Ashley can assist parties to mediate all aspects of family law matters, including property settlement and parenting mediations.
Mediation is a process whereby parties (with or without the assistance of their own independent solicitors) attempt to negotiate an amicable resolution of their family law matter, with the assistance of an independent, impartial, qualified mediator.
There are many benefits to mediation, including:
The format of mediation is flexible. Parties can choose whether mediation proceeds by way of shuttle mediation (parties remain in separate rooms), or all together, or sometimes a combination of both as needed.
Mediation can occur at our office, at your solicitor's office (location dependent), or by Zoom. There is no room hire fee to mediate at our Newcastle office, and shuttle mediations can be accommodated.
As mediator, Ashley is independent and impartial, and assists parties to have their say, share their points of view, raise issues of importance to them, and helps parties to reach an amicable agreement.
Ashley has an empathetic but professional approach, designed to make mediation as comfortable as possible for all parties involved. Being a family law solicitor and Independent Children's Lawyer, Ashley understands the legal issues surrounding your family law mediation which can assist with the process.
Ashley will not impose an outcome at the end of the day. It is entirely up to the parties to reach an agreement that they are satisfied with. If solicitors are present, parties can obtain independent legal advice as they go, and solicitors can draft up legally binding documents to record the agreement.
Generally, support persons cannot attend mediation unless all parties to the mediation agree in advance.
Child Inclusive Mediation is gaining popularity, and is an extremely effective way to mediate parenting matters.
Generally, the process involves a Child Consultant who will interview your child or children in a relaxed and child friendly setting, prior to the mediation. A Child Consultant has qualifications and experience in interviewing and speaking with children, and is trained to make the process as comfortable for your children as possible.
After meeting with your child or children, the Child Consultant then attends the beginning part of the mediation, and represents the voice of your child/ren. Your children do not attend the mediation. The Child Consultant shares feedback from your children that they have given permission to be shared. This assists all parties involved to keep the best interests of the children at the forefront of mind, which helps in reaching child-focussed outcomes.
Ashley Stevens is a strong supporter of, and is happy to act as mediator in, child inclusive mediations. Ashley can suggest a Child Consultant if you require, or is happy to work with a Child Consultant nominated by the parties.
Not all matters are suitable for mediation. If you have a solicitor, you should discuss the appropriateness of mediation for your matter with your solicitor. If you don't have a solicitor, please contact our office to discuss whether mediation is suitable for your matter.
Please telephone our office to obtain details of available dates and fees. Alternatively, please click this link to access our calendar to see availability and request a tentative booking.
Click this link to open our Mediation Booking Request Form. Please complete this form and submit it to admin@stevensfamilylaw.com.au and we will contact you to confirm a date and the mediation details.
