It is common after separation for parents to discover they have very different ideas about raising their children. Whether it’s routines, schooling, discipline or holiday arrangements, these differences can quickly become a source of conflict. Family mediation provides a safe, structured environment that enables separated couples to work through these issues together.

As a family mediator in Perth, a common enquiry I get is who can attend family mediation sessions.

Who Can Attend Family Mediation In Australia?

The answer to this question depends on parties’ individual circumstances and the purpose of the mediation.

Family mediation sessions are usually attended by the two people involved in the dispute, but there are situations where other people also participate. In certain circumstances, lawyers, support persons, interpreters or professionals involved in the care of your children might also be involved.

Where questions of additional persons being involved, as a family mediator I discuss these issues with the parties beforehand to ensure the mediation process remains fair, productive and focused on reaching practical outcomes.

Primary Parties

The starting point is almost always the parties directly involved in the dispute.

In mediations involving children’s issues this will be the parents. Where financial separation is the issue, the separating couple will both be involved.

Family Mediator

Every family mediation session is facilitated by a family mediator whose role is to remain impartial and assist the parties to find reasonable and realistic solutions. The mediator’s role is to guide the conversation, encourage respectful communication and help identify possible solutions.

Family Members Involved In Care Of The Children

Sometimes other family members play an important role in a child’s life. Grandparents, carers or other relatives may be directly involved in day-to-day care or have information that could assist discussions about parenting arrangements. In some circumstances, these people may be invited to participate in part of the mediation if everyone agrees and their involvement is likely to assist the process. Whether they attend will depend on the issues being discussed and the mediator’s assessment of what will be most beneficial.

Lawyers Or Legal Representatives

Many people ask me whether they can bring their solicitor to mediation. The answer is yes, in some situations. A lawyer or legal representative may attend to provide legal advice, support their client and help clarify proposed agreements. Their involvement can be particularly helpful in more complex parenting or property matters. Whether lawyers attend every session will depend on the circumstances, the type of mediation being conducted and whether all participants agree to their involvement beforehand.

Support Persons

Separation can be emotionally challenging and some people feel more comfortable having a trusted support person with them. A support person might be a close friend, family member or another trusted individual to provide emotional reassurance during the session. However, a support person’s role is not to speak on behalf of a party or participate in negotiations unless specifically agreed by everyone involved. Before attending, it’s important to discuss this your chosen mediator to ensure the support person’s presence will assist rather than disrupt the mediation process.

Child Consultants

In some family mediation matters involving children, a child consultant may participate to provide insight into the children’s developmental and emotional needs. Their role isn’t to decide where children should live or who is right or wrong. Instead, they help parents better understand how conflict and proposed parenting arrangements may affect their children. This can encourage more child-focused decision-making and often helps parents move beyond their own disagreements towards solutions that support their children’s wellbeing.

Accredited Interpreters

It is essential that everyone participating in family mediation fully understands what is being discussed. If English is not your first language or you have difficulty communicating in English, an accredited interpreter may attend the mediation session. The interpreter’s role is simply to accurately translate the conversation so everyone can participate equally and confidently. Find a NAATI-certified interpreter near you here.

If you’re separating or divorcing in Western Australia and would like to learn more about who can attend family mediation or how the process works, contact me today for a confidential, obligation-free discussion. I can explain your options, answer your questions and help you determine whether family mediation is the right next step for you and your family.