About Us

I offer three separate roles: FDRP, PARENTING COORDINATOR and CHILD CONSULTANT.

I am an Accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP), Registration Number: F2005049 . Accredited by the Australian Government Attorney General’s Department to conduct family dispute resolution and issue section 60I certificates under the Family Law Act 1975.I provide structured family dispute resolution services to people affected by family separation and dispute. My role is neutral and independent. If deemed appropriate to do so by my assessment of each case, I can facilitate a safe, structured process (that is child focused) to help parties communicate, explore options and work towards genuine agreement wherever possible. I can provide mediation for Parenting and Property/Finance disputes.

I am a qualified Parenting Coordinator and a member of Parenting Coordination Australia. A parenting coordinator (PC) is a neutral third party who helps divorced or separated parents implement their parenting plan and resolve conflicts in a child centred way. Their role begins after parenting orders or parenting agreements/plans are established and focuses on helping parents manage day-to-day issues, implement agreements, and reduce conflict to improve outcomes for the children. This is different from a mediator, whose role is to help parents reach their initial agreements. The parenting coordination process is non-confidential and reportable in a Court, so both parties are held accountable for their actions and behaviour. As well as coaching, education and conflict management, parenting coordination may also involve a degree of monitoring to ensure each party complies with any relevant court orders as well as the monitoring of emails and messages to evaluate communication skills and identify any improvements needed.

I am a Child Consultant for Child Inclusive Mediation. I am certified through “Children Beyond Dispute” by Jenny Macintosh. A Child Consultant is a trained professional who speaks with children (if assessed as appropriate by the FDRP and Child Consultant) in a safe and supportive environment to understand their experiences, concerns, and needs, often in the context of parental separation or family disputes. Their role is to provide the child’s perspective to parents and other decision-makers in the mediation process via Child Inclusive Mediation, which can help facilitate child-focused agreements that are more likely to be durable and, in the child’s, best interest.

FDRP SERVICES:

I am an Accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP), Registration Number: F2005049 . Accredited by the Australian Government Attorney General’s Department to conduct family dispute resolution and issue section 60I certificates under the Family Law Act 1975.I provide structured family dispute resolution services to people affected by family separation and dispute. My role is neutral and independent. If deemed appropriate to do so by my assessment of each case, I can facilitate a safe, structured process (that is child focused) to help parties communicate, explore options and work towards genuine agreement wherever possible. I can provide mediation for Parenting and Property/Finance disputes.

Services Include: 

1. Family Dispute Resolution (FDR)/ Mediation:

I facilitate family dispute resolution for people experiencing conflict following relationship breakdown, including disputes about:

• Parenting arrangements (managing conflict, communication)
• Care, living arrangements and time spent with children
• Parental responsibility and decision-making
• Asist parties to identify issues, clarify priorities, explore options and negotiate agreements.
• Provide mediation in relation to Parenting matters, Property and Financial matters (where appropriate) and other family law issues where mediation is helpful.

Sessions may be conducted:

• Jointly or separately (shuttle mediation)
• Face to Face (same or separate rooms) or online using zoom (either face to face on screen or online shuttle mediation in different online rooms).

Note: FDR is a voluntary process and participation is focused on assisting parties to reach their own agreements- I do not make decisions for you.

2. Intake, Screening and Assessment:

Before mediation begins, I conduct individual intake and assessment sessions to:

• Explain the FDR process, confidentiality, obligations and voluntary nature of FDR.
• To determine whether FDR is appropriate and safe for the parties and children involved in your circumstance.
• Assess issues such as risks of family violence or power imbalances or other risk factors and decide whether the process can proceed.
• Determine whether FDR can proceed and in what format (for example Zoom, face to face or shuttle).
• To provide further information resources and/or referrals.

Where FDR is not appropriate, I will discuss the next steps.

3. Issue of Section 60I certificates (and where relevant, 66H Certificates)

As an accredited FDRP, I am authorised to issue Section 60I certificates under the Family Law Act 1975 in relation to parenting matters where:

• The parties attended and genuinely attempted FDR but not reached an agreement.
• One party has refused or failed to attend.
• The parties attended but I decided that FDR is not appropriate in the circumstance to continue.
• I considered based on assessment that FDR was not appropriate to attempt at all in the circumstances.
• The parties attended but one or more did not make a genuine effort to resolve the issues in the dispute.

Note: These certificates are required (in most cases, unless a court exemption applies) before a Family Court application about parenting matters can be filed. In Western Australia, a section 66H certificate may be issued where applicable.

4. Assistance with Agreement Outcomes:

Where agreement is reached, I can assist parties to:

• Developing parenting plans or written agreements reflecting what was negotiated during FDR.
• Provide information about how agreements can be turned into consent orders through the courts (where requested), as well as referrals to legal advice if needed.

I do not provide legal advice but I can encourage and support parties to obtain independent legal advice.

Services not offered include:

• I cannot provide legal advice.
• I do not make decisions for the parties (I am not a judge, arbitrator, or court officer).
• I do not issue certificates for property matters, only matters under section 60I where it applies to parenting disputes, although mediation conducted by an FDRP, can cover property/financial issues. The parties/legal representatives have to show that a dispute resolution process was attempted by filing a Genuine Steps Certificate.
• I do not represent either party.

Professional and Personal Obligations and Standards:

• I hold a professional indemnity insurance to practice.
• Undertake continuing professional development including family violence competence in order to keep my accreditation valid, for ongoing personal education, remaining up to date with any changes in regulations or the practice of FDR and to maintain the highest standard of services and practice.
• I can provide access to an approved complaints mechanism being the Resolution Institute.
• I maintain professional and ethical standards under the Family Law (Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners) Regulations 2025 and the Family Law Act1975 at all times.
• I am a member of Resolution Institute.

PARENTING COORDINATOR SERVICES:

I am a qualified Parenting Coordinator and a member of Parenting Coordination Australia. A parenting coordinator (PC) is a neutral third party who helps divorced or separated parents implement their parenting plan and resolve conflicts in a child centred way. Their role begins after parenting orders or parenting agreements/plans are established and focuses on helping parents manage day-to-day issues, implement agreements, and reduce conflict to improve outcomes for the children. This is different from a mediator, whose role is to help parents reach their initial agreements. The parenting coordination process is non-confidential and reportable in a Court, so both parties are held accountable for their actions and behaviour. As well as coaching, education and conflict management, parenting coordination may also involve a degree of monitoring to ensure each party complies with any relevant court orders as well as the monitoring of emails and messages to evaluate communication skills and identify any improvements needed.

1. Implementation support for Parenting Plans & Orders:

I assist families to interpret, clarify and implement existing Parenting Plans or Family Court Orders, including:

• Reviewing and explaining the terms of agreements/orders so both parents understand their obligations.
• Helping parents apply arrangements in real-life situations (e.g. handovers, holidays)
• Identifying ambiguities and facilitating practical solutions when plans don’t work as intended.

2. Conflict Management and Dispute Resolution:

I Provide structured support to help parents work through ongoing disagreements, including:

• Facilitating discussions when disputes arise over day-to-day parenting issues (such as change overs, schooling, activities, travel).
• Supporting constructive negotiation and teaching conflict resolution strategies.
• Where appropriate and agreed, offering non-binding recommendations to resolve disputes.

3. Communication Facilitation & Coaching:

A key part of my role is helping parents communicate more effectively so conflict doesn’t escalate:

• Training and coaching on respectful, solution-focused communication.
• Guiding parents to use structured communication tools (shared schedules, apps, email protocols.
• Monitoring and supporting communication patterns to reduce misunderstandings. (for example, act as a cc’ on all email communication).

4. Ongoing Monitoring and Accountability:

To help families remain compliant with plans and orders:

• I Track how arrangements are being followed over time.
• Flag consistent compliance concerns
• Provide accountability and early intervention before issues intensify.

5. Education and Skill Building:

I support parents in building long term co-parenting skills, including:

• Education on the impact of conflict on children and how communication affects emotional wellbeing.
• Practical guidance on family dynamics, child development and decision-making.
• Coaching in problem-solving and future- focused collabartion.
• Offer referrals to other professionals when needed.
• Offer further educational resources on parenting and conflict if needed.

6. Limited Decision-Making (if authorised):

With the express agreement of parents or as permitted under court orders, I can:

• Make non-binding recommendations about specific day-to-day parenting issues.
• Assist in reaching practical decisions when parents are unable to agree.

Note: Parenting Coordination is not a substitute for mediation, therapy, legal advice, counselling, or psychological services. It’s a structured neutral, co parenting support role focused on practical implementation and reducing conflict.

Parenting Coordination is conducted in accordance with the Australian Legal and professional guidelines; however, it is not a confidential mediation process under the Family Law Act 1975 (cth), and information may be shared with the court, legal representatives, or other authorised professionals where required by court order, written agreement, or legal obligation (including child safety concerns). I am a mandatory reporter for any abuse or risk of abuse, threats, neglect to any party or property and extended beyond that including children.

How Parenting Coordination Works:

The process involves:

• Intake and Assessment to understand the families situation. Review court orders or Parenting Plans/Agreements or any other document needed in order to assess appropriateness and safety.
• Joint and individual sessions to work through issues constructively. Joint sessions to be held monthly (unless otherwise specified) with a minimum of one individual session per party before a joint session.
• Regular follow-up and monitoring to support implementation of agreements.
• Minimum 2 year process unless otherwise specified by court orders or withdrawal by either party or at the discretion of the PC.

Services not provided are:

• Therapy or mental health counselling.
• Legal representation or legal advice.
• Arbitration or formal judicial decisions.
• Confidential mediation as defined under the Family Law Act 1975.

CHILD CONSULTANT SERVICES:

I am a Child Consultant for Child Inclusive Mediation. I am certified through “Children Beyond Dispute” by Jenny Macintosh.  A Child Consultant is a qualified professional with expertise in child development, family dynamics and the impact of separation on children. Within the family mediation (Family Dispute Resolution) process, a child consultant ensures that children’s developmental needs, emotional wellbeing and best interests remain central to decision-making. A Child Consultant speaks with children (if assessed as appropriate by the FDRP and Child Consultant) in a safe and supportive environment to understand their experiences, concerns, and needs, often in the context of parental separation or family disputes. Their role is to provide the child’s perspective to parents and other decision-makers in the mediation process via Child Inclusive Mediation, which can help facilitate child-focused agreements that are more likely to be durable and, in the child’s, best interest.

1. Child Focussed Assessments:

• Provide insight into children’s developmental needs, temperament and attachment patterns.
• Identify factors that may be affecting a child’s adjustment to separation.
• Assist parents to understand how conflict impacts children at different ages and stages.

2. Child-Inclusive Practise: (where appropriate):

• Meet with children (with parental consent) in a developmentally appropriate way.
• Provide children with a safe opportunity to express their experiences and perspectives.
• Offer feedback to parents within mediation to help inform parenting arrangements.

Note: The purpose is not for children to make decisions, but for their experiences to be considered respectfully.

3. Parenting Education and Guidance:

• Educate parents about child development, emotional regulation and the effects of ongoing conflict.
• Support parents to create practical, child focused parenting arrangements.
• Provide guidance on transitions, routines, and communication with their children about separation.

4. Support during Complex Matters:

• Assist mediators and parents in matters involving high conflict, blended families, relocation issues, or concerns about children’s emotional wellbeing.
• Help identify when additional therapeutic or specialist support may be beneficial.

5. Contribution to Agreements:

• Provide child-focused input to support the development of sustainable parenting plans.
• Ensure that proposed arrangements are developmentally appropriate and promote stability and safety.

Note: In line with the principals of the Family Law Act 1975, the child consultant’s role is to support parents to prioritise their children’s safety, wellbeing and meaningful relationships, while minimising exposure to conflict.

6. Confidentiality within the Child Consultant Process:

Confidentiality within the child consultant process is dependent on the setting in which it occurs. The three settings are part of FDRP, Court appointed and privately engaged.

Part of FDRP:

When a Child Consultant is engaged within a Family Dispute Resolution Process under the Family Law Act 1975:

• The process is generally confidential under Part II of the Act.
• Communications made during FDR are also generally inadmissible in court.
• There are important exceptions: Risk of child abuse or family Violence, Mandatory reporting obligations, threats to a person’s safety, to prevent a serious crime, Where parties consent disclosure.

Note: When Child Consultant meets directly with children as part of child-inclusive FDR process, that work typically falls within the same confidentiality framework as the mediation.

Child Consultant is Court-Appointed:

If the Child Consultant is appointed within court proceedings (foe example, in matters before the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia):

• The process is not confidential in the same way as FDR.
• The consultant may prepare a report for the court.
• Information obtained may be shared with the court and parties s part of the proceedings.

If Privately Engaged Outside of FDR:

If a Child Consultant is privately engaged outside a normal FDR process:

• Confidentiality will depend on the service agreement and professional obligations.
• Mandatory reporting and child safety obligations still apply.
• The process is not automatically protected by the statutory confidentiality provisions of the Family Law Act.

How the Child Consultant Process works:

1. Assessment and preparation: Once your FDRP has assessed your case is appropriate for Child Inclusive Mediation they will refer you to a Child Consultant. The Child Consultant will gather relevant background information and meet with both parents via individual or jointly sessions based on a risk assessment of safety and appropriateness within regards to consultancy from the FDRP, to understand concerns and family dynamics.

2. Child-Inclusive Practise: If it has been assessed by the FDRP and the Child Consultant that Child Inclusive Practise is appropriate, then with both parents consent, the Child Consultant will arrange to meet with the children or child in a safe, developmentally appropriate manner. The purpose is to:

• Provide children with an opportunity to express their experiences
• Understand how the current arrangements are affecting them.
• Identify developmental emotional or practical needs.

Note: Children are not asked to choose between parents or determine the outcomes.

3. Feedback to Parents: The Child Consultant provides structured feedback within the mediation process, usually in the beginning after the mediators opening statement, focussing on:

• The Child’s developmental needs.
• Themes arising from the child’s experience (not confidential disclosures beyond the agreed framework).
• Practical considerations to support stability and wellbeing.

This feedback informs the discussion and assists parents to develop workable, child-focused parenting arrangements. Parents can choose to have the Child Consultant support them for the entirety of the mediation process to ensure discussions remain child inclusive based on the feedback given or they can be asked to leave after they have given the feedback. The FDRP will arrange with both parents prior to the mediation session to get consent.

Services not provided:

While a Child Consultant plays an important role in supporting child-focused decision-making during family mediation, their role has clear professional boundaries. A Child Consultant does not:

• Make Decisions for the Family: Children do not decide parenting arrangements, and the Child Consultant does not determine outcomes. Decision-making remains with the parents (or the court, if proceedings are on foot).
• Provide Legal Advice: Child Consultants do not give legal advice or represent either parent. For legal guidance, parties should consult an independent family lawyer.
• Conduct Therapy or Ongoing Counselling: The Child Consultant role is assessment and feedback- focused within mediation. It is not a therapeutic or counselling service for children or parents.
• Prepare Court Reports (in FDR context): When engaged within Family Dispute Resolution, a child Consultant does not prepare expert reports for court or provide forensic assessments. (Court-appointed family consultants operate under a different framework).
• Act as an Advocate for the child: While children may be heard in a child-inclusive process, the Child Consultant does not “take sides” or advocate for one parent or for the child against a parent. Their role in neutral and child-focused.
• Guarantee outcomes: The Child Consultant cannot guarantee that the parents will reach agreement or that arrangements will remain conflict-free.

Clear Role Boundaries: The Child Consultant’s role is to provide developmental insight, support child-focused reflection, and assist parents to consider their children’s experiences- always within professional, ethical and legislative guidelines.