Mediation helps separating or separated parties resolve parenting and property disputes through a structured, confidential, and professionally facilitated process. It allows parties to reach practical, sustainable agreements without the need for contested Court proceedings.
Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) is a specialised form of mediation required in most parenting matters before applying to the Court. Our Registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners (FDRPs) facilitate parenting and property mediation and can issue a Section 60I Certificate where required.
Our team also includes an Australian Mediator and Dispute Resolution Accreditation Standards mediator (AMDRAS-accredited mediator) with particular expertise in complex property disputes involving businesses, trusts, and multi-asset financial arrangements.
Mediation allows you to reach agreement about post-separation parenting arrangements and property division in a structured and supported environment. In many cases, particularly where parenting matters are in dispute, parties are required to attempt Family Dispute Resolution before applying to the Court.
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Reduced stress and emotional burden, by avoiding a potentially lengthy and adversarial Court process;
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Greater control over outcomes, rather than having decisions imposed by the Court;
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Earlier resolution, without waiting for Court availability and delays;
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Stable and workable co-parenting arrangements, supporting longer-term family functioning;
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Reduced legal costs, compared with contested Court proceedings; and
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Flexible and future-focused agreements, allowing parenting and financial arrangements to evolve as circumstances change.
MEET OUR MEDIATORS
Dr Raj Aseervatham
Director
PhD, MBA, GradDipFDRP, MSB, AMDRAS
Raj is an accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner and AMDRAS-accredited mediator with extensive experience facilitating parenting and property mediations, including matters involving complex financial arrangements. He brings a multidisciplinary background spanning engineering, corporate leadership, and mediation, allowing him to approach family disputes with strong analytical rigour and procedural clarity.
Raj has over 20 years’ experience facilitating negotiations involving financial complexity, including matters involving business interests, asset division, and competing financial positions. His approach is methodical and balanced, supporting parties to clarify issues in dispute, move beyond entrenched positions, and engage in focused, solution-oriented discussions.
Clients often value Raj’s calm, neutral presence and his ability to manage emotionally charged negotiations while maintaining fairness, structure, and procedural integrity. He works to ensure parties feel heard and understood, while guiding discussions toward practical and durable agreements.
As both an FDRP and NMAS-accredited mediator, Raj facilitates mediation in parenting matters and property matters, with particular expertise in complex property disputes, multi-asset financial structures, and matters involving business or trust interests.
Liz Katona
Partner
BBehavSc(Psych), LLB(Hons), GradDipLegalPrac, MSW, GradDipFDRP, AMDRAS
Liz is an accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner and AMDRAS-accredited mediator with specialist expertise in child-focused mediation and complex post-separation parenting dynamics. She brings a unique multidisciplinary background in law, psychology, and social work, enabling her to understand not only the legal and procedural requirements of mediation, but the developmental, emotional, and safety impacts on children.
Liz has extensive experience working with families affected by high conflict, power imbalances, trauma histories, and entrenched parenting disputes. Her approach is structured, calm, and child-centred, with a strong focus on safety, accountability, and workable outcomes.
Liz facilitates mediation in both parenting matters and property matters involving straightforward financial arrangements, supporting parties to clarify issues, communicate effectively, and reach practical and sustainable agreements.
Clients often value Liz’s ability to hold difficult conversations while maintaining clarity, fairness, and respect. She supports parents to engage meaningfully in the process, understand the impact of conflict on children, and develop agreements that prioritise children’s wellbeing while remaining realistic and durable over time
WE OFFER....
Parenting And/Or Property Mediation
Parenting and/or Property Mediation focuses on helping separating or separated parties reach agreements regarding parenting arrangements for their children, the division of property, or both, in a structured and collaborative process.
Child Inclusive Mediation
Child-inclusive mediation involves one of our child consultants, Dr Rayleigh Joy or Liz Katona, meeting with the children to understand their perspectives and needs, followed by a feedback session with parents to share insights and support child-focused decision-making.
Complex Property Mediation
Facilitated by our AMDRAS-accredited mediator, this process supports resolution of property disputes involving businesses, trusts, superannuation, or multi-asset financial structures, with a clear and structured negotiation framework.
Single-Issue Mediation
Single-issue mediation focuses on resolving a specific, standalone disagreement that arises between parties, such as selecting a school for a child or addressing a particular decision, by providing support to navigate and overcome that specific sticking point.
Gender-Balanced Co-Mediation
Male/female gender-balanced co-mediation involves two mediators, one male and one female, working together to provide their perspectives and create a neutral, inclusive environment for resolving disputes.
Cross-Cultural and Culturally Adaptive Mediation
Cross-cultural and culturally adaptive mediation involves tailoring the mediation process to respect and integrate the cultural backgrounds, values, and communication styles of all parties, ensuring a culturally sensitive and inclusive approach to resolving disputes.
WHY CHOOSE THE GROUNDWORKS LAB?
Court-level expertise – Our practitioners also work as family report writers, single expert witnesses, and child consultants.
Accredited mediation professionals – Including Registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners and an AMDRAS-accredited mediator.
Expertise across parenting and property disputes – From parenting arrangements to complex financial and business matters.
Trusted by families, lawyers, and Courts – We facilitate mediation in legally represented and self-referred matters.
Structured, balanced, and professionally managed process – Supporting clear, practical, and sustainable agreements.
Child-focused and legally informed approach – Grounded in child development and Court-relevant decision-making.
THE FDR PROCESS
Family Dispute Resolution follows a structured pathway designed to ensure safety, fairness, and informed participation at each stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
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An individual intake appointment costs $200 per party. Mediation costs $1,500 per party for parenting or property issues, or $3,000 per party if both are covered.
If child-inclusive mediation is suitable, an in-house Child Consultant fee is added. The standard fee is $1,320 for one child, plus $330 for each additional child. This covers preparation, a session with each child, and attendance at mediation, including parent feedback.
All amounts above do not include GST. Fees are generally shared equally unless otherwise agreed. We’ll provide a quote if the matter requires additional time or an external Child Consultant.
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What is mediation?
Mediation is a structured process in which an independent and impartial practitioner helps parties resolve disputes through guided discussion and negotiation. Mediation can address parenting arrangements, property division, or both, and focuses on helping parties reach practical, informed, and sustainable agreements without the need for Court determination.
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What is Family Dispute Resolution (FDR)?
Family Dispute Resolution is a specialised form of mediation conducted by a Registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP). It is required in most parenting matters before applying to the Court, unless an exemption applies. FDRPs can issue a Section 60I Certificate under the Family Law Act 1975 where appropriate.
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Do both parties have to agree to mediation?
Yes. Mediation is a voluntary process, and both parties must be willing to participate. Either party may pause or discontinue mediation at any time.
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Is mediation legally binding?
Mediation itself does not impose decisions. If agreement is reached, the terms can be formalised into legally binding documents, such as Consent Orders or a Binding Financial Agreement, usually prepared with the assistance of your lawyers.
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Do I have to attend Family Dispute Resolution before going to Court?
In most parenting matters, the Court requires parties to attempt Family Dispute Resolution before filing an application, unless an exemption applies. An FDRP can issue a Section 60I Certificate confirming that mediation has been attempted or assessed as inappropriate.
Property matters do not require a Section 60I Certificate, but mediation is strongly encouraged to resolve disputes efficiently.
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Do I need a lawyer to attend mediation?
You are not required to have a lawyer present, but obtaining independent legal advice before and after mediation is strongly recommended. Lawyers may attend mediation if appropriate and agreed by all parties.
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How does the mediation process begin?
The process usually begins with a private intake session with each party. This allows the mediator to understand the issues, assess suitability, and ensure the process can proceed safely and effectively. If mediation is appropriate and both parties agree, a joint mediation session is then scheduled.
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How long does mediation take?
This depends on the complexity of the issues and the readiness of the parties. Some matters resolve in a single half-day session, while others require multiple sessions. Where both parenting and property matters are in dispute, these are typically addressed in separate half-day sessions rather than together.
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Is mediation confidential?
Yes. Mediation is confidential, except in limited circumstances such as risks to safety or where disclosure is required by law. This allows parties to speak openly and explore resolution options safely.
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Can mediation be used for complex financial or property matters?
Yes. Mediation can assist in resolving property disputes involving real estate, superannuation, businesses, trusts, and other financial arrangements, helping parties reach agreement efficiently and avoid prolonged litigation.
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What happens if we cannot reach agreement?
If agreement is not reached, parties may pursue other options, including further negotiation through lawyers or Court proceedings. In parenting matters, an FDRP may issue a Section 60I Certificate where appropriate.
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How do I find out more?
Please contact our office and a comprehensive pack including options for FDR structure and cost will be sent to you via email.
Take the First Step Toward Resolution
The first step is a private intake appointment to understand your circumstances and determine the most appropriate mediation pathway.
Intake appointments are conducted privately and without obligation to proceed to mediation.