We are committed to providing a safe, respectful, and effective mediation experience. Here are three core principles that guide our approach:
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Neutral and Supportive Mediation.
We maintain complete impartiality throughout the mediation process, ensuring a balanced and neutral space where both parties are equally heard and respected.
Our role is to facilitate constructive dialogue, helping you explore options and reach mutual agreements - without making decisions for you..
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Child-Focused Solutions.
When children are involved, their wellbeing is our highest priority. We understand that separation can be especially challenging for families, and our goal is to help parents shift from conflict to collaboration.
Through guided discussions, we support the development of parenting arrangements that promote stability, consistency, and healthy communication.
Every step of the process is designed to protect the emotional and developmental needs of children, ensuring that their best interests remain at the heart of every decision.
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Confidential and Voluntary Process.
Mediation is a confidential and entirely voluntary process, giving you full control over how issues are discussed and resolved. Participation is your choice, and you can decide to pause or end the process at any time.
Everything shared during mediation remains private and cannot be used in court unless both parties agree.
This confidentiality creates a secure space where open, honest, and respectful conversations can take place, without fear of judgment or legal repercussions.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Family Mediation
What is family dispute resolution (FDR)?
Family dispute resolution is a process where a qualified FDR practitioner helps people affected by separation or divorce to resolve their disputes without going to court. It's a structured conversation focused on reaching agreements about parenting arrangements, property division, and other family matters.
Why should I try mediation before going to court?
Mediation offers numerous benefits: it's voluntary, confidential, and significantly more cost-effective than litigation. You maintain control over the outcomes, it promotes cooperation (especially beneficial for child-focused solutions), reduces emotional stress, helps preserve relationships, and avoids lengthy court processes.
Is mediation legally binding?
While mediation itself is not legally binding, agreements reached during mediation can be formalised into binding legal documents. We can help draft these agreements, which can then be lodged with the court as consent orders if desired.
The Mediation Process
What happens in the initial consultation?
The free 15-minute initial consultation is an opportunity to briefly discuss your situation and determine if mediation is suitable for your circumstances. We'll explain the process and answer any questions you might have.
What is an intake consultation?
The intake consultation ($250 per party) is a more in-depth discussion where we gather detailed information about your situation, explain the mediation process thoroughly, identify the issues that need resolution, and prepare you for the joint mediation session.
How long does mediation typically take?
Most mediations can be completed within 3-6 hours, depending on the complexity of issues and the parties' willingness to negotiate. We offer 3-hour ($660 per party) and 6-hour ($1,320 per party) sessions, with additional hours available at $220 per party if needed.
What if the other party refuses to participate?
If the other party declines to participate in mediation, we can issue a 60I certificate (at no cost) that allows you to proceed to court. This certificate confirms that you attempted to resolve matters through mediation.
Qualifications and Approach
What qualifications does Alanna have?
Alanna Leabeater holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Graduate Diploma of Professional Legal Practice (GradDipPL), Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution Practice (GradDipFDRP), and is a Nationally Accredited Mediator (AMDRAS). She is currently completing a Master of Laws specialising in Family Dispute Resolution.
What is your approach to mediation?
Alanna combines formal legal and mediation qualifications with personal experience in family law to provide an empathetic, client-centered approach. She focuses on facilitating clear, balanced, and solutions-driven outcomes that consider the needs of all parties involved.
Practical Matters
Where do mediation sessions take place? Online only and here is why;
Geographic Convenience:
Parties, legal representatives, or the mediator may be located in different cities, regions, or even countries.
Reduces or eliminates the need for travel, saving time and cost.
Cost Efficiency:
Online mediation avoids expenses related to travel, venue hire, accommodation, and catering.
Particularly beneficial in low-value disputes where costs need to be minimized.
Scheduling Flexibility:
Easier to coordinate dates and times when travel and venue logistics are not a factor.
More time slots may be available outside regular business hours.
Health and Safety Concerns:
Especially relevant during public health crises (e.g., COVID-19).
Individuals with health issues or vulnerabilities may find online formats safer.
Comfort and Reduced Anxiety:
Parties may feel more at ease participating from their own environment, which can encourage openness and better communication.
Helps reduce intimidation, especially in emotionally charged disputes.
Continuity in Dispute Resolution:
Avoids delays due to logistical or unforeseen circumstances, keeping the matter progressing efficiently.
What if we can't reach an agreement?
If an agreement cannot be reached, we can issue a 60I certificate allowing you to proceed to court. However, even partial agreements can be valuable and may narrow the issues that need court intervention.
How do I book a session?
You can book your free 15-minute initial consultation by emailing mediation@familyfocusresolutionspace.com.au or calling 0413 688 616. Following this, we'll arrange your intake consultation and subsequent mediation sessions.
Working Together to Create Fair Outcomes for Your Family.
We understand that separation doesn’t end the parenting journey—it reshapes it. Our mediation process is designed to help parents move beyond conflict and toward clearer understanding of each other's perspectives. Through guided conversations and a calm, structured environment, we help each party express their concerns, priorities, and hopes for their children in a way that’s respectful and solution-focused.
We aim to support parents in rebuilding a functional, respectful co-parenting relationship grounded in communication and mutual responsibility. While the past can’t be changed, the future can be shaped through shared commitments and realistic agreements. Whether you're navigating day-to-day routines or major decisions, our goal is to help you lay a foundation for cooperative parenting that prioritises the wellbeing of your children and reduces stress for everyone involved.
In addition to parenting arrangements, we also assist separating couples in working through property and financial matters. Property mediation provides a respectful and confidential space to discuss the fair division of assets, liabilities, and financial responsibilities. We guide parties through the process of identifying and valuing shared assets such as the family home, superannuation, and personal property and support them in reaching practical, legally sound agreements. Our aim is to help you avoid costly, drawn-out court proceedings by facilitating clear, balanced solutions tailored to your circumstances.
