Who is Elder Mediation suitable for?
Northern Frontiers Elder Mediation offers a dispute resolution process for older people who may be finding it difficult to have important discussions about age-related issues with family members or significant others. Mediation offers a way of assisting seniors to have these discussions in a live setting with the guidance of a professional, and independent, mediator.
How can Elder Mediation assist?
When important decisions need to be made about age-related issues, mediation offers a safe, cost-effective, low-stress way of helping seniors communicate with everyone involved or likely to be affected in some way. The focus of Northern Frontiers Elder Mediation is on respectful communication as opposed to pitting you against each other. In this way relationships are protected and may even be enhanced through mutual understanding and acceptance. At the very least, mediation provides a safe place to ‘get things off your chest’ as you work towards resolution. A Northern Frontiers Elder Mediation process may be a way of delivering difficult news, addressing an uncomfortable issue, through the assistance of an independent 3rd party (a Mediator).
Our experienced mediators ensure everyone is given the opportunity to express their concerns/opinions – whilst simultaneously making sure the older person’s wishes for their future are expressed in a safe, supportive environment.
Elder Mediation: FREE 15 Minute Consultation
For Northern Frontiers Elder Mediation enquiries please call 1300 90 81 70 or text message 0419 531 269, email reception@northernfrontiers.com.au, or use the LiveChat feature at the right of this webpage.
PLEASE NOTE: In mediation we use the term ‘party’, and this could be an individual, a couple or a small group of family members etc.
What issues can Northern Frontiers Elder Mediation assist with?
Mediation is a confidential, voluntary process that provides a private setting for older people and their family or care-providers to come together and discuss changes that may affect everyone – or to address all manner of family or age-related issues such as:
- Family business matters, such as succession planning, sale of business etc.
- Sale of assets, such as the family home and other property assets.
- Financial matters including protecting investments/income and financing medical and/or lifestyle requirements.
- Gifting assets and sentimental items to family members, significant others, friends, charities etc.
- Accommodation and healthcare needs related to the remainder of their, and their partner’s, lives.
- Engagement of relevant support services as per health and lifestyle requirements.
- Matters involving an ‘Enduring power of attorney’ aspect.
- Discussion around the capacity for decision-making including end-of-life decision-making. NOTE: It is the responsibility of parties to provide reports, as appropriate, by suitably qualified practitioners in this field.
PLEASE NOTE: Northern Frontiers Elder Mediation service does not provide legal advice.
Northern Frontiers Elder Mediation does not provide legal advice on the above matters. We do encourage all parties to seek clear legal advice, and it is then their choice if they wish to introduce this information to the mediation process. The Mediator’s focus is on providing a safe and supportive environment for parties to discuss matters related to the above.
What happens if ‘elder abuse’ issues are present?
Unfortunately, some older people experience varying degrees of what has become known as ‘elder abuse’ due to family violence, substance abuse, mental health issues or conflict between adult children. Northern Frontiers Elder Mediation offers a way of assessing risk and acknowledging that some older people seek to address issues of elder abuse within their family before seeking external assistance through referral by the mediator.
How does Elder Mediation work?
The first step involves the Mediator meeting separately with the respective parties involved in the matter. This is usually done by phone or videochat but can be in-person if preferred.
This first meeting is known as an Intake & Assessment session and typically takes up to one (1) hour. Its purpose is to enable the Mediator to hear from everyone involved and formulate an agenda based on each participant’s needs/concerns. All intake sessions are confidential. The Mediator does not repeat anything said in an intake session without the participant’s permission.
Once the Mediator has heard from each participant, the decision will be made as to whether mediation is appropriate given the circumstances described via the intake sessions. If the Mediator determines that mediation is appropriate, a suitable time will be arranged for everyone to meet either by phone, videochat or in-person.
In the mediation session, each participant will be asked to outline their concerns/issues and make proposals as to how the matter/s might be resolved. The duration and number of mediation sessions is dependent on the willingness and ability of participants to enter the true spirit of mediation i.e., communicate respectfully, make proposals, and be prepared to resolve any dispute/s. The Mediator will document any agreement made and refer you to a lawyer if you wish to make your agreement legally binding.
Who can start Elder Mediation?
Any person, couple or family that believes they may benefit from our Elder Mediation services can commence a process. To confidentially discuss your circumstances, and how Northern Frontiers Elder Mediation Cairns may assist, please call 0419 531 269.
Is Elder Mediation expensive?
Northern Frontiers Elder Mediation provides an inexpensive way of resolving your matter. As a private mediation service provider, we offer streamlined processes – and that means personalised, prompt, affordable service for you. Pricing is set at less than half the hourly rate of most private legal services. The more agreement reached through mediation, the less time and money you may need to spend on legal fees and court costs. For a full breakdown of our mediation costs click here to review our Elder Mediation brochure.
The following is additional important information on our Elder Mediation process.
Who can start Elder Mediation?
Either party can start an Elder Mediation process at Northern Frontiers. Parties can advise the other party that they plan to commence, or already have, or they can let Northern Frontiers make contact.
We do accept referrals from legal advisors, however, we are required to speak with an initiating party to the matter in order to commence a mediation process.
Payment information for Elder Mediation sessions
Unless advised prior it is assumed that both parties pay their own costs of the mediation process here at Northern Frontiers Elder Mediation Cairns. Pre-payment for any booked sessions is required at least two days prior to a session. If more than 2 (two) business days notice is not given for cancellation, or there is a “No Show”, a 100% charge applies with no credits provided. Funds are not refunded for any time that is not used during a joint Elder Mediation session, for whatever reason. It is at the discretion of the Mediator as to whether a credit is issued. Northern Frontiers Elder Mediation Cairns’ pricing includes the preparation of a Record of Agreement if and as appropriate.
Is Elder Mediation expensive?
Elder Mediation is intended to be an alternative to only relying on legal advisors and Courts to resolve matters. As legal practitioners cost anywhere from $350 – $700+ per hour, Northern Frontiers Elder Mediation Cairns charges less than half these average rates. This means you can save considerable money (often $1,000s) by utilising an impartial Mediator to assist in resolving your matters, rather than just lawyers (where each party requires their own).
Northern Frontiers Elder Mediation Cairns is a family-owned and operated business offering prompt and confidential fee-for-service mediation to residents of Far North Queensland (including rural and remote) locations and Australia-wide via phone and videochat (MS Teams, Zoom). Our clients can mediate from our Cairns office (when appropriate), or from the comfort of your own home if you so wish. No need to spend time and money on travel or disrupt your work week. We strive to keep fees low whilst still maintaining high quality, personalised service.
Do I also need a lawyer or other professional advisor?
Every matter is different, however, where appropriate Northern Frontiers Elder Mediation Cairns recommends that parties seek their own independent legal, financial, medical etc advice that may suit your specific situation. It is not a requirement for you to disclose this advice during mediation, but the advice may assist you during the mediation process.
How soon can I get started?
As soon as you like! The longest you might wait for an Intake and Assessment Session is normally 2 – 4 business days. This is your first formal step in taking control of your financial situation and you can move on with your life…
Appointment times:
For your convenience Northern Frontiers Mediation offers appointments from 7.30am weekdays. Out of hours appointments are available on a case-by-case basis. To enquire call 1300 90 81 70, text via mobile on 0419 531 269, email reception@northernfrontiers.com.au or use the online chat feature at the bottom right of this webpage.
Ready for a new direction?
Contact our Reception and confidentially discuss your unique situation today. Simply call 1300 90 81 70, send a detailed text message to our client mobile on 0419 531 269, email reception@northernfrontiers.com.au or use the online chat feature at the bottom right of this webpage to speak with someone now. Don't worry, there is no obligation to make a booking, and we are happy to answer any questions you have if you are just researching different providers.
Location
75 Digger St
Cairns North QLD 4870
We operate Australia-wide.
We do not accept walk-ins, or individuals without prior bookings. Please contact prior to attending office.
Phone
+1300 90 81 70
Mobile: 0419 531 269 (text messaging available)
LiveChat: If you have any questions about our services and don't have time to ring or email, feel free to use the LiveChat function (bottom right of this page).
Opening Hours
Mon-Fri: 7.30 am – 5:00 pm, by appointment only. Limited face-to-face sessions available during the week. Phone and videochat (MS Teams, Skype, Zoom etc) available each weekday. Last-minute sessions are sometimes available for urgent matters.
Please note: To ensure client confidentiality all bookings are strictly by appointment only therefore we do not accept walk-ins or unannounced requests for service, including for new enquiries.