It is a personal choice whether a party seeks out the services of a Family Lawyer or participates in the Mediation without legal assistance.  We do however, strongly recommend that all parties seek legal advice before any Mediation. A Family Lawyer has specialised legal training and understands how the legal system works and how the law may apply to the case. A lawyer will be able to advise a party on the best way to negotiate and whether the proposals being made are a just and equitable result in the case of a financial matter and whether the parenting arrangements are in the best interests of the child/ren.
If a party makes the choice not to engage a Family Lawyer, we recommend using the resources offered on the Federal Circuit & Family Law Courts Website www.fcfcoa.gov.au to become familiar with the family court process and basic family law principles. A party is responsible for own research and complying with the relevant court Rules.