Family separation can be traumatic.  Emotions run high and people sometimes behave in ways they might not usually.  Disputes become wars and often children are the casualty. 

Finding a civilised and respectful way of dealing with your partner about financial and parenting matters after separation benefits the whole family.  With the assistance of our mediators, parents can see ‘what is possible’ in their communication with each other. Children get positive impressions and good role modelling from parents who can learn how to communicate constructively about their futures.  Mediation about family matters reduces stress, anxiety and legal costs.  It ensures parties don’t get caught up in litigation.

Many people are aware of the provisions of the Family Law Act relating to children and property.  From July 1 2007, separating parties cannot proceed for parenting orders in the Family Court without first obtaining the certificate of a family dispute resolution practitioner.  In order to obtain that certificate, parties need to satisfy that practitioner that they have made an attempt to resolve their dispute. 

Deborah Forsyth is such a practitioner.  She has had many years’ experience dealing with the impact of relationship breakdown on children and can assist parties to find practical, sensible ways to manage their ongoing relationships with their children and each other.  She also has a comprehensive understanding of the law relating to property settlements and other financial matters arising from the breakdown of a relationship.

Neighbourhoods are about making and preserving relationships. 

Neighbourhood disputes can destroy relationships and leave people feeling angry, isolated, fearful and resentful.  They waste energy and often lead to expensive court action. 

Some people have moved to another suburb to avoid dealing with a neighbourhood dispute.  It may be a barking dog, loud music or an overhanging tree. 

We offer an inexpensive, expeditious community based mediation service to local government and community organisations to resolve disputes between or within neighbourhoods. 

We are also able to assist local authorities and residents to deal with changes in community management policy or town planning issues in a cooperative, empathetic manner.

Disputes in the workplace are destructive and can percolate through the entire workplace. 

Their causes can vary widely, but they all affect morale, performance, teamwork, efficiency and can seriously disrupt service delivery.  

These consequences have a significant effect on productivity and quality of service delivery. They affect risk management procedures and can give organisations a poor reputation, which in turn affects or determines its position in the market or with its competitors. 

One of the key aspects of workplace mediation is developing a level of trust that disclosure of the conflict will not lead to reprisal in the workplace.  

We engage with managers, supervisors and staff to
develop practical and flexible strategies for dealing with conflict in the workplace.  Investment by managers in external workplace mediation is an investment in the productivity of a business or department and is a critical component of any manger’s skill set.