Family Law Mediation – Parenting & Property
Northern Frontiers helps separated families work through parenting and financial disagreements with an impartial, accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner. Services are available Australia-wide by telephone and video. Start with the service that matches the issues you need to resolve.
Parenting arrangements
For children’s living arrangements, time with each parent, holidays, education, health, travel and communication, visit Parenting Mediation & Family Dispute Resolution. The page explains assessment, participation and possible outcomes.
Property and financial settlement
For assets, liabilities, superannuation and practical settlement arrangements after separation, visit Property & Financial Mediation. This service helps participants explore proposals; it does not provide legal or financial advice.
Both parenting and property
Both types of issue can be considered within the broader mediation process where appropriate. You generally need only one Intake & Assessment with Northern Frontiers. Your Mediator will discuss how the issues should be organised and whether separate or further sessions are needed.
Grandparents and other family members
If the dispute concerns a child’s relationship with grandparents or wider family, see Grandparent Mediation. The child’s best interests and safe participation remain central.
Fees and enquiries
Contact Reception to discuss the process and current availability. Each participant completes a private assessment before mediation proceeds. There is no obligation to book.
What if the other party will not mediate?
You can commence the process by completing your own Intake & Assessment session even if you are unsure whether the other party will participate.
Northern Frontiers can then contact the other party and invite them to participate where appropriate.
For parenting matters, an accredited FDR practitioner may be able to issue a section 60I certificate if the other party refuses or fails to participate, once the applicable requirements have been met.
If mediation cannot proceed, you may also be interested in our Parenting Proposal Preparation or Property Proposal Preparation services.
Why Choose Northern Frontiers for Family Law Mediation?
Prompt Intake & Assessment appointments
Your first step is an individual and confidential Intake & Assessment session with the Mediator, generally available within 2–3 business days of your initial enquiry.
If the matter is assessed as appropriate and the other party agrees to participate, mediation can then be arranged once both parties have completed their Intake & Assessment sessions and are available.
Australia-wide mediation
You do not need to live near Northern Frontiers or travel to participate.
Our family law mediation services are available Australia-wide by telephone and video, allowing parties to participate from separate locations.
Accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners
Our accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners conduct Parenting Mediation and, where the legislative requirements are met, can issue section 60I certificates relating to parenting disputes.
Property Mediation is also available for separated couples seeking assistance with financial and property settlement.
Flexible mediation formats
Depending on the circumstances, mediation can take place directly between the parties or through shuttle/no-direct-contact arrangements.
Your Mediator will consider suitability, safety, significant power imbalances and the circumstances of the dispute when discussing the appropriate format.
Can my lawyer be involved?
Yes. We encourage parties to obtain independent legal advice where appropriate.
Your lawyer does not necessarily need to attend the mediation session itself. If you would like your lawyer to participate, please see our Lawyer Assisted Mediation information.
Ready to get started?
Call: 1300 90 81 70
Text: 0419 531 269
Email: reception@northernfrontiers.com.au
Ask about our FREE 15-minute initial consultation if you have questions about the process before making a booking.
Choose your next step
Family Dispute Resolution and certificates
Parenting applications generally require FDR and a certificate unless an exemption applies. See section 60I certificates for the process and speak with a lawyer about your circumstances. Property-only disputes do not use section 60I certificates.
Property pre-action requirements
Property and financial cases have separate pre-action requirements. See our Property Mediation page and the Court’s financial and property pre-action guidance.
Preparing a proposal on your own
If you want help organising a proposal for the other party, explore Parenting Proposal Preparation or Property Proposal Preparation. These individual services do not themselves create binding orders or replace a formal FDR process.
Legal advice and lawyer involvement
A Mediator remains impartial. Obtain independent legal advice about your rights, proposals and the legal effect of any agreement. For a lawyer attending a session, review Lawyer Assisted Mediation and discuss their role before booking.
Safety and the format of mediation
Private assessments allow participants to raise safety concerns and discuss telephone, video or shuttle/no-direct-contact arrangements. The practitioner assesses suitability before and throughout mediation. If a safe and appropriate process cannot be offered, mediation will not proceed or may be discontinued.
Recording an agreement
Northern Frontiers can record the parenting or property arrangements agreed during mediation. Seek independent advice about Parenting Plans, Consent Orders or Financial Agreements as appropriate. A Record of Agreement is not automatically a binding Court order.
Review current fees and Terms & Conditions before booking.
Contact Northern Frontiers
Contact our Reception team to confidentially discuss your situation or find out more about any of our services.
There is no obligation to make a booking. If you are simply researching your options or are unsure which service is right for you, we are happy to answer your questions.
Northern Frontiers provides mediation and behavioural awareness programs Australia-wide by phone and video.
Call: 1300 90 81 70
Text or call: 0419 531 269
Email: reception@northernfrontiers.com.au
You can also send us a message using the enquiry form or use the online chat function on this webpage. Your enquiry will be treated confidentially. Please do not include highly sensitive information in the enquiry form.
Phone
1300 90 81 70
Mobile: 0419 531 269 (text or call)
LiveChat: If you have any questions about our services and don't have time to ring or email, feel free to use the online chat function (bottom right of this page).
Reception Opening Hours
Mon-Fri: 7.30 am – 8.00 pm. Last-minute sessions available for urgent matters. Text message 0419 531 269 for the fastest response.