assets and an agreement as to fair distribution based on factors outlined in the Family Law Act. Please note that Relationships Australia does not provide legal advice and we recommend each client obtain independent legal advice before or during property settlement negotiations.
Employees or work groups in conflict can often reach fair agreements when all the information is available and able to be discussed honestly and openly in a neutral environment. Relationships Australia Mediation Service workplace mediators are skilled in assessing the issues and working with individuals and groups in conflict to support them in working towards a resolution.
Relationships Australia Mediation Service does not provide legal or industrial advice though will refer you to relevant legal agencies if required.
More information on Workplace Mediation.
Our experienced team of mediators are trained and accredited family dispute resolution practitioners, with specialised training on the impact of the separation on child development, and domestic and family violence issues. Our workplace mediators have skills and training in the area of workplace mediation.
Mediation generally begins with an invitation process to insure that all parties want to mediate. This is followed by separate preparation and assessment meetings between each party or stakeholder and the mediator. This is usually followed by one or more joint meetings. In many cases one FDR practitioner will conduct the sessions, and in other cases we will recommend using two FDR practitioners. For family dispute resolution we endeavour to provide a gender balance, i.e. a male and a female FDR practitioner.
FDR is a cost and time-effective alternative to expensive and stressful legal wrangles. There is usually a set fee for the assessment session and then fees will be charged at a given rate per hour, based on a sliding scale according to income.
The Work Place Mediation Program fee is negotiated with employers. Generally the fee will be quoted as a rate per hour, with an estimate of the total cost of the service provided up-front. Alternatively a total fee for the complete mediation service can be negotiated by separate arrangement.
The Relationships Australia Mediation Service (RAMS) and the Family Relationship Centres (FRC) both provide family dispute resolution. However, each offers different types of service in order to meet the range of client demand. Family Relationship Centres charge fees only after the first three hours of a joint session. The Relationships Australia Mediation Service charges fees from the commencement of service but can generally see clients within a shorter time frame. The Relationships Australia Mediation Service is also able to mediate in both property and parenting matters.
Family Dispute Resolution Certificates
Family Dispute Resolution Process
Call the Relationships Australia Mediation Service on 02 8874 8010
Email us by activating the Enquiry Icon at the top of this page.
The Relationships Australia Mediation Service usually has a short waiting list and services are available in the Sydney CBD, North Ryde, Westmead, Rockdale, Wollongong, Gosford or Newcastle.