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Helpful tips for mediation and separation

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June 29, 2026

Mediation

Is Family Dispute Resolution Confidential?

Family dispute resolution (also known as family mediation) helps separating couples work through parenting and property/financial issues without immediately heading to court. It’s usually the quickest, least stressful and most cost-effective way to reach an agreement after separation. However, many people have concerns before they begin, particularly around privacy. A common question we hear is: […]

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June 17, 2026

Children

How To Cope When Your Ex Has A Different Parenting Style

A common challenge after separation is discovering just how differently you and your ex approach parenting. While those differences may have existed during the relationship, they often become far more noticeable when you’re parenting in separate households. If you’re wondering how to cope when your ex has a different parenting style, you’re certainly not alone. […]

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June 9, 2026

Mediation

Is Family Mediation Right For Me?

Separating or divorcing is rarely easy, especially where children, property, finances and emotions involved. There is concern that it will end up in expensive court battles, ongoing conflict and months or even years of stress. That’s where family mediation can help. Family mediation, also known as family dispute resolution, gives separating couples the opportunity to […]

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May 14, 2026

Mediation

What To Expect At Your Family Mediation Intake Session

Separation and divorce can be overwhelming, especially where you’re making crucial and considered decisions about your children, property and finances. For many families in Western Australia, family mediation offers a more practical and less stressful way to work through these issues without heading straight to Family Court. It’s often the quickest, cheapest and most amicable […]

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April 17, 2026

Separation & Divorce

11 Self Help Books You Must Read When Going Through A Divorce

Going through a divorce or separation can feel overwhelming. Alongside the emotional toll, there are practical challenges too—especially when you’re trying to financially separate from your spouse and rebuild your life independently. It’s a time where guidance, reassurance and perspective can make a real difference. This article, written by Perth-based family mediator Ian Shann, highlights […]

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March 11, 2026

Children

What Is Parallel Parenting?

Parenting after separation can feel like uncharted territory. Emotions are often still raw, communication can be strained and trying to co-parent in the traditional sense isn’t always realistic. That’s where parallel parenting has started to gain traction across Australia. More separated parents are turning to this structured approach as a way to reduce conflict and […]

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February 27, 2026

Mediation

What Is Property Settlement Mediation?

Separating or divorcing in Australia doesn’t just involve emotional adjustment. It also requires practical decisions about how your finances will be divided. For many, this can be one of the most stressful parts of separation. So, what is property settlement mediation? In simple terms, it is a structured process that helps separating couples reach agreement […]

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February 11, 2026

Mediation

Safety At Family Mediation

When couples separate, emotions often run high. Concerns about communication, conflict and personal wellbeing are common — especially in the early stages of separation. That is why safety at family mediation is an important topic for separating couples in Australia. Family mediation is widely recognised as the cheapest, quickest and least stressful way to resolve […]

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January 29, 2026

Children

12 Books To Help Kids Cope With An Absent Parent

Parenting after separation or divorce comes with many challenges and one of the hardest is supporting children who are dealing with the absence of a parent. Kids can experience confusion, sadness, anxiety, anger or fear when a parent is no longer consistently present in their lives. As Ian Shann, family mediator from Move On Mediation […]

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January 14, 2026

Mediation

8 Key Benefits Of Family Dispute Resolution

If you’re going through a separation or divorce in Australia, understanding the benefits of family dispute resolution can make an enormous difference to your experience. Family dispute resolution (FDR) is a structured, legally recognised process that helps separating couples resolve parenting and property issues respectfully, efficiently and cost-effectively. For many families it is the cheapest, […]

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December 12, 2025

Separation & Divorce

What’s the Difference Between Separation and Divorce?

The legal and emotional processes when a relationship ends can be confusing. Many people use the terms “separation” and “divorce” interchangeably but, in Australia, they are two distinct stages, each with different legal and practical implications. Understanding the difference between separation and divorce is essential for making informed decisions about your future. While separation is […]

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November 19, 2025

Relationships

How To Keep Things Civil With Your Ex After Divorce

Separating from a partner is never easy. Even if your divorce is relatively amicable, strong emotions can still linger, making communication feel strained and awkward. In high-conflict separations, the challenges multiply — resentment, mistrust and unresolved disagreements can make every conversation feel like walking on eggshells. Yet, for many separated couples — particularly those who […]

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October 9, 2025

Children

10 Children’s Books About Divorce to Help Them Cope

The concept of divorce or separation can be especially difficult to understand for children who are not yet in their teens. At this age, parents often represent the safe and familiar centre of their world so, when that changes, it can bring feelings of confusion, sadness, anger, or even guilt. While being open is important, […]

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September 16, 2025

Separation & Divorce

How To Separate Financially From Your Spouse

Are you wondering how to separate financially from your spouse? Our family mediator in Perth, Ian Shann, has put together some tips on effective ways to separate financially from your spouse. How To Separate Financially From Your Spouse Make A Schedule Of Assets & Liabilities The first thing you need to do is to take […]

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August 28, 2025

Separation & Divorce

What is Bird Nesting in Divorce?

Bird-nesting – also known as bird’s nest co-parenting – is a post-separation arrangement that’s gaining attention among Australian families. It’s an alternative parenting style that puts children first by allowing them to remain in the family home while the separated parents take turns living with them. Although it’s not a long-term solution for everyone, bird […]

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August 6, 2025

Mediation

Does Family Mediation Work?

Many Australians considering separation or divorce often wonder: does family mediation work? It’s one of the most common questions we hear at Move On Mediation, as clients in Perth and across Western Australia seek reliable, efficient and low-stress paths through property and parenting negotiations after separation. Family mediation isn’t just a hopeful alternative—it is one. […]

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June 25, 2025

Mediation

17 Family Mediation Terms You Need To Know

When a relationship ends, emotions can run high and navigating separation or divorce can feel overwhelming. Family mediation offers a calm, cost-effective and quicker alternative to going to the Family Court. It helps separating couples reach agreements about property, finances and parenting arrangements with the assistance of a neutral third party. At Move On Mediation […]

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June 11, 2025

Separation & Divorce

When Couples Separate: 4 Key Steps in Property Settlement

Dividing up your property/finances after separation can be confronting. Family law regarding property settlement does not follow a set formula but considers, instead, a wide range of issues. Ian Shann, Perth family mediator, shares the 4 key steps in property settlement when couples separate. When Couples Separate: 4 Key Steps in Property Settlement Step 1- […]

Testimonials

Reviews From Our Family Mediation Clients

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The process was so much quicker and easier than I anticipated – after everything I have heard about lawyers! And it was re-assuring for me to know how much it was going to cost at the start, not when it was all over. Thanks, Ian. I’d recommend you to anyone who wants a solution seeker and quick results.

— Bree F, Fremantle WA

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Ian, your patience and persistence really helped us get to an agreement I thought we could never reach. I’d recommend you to anyone who wants to get family issues resolved as painlessly as possible.

— Michael G, Safety Bay WA

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Thank you once more for your kindness, wisdom and counsel.

— Georgie N, Wangara WA

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Ian worked hard to enable us to reach an agreement. He was always happy to discuss and explain everything we needed.

— Cathy & Steve, Subiaco WA