Family disputes can be stressful for everyone involved, especially when it comes to parenting arrangements. But before you engage in any sort of dispute resolution, it’s important that you understand your rights and responsibilities by talking to a family dispute lawyer.
At Beger & Co, our experienced family lawyers are here to provide you with any legal assistance in your case or legal advice about your rights. Call our team on 08 8362 6400 on a no-obligation basis today.
What is family law mediation?
Family mediation in SA is a way of resolving your family law problems without going to court. It can be done informally by other family members or formally with a family dispute lawyer or mediator.
What is family dispute resolution?
Family dispute resolution is a type of mediation that helps families to come to their own agreements. A family dispute can relate to any of the following:
- Divorce & separation of de facto relationships
- Property settlement
- Spousal maintenance
- Child custody & support
Is family dispute resolution compulsory?
The Family Law Act 1975 requires you to make a genuine attempt to resolve your family law issues before commencing court proceedings – especially before you apply to the court for a parenting order.
However, if there is a history of domestic or family violence, family dispute resolution may not be appropriate for you to attend. In such cases, it’s important that you speak to your family dispute lawyer or other family dispute practitioner.
What are the five methods of dispute resolution?
- Negotiation
- Counselling
- Conciliation
- Mediation
- Arbitration
How effective is family dispute resolution?
Family dispute resolution can be very effective in resolving family law issues, especially when you have a family dispute lawyer to guide you. It can also be significantly less expensive than having to go to court. Other benefits include:
- People are less likely to breach agreements that they have made themselves.
- The spouses/family members have more control in the decision-making process, as there are no imposed decisions.
- Family dispute resolution promotes cooperation between the spouses, which sets a precedent for future communications/issues that may arise.
What happens at family mediation?
With the help of a family dispute lawyer or mediator, you and the other party will work through your family law issues and come to a decision that both parties agree to. The process of family mediation involves:
- Identifying the issues that need to be resolved
- Sharing all relevant information
- Both parties listening to each other without interruption
- Putting agreements in writing
What is the role of the family dispute resolution practitioner?
Family dispute resolution practitioners are independent, accredited professionals who are trained to help you reach an agreement.
Speak to a family dispute lawyer
If you’re in the middle of a dispute with your ex-spouse or need to make parenting arrangements, speak to the expert family dispute lawyers at Beger & Co. We will deal with your case with the utmost care and understanding, and be there every step of the way.
Call our family dispute and divorce lawyers on 08 8362 6400 to discuss your matter on a no obligation basis. You can also contact the Beger & Co team online for any questions you have about our family dispute resolution services.
