Ask about accreditation, process, availability and fees before booking a family dispute resolution practitioner, since these shape how smoothly mediation goes.
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Before booking a family dispute resolution practitioner, it is worth asking about their accreditation, how they handle safety screening, their fee structure, session availability, and whether they offer online sessions, since these details shape how smoothly and effectively your mediation goes. A short conversation covering these points before committing can save time, money and frustration later.
Only a practitioner accredited under the national family dispute resolution practitioner scheme can issue a section 60I certificate, the document courts generally require before accepting a parenting application. If there is any chance you will need a certificate, confirming accreditation is the first and most important question to ask, before considering anything else about the practitioner's style or availability. A properly accredited practitioner should be able to confirm this without hesitation.
A responsible practitioner will always screen for family violence, safety concerns and power imbalances between the parties before agreeing to run a joint session. Asking how this screening works, and what happens if a concern is identified, gives you a sense of how seriously the practitioner takes this part of the process. This is not a formality. It genuinely affects whether mediation is the right approach for your situation and how any joint session should be structured, including whether shuttle mediation might be more appropriate than a joint conversation.
It is reasonable to ask how the practitioner typically structures a session, whether they offer joint sessions, shuttle mediation, or both, and roughly how many sessions similar matters have needed in the past. This will not give you an exact figure for your own situation, but it helps set realistic expectations before you begin. It is also worth asking whether sessions are available online, particularly if you or the other parent live in different areas, have limited availability, or would simply prefer the convenience of a video session over travelling to a physical office.
Fees for private mediation vary depending on the practitioner and the complexity of the matter, and a reputable practitioner should be able to explain their general fee structure clearly, including what an initial consultation costs and how sessions are billed from there. It is fair to ask for a general estimate based on similar matters they have handled, while understanding that an exact total will depend on the details of your situation. Being upfront about cost from the start avoids awkward surprises partway through the process.
Some family dispute resolution practitioners come from a legal background, while others come from mediation, counselling, or social work backgrounds without formal legal training. Neither background is automatically better, and what matters most is that the practitioner is properly accredited, takes safety screening seriously, and communicates clearly about the process. Some people feel more comfortable with a practitioner who understands the legal system in depth, while others prefer someone whose role feels clearly separate from legal advice altogether. Mediation is not a substitute for legal advice, and Alternative Mediations does not provide legal advice, regardless of a practitioner's background, so any legal questions are best directed to a qualified legal practitioner alongside the mediation process.
If you and the other parent live in different areas, or one of you has moved interstate since separating, it is worth confirming whether the practitioner can work with both of you regardless of location, particularly if online sessions are involved. Many practitioners now work with families across Australia rather than only those near a physical office, so location alone should not necessarily limit your choice of who to approach.
Beyond the practical questions, it is worth paying attention to how comfortable you feel speaking with a practitioner during an initial enquiry or intake conversation. Mediation asks you to be open and honest in a difficult moment, and feeling at ease with the person guiding that conversation makes a genuine difference to how productive the process is likely to be.
If you are choosing a family dispute resolution practitioner, a short initial conversation covering accreditation, process and fees is a practical way to find the right fit before committing to a booking.
Whether they are accredited under the national family dispute resolution practitioner scheme, since only accredited practitioners can issue a section 60I certificate. This is worth confirming before anything else if a certificate might be needed later.
Yes. A good practitioner should be able to explain clearly how they screen for family violence and power imbalances during intake, since this shapes whether mediation is appropriate and how the session will be structured.
Yes, and a practitioner should be able to give you a clear sense of their fee structure, what is included, and roughly how many sessions your situation is likely to need, even if an exact figure depends on your specific circumstances.
It can, particularly if you and the other parent live apart, have scheduling constraints, or simply prefer the convenience of video. Confirming this upfront avoids limiting your options later.
This depends on personal preference. Some people prefer a mediator with legal background for added context, while others prefer a neutral, non-legal facilitator who is clearly separate from either party's legal advice. Both are valid approaches, and it is worth reflecting on which suits you.
Alternative Mediations provides Family & Separation mediation across Australia, in person or online. Initial enquiries are confidential and obligation-free.
Book a Confidential ConsultationGet in touch for a confidential conversation. We will explain the process and help you understand whether it is right for your situation.