Alternate Dispute Resolution / Mediation.
Alternative dispute resolution encompasses various processes used to reach agreement following a marriage or de facto relationship breakdown rather than litigate through the Court.
The Court emphasises the importance of attempting dispute resolution. Attendance at dispute resolution is a pre-requisite before commencing litigation (save for certain circumstances) and also a necessary step in the Court’s pathway.
Methods of dispute resolution include:
Family Dispute Resolution;
Mediation;
Arbitration; and
Conciliation conference.
Family Dispute Resolution Conference (as convened by the Court).
Alternative dispute resolution provides parties with the opportunity to enter negotiations in a confidential environment and to reach agreements about their parenting and financial issues without the decision being made by a judicial officer.
Sayer Jones regularly assists clients to prepare for and attend dispute resolution and to draft and complete documents to formalise any agreement reached.