Preparing for parenting mediation: a practical discussion brief

01 / Practical step

Use intake to discuss suitability

Explain safety concerns, existing orders, communication restrictions or anything affecting your ability to participate. Do not assume a joint meeting is required or appropriate. Family Relationships Online describes family dispute resolution and the role of suitability assessment. Ask the service how its process works in your circumstances, including available arrangements and support. This guide does not assess eligibility for an exemption or tell you which certificate or court step is required.

02 / Practical step

Organise practical topics around the children

List the arrangements that need discussion, such as school routines, transport, holidays or communication about important information. Identify what is currently happening and what remains unresolved. Keep observations separate from assumptions about another person’s motives. Ask the practitioner how to bring relevant concerns into the process. Do not ask children to choose sides or prepare statements for the purpose of strengthening your position.

03 / Practical step

Bring existing documents to the adviser’s attention

Tell the service and your lawyer about existing orders, parenting plans or correspondence concerning arrangements. Ask how documents should be provided and which are relevant to intake. Keep the complete versions. A new discussion does not by itself explain the legal effect of earlier arrangements. Seek advice about any proposed written outcome before assuming that a meeting summary, parenting plan and court order have the same effect.

04 / Practical step

Separate the mediator’s role from legal advice

Ask what the practitioner does, what the service can explain and when you should obtain independent legal advice. Compare service fees, preparation, session arrangements and any follow-up separately from a lawyer’s advice quote. If interpretation, remote attendance or a support person is needed, discuss it in advance. Request a clear explanation of what happens if the process cannot continue or does not resolve the issues.

05 / Practical step

Illustrative example: school transport

Parents disagree about weekday transport. One parent prepares a short list of school times, current arrangements and practical difficulties, then asks the practitioner how these topics can be discussed. They also seek legal advice about an existing order instead of assuming a new informal proposal changes it. The invented example illustrates a discussion brief, not a recommended parenting arrangement or a prediction that mediation is suitable.

• Current practical arrangements
• Topics that remain unresolved
• Existing documents to flag at intake
• Questions about safety and participation
• Questions for independent legal advice

06 / Practical step

Plan what happens after the discussion

Ask the practitioner how any discussion record is supplied and what follow-up is available. Keep points still under discussion separate from agreed wording. If you need legal advice about a proposed arrangement, identify the document and questions for that appointment. Do not assume that participation guarantees agreement or that an informal summary has a particular legal effect. The useful next step may be clarification, further advice or another service.