Mediation, arbitration & parenting coordination
Resolve family law disputes with a clearer process.
01
Confidential · Facilitated
Mediation
As mediator, Cassandra provides an impartial and neutral presence, facilitating discussion between the parties to help resolve your dispute outside the courtroom — aiming to save time and money by keeping matters out of court, while keeping communication respectful.
Mediation is a confidential process. What occurs during mediation will not be subpoenaed by the court; it is a protected space.
Mediations take place in comfortable environments — the Kalpaxis Legal boardroom, separate rooms where safety may be an issue, or by phone or video conference. Before the mediation, Cassandra meets both parties separately to understand their goals and the issues. The meeting then usually follows an agenda, with equal time for each party on each issue.
You are welcome to bring a support person, such as your accountant, psychologist, counsellor, lawyer, a trusted friend or family member.
Mediation can cover financial and non-financial contributions, selling or refinancing property, rental income, superannuation and more. Where children are involved, it can include time with the children, schooling, medical and health care, extended family and new partners.
02
Child-focused
Child-inclusive mediation
In mediation it is often the children's voices that are not heard. Child-inclusive mediation involves children through playful means to understand the impact the dispute is having on them, giving parents clarity about what their children may need to move through the process with as little disruption as possible.
As a child-inclusive mediator, Cassandra sits with the children, engages them to understand their needs and feelings, and reports back to parents within the mediation — which can change the conversation between parents to become child-focused.
03
With legal representatives
Round table conferences
Round table conferences are a form of alternative dispute resolution for people who may not be able to afford mediation and want to settle outside court, or who have a number of disputes and want support to simplify a complex matter.
Each party has the opportunity to confidentially express their concerns with their legal representative present. Where resolution does not occur, the conference focuses on narrowing the issues in dispute — saving time and money if the matter goes to court.
04
Determinative
Arbitration
Cassandra can be engaged as arbitrator to make decisions similar to those a judge can make. Both parties present their evidence and case before the arbitrator for determination, without involving court.
A decision is made within 28 days of an arbitration, compared with the two or three years a matter can take through court. Arbitration can be held in the Kalpaxis Legal boardroom, and is an informal process in which the parties have control over how it runs.
Kalpaxis Legal is one of a few law firms that advocate for arbitration, because it provides a quick turnaround for the parties involved.
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Reportable · Not confidential
Parenting coordination
Parenting coordination is a child-centred dispute resolution process that helps separated parents sort out issues with parenting orders or a parenting plan. It can be particularly useful where there is daily conflict, or where co-parenting has not been successful.
As Parenting Coordinator, Cassandra helps de-escalate conflict using collaborative practice so that parents can make decisions together — reducing conflict in the best interests of the children.
How it differs from mediation: parenting coordination is a reportable, transparent process and is not confidential. Notes of sessions are kept for seven years and the coordinator may be subpoenaed to give evidence. If you have been court-ordered to attend, attendance is required.
Not sure which process fits?
Discuss the right pathway
Tell us a little about your matter and we'll help you understand which process — or combination — suits it.
Strategy session
Know where you stand next.
A fixed-fee private strategy session — $730 incl. GST — to understand your position, your risks and the pathways available, before you make your next move.