One of the most important decisions you will make when considering undertaking mediation is the selection of an appropriate mediator.  Consider our qualifications - family law mediation is our expert specialty.

If you are considering mediation ask your proposed mediator:

• If children's issues are involved are they a registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner?
• What experience do they have? 
• How many mediations have they actually conducted? 
• How much training have they undergone? 
• What experience do they have in the specialised area of Family Law?
• Are they an accredited family law specialist?

Randal Binnie is a lawyer who is:

• an accredited mediator under the Australian National Mediator Standards; (click here for a copy of the standards) 
• a registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner under the Family Law Act;
• A Queensland Law Society approved Mediator;
• A Queensland Law Society Accredited Family Law Specialist 

Randal has conducted hundreds of mediations in family law matters (property and children's issues) since 1992.

For a more in depth discussion on Family Dispute Resolution please go to our Family Dispute Resolution page.

Most mediators will claim mediation has a success rate of at least 80%.  We would concur with that viewpoint based upon the success rate we achieve.  It should be remembered that not every matter is suitable for mediation but there is without a doubt every possibility of reaching an agreement through mediation.  What have you got to lose by taking part in the process?

What is mediation? 

Mediation is a process in which an independent person assists two or more people or organisations in dispute to negotiate and to make mutually satisfactory decisions on their dispute.  It is a form of "assisted negotiation".

The features of mediation are:

• It is a decison making process where the parties are assisted by the mediator by attempting to improve the decision making process to assist the parties to reach an outcome agreeable to both.
• Mediation brings clarity to the situation and each parties issues.
• It reduces and/or overcomes communication problems, allowing each party to understand and perceive the others view point.
• It promotes constructive and efficient negotiations by focusing on needs and interests rather than the positions the parties may have taken.
• The parties themselves are empowered and encouraged to take chare of their own decisions and accept responsibility for consequences of those decisions.
• The relationships of the parties are improved or at least not deteriorated (which is the opposite usual outcome of litigation).
• The parties are provided with a method/model of resolving later conflicts or at least made aware that there is a viable alternative to litigation.

What does it cost?

Our professional fees are $150 (plus GST) per hour for each party.  Most mediations take between 3 and 6 hours. 

Mediation of other disputes?

In addition to family mediations we are also able to provide mediation services relating to Estate disputes, partnership disagreements and other areas where mediation will prevent further conflict and resolve issues without the necessity of court action.

Download our trifold brochure 'Introduction to Mediation - How can it help you?'

We invite you to make further inquiries regarding our mediation services:

Telephone on 1800 609 685 or 07 38043244 or email: info@flms.com.au or mediation@fblawyers.com