Dominique Markwort
Solicitor
Nationally Accredited Mediator & Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner
LL.B., M.App.Law (FDR & Family Law)
Mediation & Family dispute resolution lawyer
Central Coast
We understand how stressful legal disputes can be. That’s why, at Ryan & Seton Lawyers, we offer mediation and family dispute resolution (FDR) services. Mediation can assist parties avoid the costs, stress and time associated with going to Court.
Family Dispute Resolution
FDR is a special type of mediation designed to help separating families come to their own agreements.
During FDR, a neutral and accredited FDR practitioner guides parties through a discussion on the issues in dispute and different options for consideration, while also encouraging parties to focus on the needs of their children.
The main objective of FDR is to assist participants in reaching agreement with respect to future parenting arrangements for the children and/or how their assets are to be divided. It is a practical and low-cost way for separating families to sort out these important issues with professional help.
Our FDR Services
At Ryan & Seton Lawyers, our nationally accredited family dispute resolution practitioners are experienced in helping families resolve disputes in a constructive and amicable way. As FDR practitioners, we can help you and your family:
- Understand the family law process and what to expect
- Identify and focus on the key issues in dispute
- Consider different options for resolution
- Communicate effectively with each other
- Work together to reach agreement on parenting arrangements and/or property settlements
Contact An Award-Winning Central Coast Law Firm
Family Mediation
Mediation is an alternate dispute resolution process.
During family mediation, a mediator helps parties discuss and resolve the issues in dispute.
The mediator is a neutral third party who assists parties in reaching their own agreement. Unlike FDR, family mediation is not restricted to separating families.
Mediation can be used to resolve disputes between family members of any age, including parents and their children.
Our Mediation Services
We offer family mediation services to help resolve disputes between family members. Our practitioners are highly skilled in family law and mediation, and can help you reach a resolution that is amicable for all parties involved.
Our family mediation service is a confidential process and can be less expensive and time-consuming than going to Court.
If you would like to discuss family mediation or FDR services, please contact us today.
Ryan & Seton's Mediation & Family Dispute Resolution Experts
When Planning For Divorce, You Need To Consider
Considerations
- The nature of the dispute
- The severity of the dispute
- Is there a clear problem that needs solving?
- The needs and goals of all parties
- Can family members be objective about the situation?
Process
- One or both parties consult with a family dispute resolution lawyer to understand the process and what options are available.
- The family dispute resolution lawyer helps the parties prepare for mediation by negotiating a settlement agreement.
- The parties attend mediation and work with the family dispute resolution lawyer to reach a settlement agreement.
- If the parties do not reach a settlement agreement, the family can choose to continue working with the mediator or go to court.
Benefits
- Resolution is tailored specifically to your family's needs
- Costs are typically lower than traditional litigation
- You maintain control of the outcome
- It can help preserve relationships
- It's 100% confidential
Consider These First:
- The nature of the dispute
- The severity of the dispute
- Is there a clear problem that needs solving?
- The needs and goals of all parties
- Can family members be objective about the situation?
FDR Process
- One or both parties consult with a family dispute resolution lawyer to understand the process and what options are available.
- The family dispute resolution lawyer helps the parties prepare for mediation by negotiating a settlement agreement.
- The parties attend mediation and work with the family dispute resolution lawyer to reach a settlement agreement.
- The parties attend mediation and work with the family dispute resolution lawyer to reach a settlement agreement.
Benefits of FDR
- Resolution is tailored specifically to your family's needs
- Costs are typically lower than traditional litigation
- You maintain control of the outcome
- It can help preserve relationships
- It's 100% confidential
Why Choose Ryan & Seton Law
Progressive Advice
Our experienced lawyers know how the legal system works for you and we stay informed and skilled on the latest developments in the industry. This means better outcomes for you.
Personal Approach
Our compassionate and professional team gets to know you and your situation - we support and guide you through the challenging time of dealing with a deceased estate.
Proven Results
98% of our cases are settled outside of Court, meaning you can achieve success as quickly and efficiently as possible, without the added time, stress and expense of going to Court.
FAQs For Mediation & Family Dispute Resolution
What's the difference between mediation and dispute resolution?
Dispute resolution is a broader term that includes family mediation as well as other methods of resolving disputes, such as arbitration and litigation. Dispute resolution usually refers to any process that is used to resolve a dispute outside of the Court system.
Who can attend family mediation?
Any family member or guardian can attend family mediation, as long as both parties agree. The mediator will typically meet with the family members first, and then decide if it would be beneficial to have other family members or professionals attend.
What is the role of the mediator?
The mediator’s role is to help the family discuss and resolve all issues. The mediator will not make any decisions for the family, but will help them come to an agreement that works for everyone.
What issues can be discussed?
Almost any issue can be discussed in family mediation, including child custody, visitation, support, property division, and debt. However, the mediator cannot give legal advice and will not be able to resolve any legal disputes.
Is FDR mandatory?
If you wish to commence proceedings in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia – yes. Family dispute resolution is a mandatory pre-action procedure that must be undertaken by parties except in special circumstances (such as urgency and risk). It can also be a far more cost-effective and less contentious option than going to Court.
How long does family mediation typically last?
The length of family mediation will vary depending on the severity of the disputes and the amount of cooperation between the family members. However, most mediations are resolved within a few months.
How can I prepare for family dispute resolution?
It’s important to come to family mediation with an open mind and be willing to compromise. You should also be prepared to discuss all issues that need resolution, including those that may be difficult or uncomfortable.
Mediation & FDR Resources
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Fiona Jones
The team at Ryan & Seton Lawyers are exceptional they are the ones you want when you need guidance in all your law matters. Michael is exceptionally professional and knowledgeable but is respectful and personable at all times. Michael was recommended to me by a colleague and friend to assist in my family law matter and I couldn’t be more thankful to him and his team. At one of the most difficult times in my life when I didn’t know where to start as my previous consults with a lawyer had left me more confused. From the first phone call and every correspondence after with himself or his wonderful assistant Tayla I felt informed and clear regarding my case and always took the time to ensure the process was as easy as possible. I am forever grateful to Michael for his hard work and is definitely someone who you would want in your corner.
Sheridan Ridley
The staff at Ryan and Seton helped me with consent orders and property transfer after a difficult separation. Dominique was compassionate and explained the process clearly, and Mel was wonderful to deal with - communication was outstanding! Gail and Mikaela were so patient whilst waiting for the transfer to go through and were super supportive.
Thank you!!!
Jason Seage
When signing our first commercial lease my partner and I were very nervous about all the things that could go wrong.
The best thing we did to help relieve the stress was hiring Tony Ryan and his team to help us sort through all the legalities. They were with us from start to finish.
They simplified the process and answered every question we had, we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Tony and his team. We are now confidently opening up our first business thanks to Tony.
laura mcguire
Thanked forever grateful ....
andrew kingsley
I can not envision a better outcone to a traffic matter that i had Timothy Bowring handle for me at wyong court yesterday. Above and beyond all expectations, i highly recommend Ryan & Seton Lawyers, particularly Timothy Bowring.
