No. Under the Family Law Act, 1975, parents must engage in mediation with a Family Dispute Resolution practitioner prior to commencing court proceedings. Exceptions include child risk or urgent matters that cannot wait for mediation.
You should obtain legal advice prior to mediation. This will help you better understand the process and the law surrounding the child custody issues that will be discussed. You’ll also receive an explanation about parenting plans and consent orders, so you get the most out of your mediation.
Mediation helps resolve divorce or separation issues by focusing on the main problems and providing guidance on the next steps. It can assist in finding solutions to disagreements and conflicts that arise during the process. Mediation aims to facilitate communication and understanding between parties involved in the divorce or separation. By addressing key issues and offering support, mediation can help parties reach agreements and move forward.