Parenting Mediation
A confidential, structured process to help separated parents reach practical, child-focused agreements outside of court.
Is this the right support?
This service may be right for you if:
• you have separated and need to make arrangements for your children
• you want to develop or update a Parenting Plan
• you have been asked to attempt mediation before applying to court
• you want support to have constructive conversations about parenting
In most cases, mediation must be attempted before applying to court for a parenting order, unless an exemption applies.
If you’re unsure whether mediation is suitable for your situation, we can talk it through with you.
How it works
1. Initial contact and intake
Each person attends a confidential intake session. We assess suitability and safety.
2. Education (if required)
Some families may be asked to complete an education session before mediation to support better outcomes.
3. Mediation session
Sessions are facilitated by a registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner.
Mediation may take place:
• in the same room
• in separate rooms (shuttle mediation)
• online or by phone
4. Next steps
If agreement is reached, you may:
• formalise arrangements in a Parenting Plan
• seek legal advice
• apply for Consent Orders
If agreement is not reached, a Section 60I Certificate may be issued (where appropriate), which is generally required to apply to court.
Who this is usually suitable for
- Separated parents
- Grandparents or significant people involved in a child’s life
- Parents who need to establish or vary parenting arrangements
- Families seeking to resolve parenting matters outside of court
It may not be suitable where there are significant safety concerns or where an exemption to mediation applies.
Getting Started
You can begin by:
- completing our online Request for Service form
- calling our team directly
- emailing familylawreferrals@centacarenenw.com.au
We will contact you to arrange intake and explain next steps.
Practical details
Fees
Free services:
- Information and referrals
- Individual sessions (intake/assessment)
- First hour of joint Family Dispute Resolution (FDR)
Mediation (Family Dispute Resolution - FDR)
After the free hour:
If income is under $50,000 per year
- Up to first 3 hours FREE
If income is $50,000+ per year
- First hour FREE
- Hours 2-3 $30 per hour (per person)
Service cost breakdown:
Intake / assessment - Free
Information / referrals - Free
First mediation hour - Free
Mediation (low income) - Free (up to 3hrs)
Mediation ($50k+ income) - $30ph after first hour
Timeframes
We aim to complete mediation within approximately 90 days, depending on engagement and completion of intake and education sessions.
Locations
Available across Tamworth, Armidale, Glen Innes, Inverell, Moree, Narrabri and Gunnedah.
Proof & documentation
If mediation is attempted but agreement is not reached, a Section 60I Certificate may be issued. This certificate is generally required if you intend to apply to court for a parenting order (unless an exemption applies).
If agreement is reached, you may formalise arrangements through a Parenting Plan or Consent Orders.
Looking to refer someone?
We accept referrals from:
- Courts
- Legal practitioners
- Schools
- Community services
- Self-referrals
To refer someone, contact our team or direct them to complete the online Request for Service form.