In relation to commencing proceedings for parenting orders, it is mandatory to attempt mediation before you are able to commence the action unless there are concerns in relation to family violence or there is urgency associated with the proceeding. Mediation is to assist parties to resolve a dispute in order to mitigate against the risk of acrimony that accompanies Court action. Once in the Court system, mediation is ordered in both parenting and property matters again to assist the parties to resolve a matter on terms that are within their control as opposed to an order being made and imposed.