Segal Conflict Solutions offers mediation for families going through separation and/or divorce. Saranne Segal and her team acknowledge that there are few times more stressful than going through a separation or divorce, especially where children are involved.

Relationships once based on love and co-operation can turn lethal after a separation. This is compounded by an adversarial legal system which certainly does not help the situation.

If you are separated or divorcing, mediation provides a structured environment where both parties feel safe to express themselves in an honest and open way. Sometimes this can be really hard, especially where the communication has broken down to such an extent that you feel like you’re talking to a stranger or even worse, an enemy.

A mediator provides objectivity and has no agenda or bias about your situation. We are there to facilitate discussions and to bring the focus back to the priority of the children, or in the case of a property settlement, to what is fair and equitable. The goal is to guide the process to an outcome and we often see, once a breakthrough is reached in mediation and an agreement achieved, that the cycle of conflict comes to an end and it becomes the first step towards a more unified co-parenting unit.

There are numerous issues to consider when separating. If things are amicable with your ex-partner, then there is no reason that you can’t resolve these issues between yourselves. However, it is when things are uncomfortable or when conflict is high, that you may need our assistance.

In terms of the Family Law legislation, it is compulsory in respect of any parenting matter to attend mediation prior to a case being heard in the Family Court.

1. Cost-effective mediations – the litigated route is hugely expensive. Rather than each person spending tens of thousands of dollars on legal fees, this can be put back into the property pool for the benefit of the family.
   For example a final hearing which may go for two to three days could set each parent back by $80,000 in legal fees compared to $1,500-$3,000 in mediation fees.
2. Seeing clients faster – we can see clients within seven days of their contacting our office or even sooner for urgent matters. The sooner you see us and resolve all the issues in dispute, the sooner the emotional toll on you and your children will diminish.
3. More Control over the outcome – Every family is unique with your own set of circumstances. You and your ex-partner know your children and understand your life more than any family court judge will ever do. You will know what works and what won’t. Don’t let a judge make an arbitrary decision that will impact your lives forever more. With mediation, you and your partner keep control and this fact cannot be emphasised strongly enough. There are never guarantees when you go to court and you will be rolling the dice when you enter the court process.
4. Resolving all parenting matters – both simple and complex issues which cannot be resolved between parties due to a communication breakdown. We discuss a whole range of relevant issues which usually include living arrangements of the children, school holidays, communication, travel, special days such as birthdays and mothers and father’s day, Christmas, etc. Agreements can be turned into parenting plans, consent orders through the court or else left as a goodwill agreement.
5. Negotiating a Financial Settlement – There is often a lot of stress and uncertainty with regard to finances as suddenly the income that was providing a living for one home, is now being stretched between two households.All matters relating to your financial settlement can be reached in mediation. With advice from your family lawyer, you can negotiate a settlement with your ex which will save many tens of thousands of dollars from the total property pool in comparison to taking the matter to court. Our goal is for an outcome that is realistic and which both parties can live with.
6. Conducting Child Inclusive Mediation – This means giving your children a voice at the mediation table by bringing in a qualified child consultant to meet with your children.
7. Work with Your Lawyer if You Choose – We can also facilitate legally assisted mediation sessions if you prefer to have your lawyer directly involved in negotiations.
8. Issuing of Section 60I Certificates – where appropriate.
9. **We conduct shuttle mediations** where necessary.
10. Referrals to a network of other professionals – we want you to be able to receive any additional support you may require such as solicitors, counsellors, psychologists, etc.