Can we do mediation for property matters?
When couples separate, the issues that need to be resolved usually fall into two categories: property matters and children’s matters. At Blackboard Mediation, we work in both fields. Parties may wish to discuss only one, the other, or both, and this can be dealt with in the same way in the same sessions.
One difference to note is that most people tend to look towards a single property settlement, where children’s matters are ongoing as the children involved develop and change. In Australia, you must attempt mediation before approaching the Court with children’s matters, but mediation is not compulsory for property matters.
In mediation, our role in property matters is to make way for a productive discussion and negotiation. As we do not represent either party, each must also obtain their own legal advice, either before or after mediation. It is helpful if parties come to such a mediation with information about the value of their debts and assets to give a clearer picture of the scope of negotiations.
If you would like more information on how mediation can work in your situation, please contact our office for a free fifteen minute phone consultation.