Family Law Act Requirements
Separated parents who cannot agree on the arrangements for their children are required by the Family Law Act to make a genuine effort to resolve the dispute through Mediation prior to commencing Court proceedings (subject to some exceptions in cases of violence or urgency). If the Mediation is not successful, a document commonly known as a “Section 60I Certificate” is issued by the Mediator to confirm that the parents have attempted to resolve their conflict.
Only a qualified Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP) can issue a Section 60I Certificate, so it’s important that you engage the right professional.
Jillaine is a qualified and highly experienced FDRP who has assisted hundreds of parents to reach agreement on sensible and practical living and care arrangements for their children. She is a mother herself and a stepmother to 4 children who are now adults, and she thus brings a unique personal experience to the table when speaking to separated parents.
Separated couples who are dividing up property are also required by the Family Law Act to have made a genuine effort to resolve their conflict prior to commencing proceedings and Mediation is an excellent way of doing this. Jillaine has been a family lawyer for nearly 30 years and a Mediator for nearly a decade. She has acted in – and mediated in – matters that involve very small and very large property pools and has a great deal of experience in matters involving family companies, partnerships trusts and self-managed superannuation funds. She also has experience in farming properties and the distinctive issues that farming families face when dividing assets. In 2024, Jillaine was appointed to the expert panel of Mediators with Access Resolve, assisting parties in litigation to get out of the Court system.
The Mediation process is completely confidential and Jillaine is neutral. She will not take sides and will not make decisions for you, but will assist in facilitating discussions between you and your former partner to reach agreement.
Reaching agreement at Mediation allows you to retain control over the process and the outcome, something that is lost when a Judge is making decisions for you. Mediation is also far quicker and cheaper than litigation.
For more information on Compulsory Family Dispute Resolution see http://www.familycourt.
