How can we help
Mediation gives the parties an opportunity to meet and discuss their views of the case; clear up misunderstandings; identify underlying interests and concerns; find areas of agreement; and identify creative solutions.
Testimonials
”Thank you for all of your hard work. This has been a long road, and clearly despite our best and cooperative efforts along the way, we couldn’t have gotten this done without you.” PJ Campton
“I was impressed with your skills and quick grasp of the issues. I sincerely hope we get to work together again. Thanks again.” Partner at Sydney law firm
“We contacted Annaliese after we had used two prior mediators unsuccessfully on a matter where personality conflicts, anger and distrust made constructive dialogue difficult. Annaliese was always facilitative and respectful and had no agenda except helping us get the deal done - and that we did. Thank you.”
Types of disputes handled by Diplomatic Mediation
- Motor Vehicle Matters
- Civil Matters – Debt, Personal and Business
- Personal injury matters
- Small Claims
- Neighbour Disputes such as Noise
- Surrogates/Trusts and Estates
- Breach of Contracts
- Intellectual Property
- Property Disputes
- Residential Landlord/Tenant Disputes
- Commercial Landlord/Tenant Disputes
- Co-worker Disputes
- School Conflicts – Student to Student Conflicts
- Parenting Issues such as Discipline, Truancy
- Harassment
- Special Education Mediation
Big news
Annaleise is an NMAS qualified Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) Mediator. Whilst the FDR part of her mediation journey has been very fulfilling and she’s truly loved being able to help many couples who had previously been struggling to come to agreements, finally come to an agreement with her facilitation, she has decided at this point to focus on the commercial side of mediation moving forward. That includes everything from workplace disputes to wills and estate disputes to contractual disputes to PI disputes to, strata and residential workplace disputes and everything in between. If you are after a FDR mediator, please feel free to contact Annaleise as she has a mediator she works closely with who specializes in these types of cases.
FAQs
What happens if we agree at Mediation?
If you reach an agreement in Mediation, the Mediator can prepare a Heads of Agreement to be signed by both parties on the day of the Mediation. For the agreement reached to be binding and enforceable, it can be drafted into Court Order if you want it to be.
If you have a Lawyer -
Lawyers can attend Mediation however it is up to you. Should an agreement be reached, Mediators encourage you to get advice from a lawyer about whether your agreement makes sense for you. At any time throughout the Mediation, you are welcome to contact a lawyer or financial advisor to obtain advice.
If you want a lawyer but can’t afford one, talk to the Mediator who may be able to help you find free or low cost legal services.
What if I have concerns about things on the day of Mediation?
Most people get nervous when attending Mediation and this is normal and expected, however it is very important that you let the Mediator know whenever you feel distressed or uneasy on the day of Mediation. For most people it is a difficult day.
You are welcome to bring a support person with you on the day of Mediation, however you will both need to agree if they will be in attendance in the room when confidential information is being shared. If you do bring a support person to your Mediation, please go through the terms of the Mediation Agreement (in particular, to the Confidentiality terms) carefully and check that they understand them.
You may or may not have seen the other party/parties for a while and there may be things that arise that you had not previously known about that you may need to consider when you make your decisions. When these issues arise, you may feel emotional, anger, sadness, disappointment or regret. It is normal and expected.
Your expectations of outcomes may be challenged. Being confronted with these things can be uncomfortable to hear at times, but it is important that you understand the consequences of your expectations or the decisions that you make. It is important to be open and honest with the Meditator whenever these things arise so we can discuss it fully.
Be reassured that everything discussed in the private sessions with the Mediator is confidential, so you can feel comfortable to be as open and honest as you like with the Mediator.
How do I prepare for mediation?
Pleas call Annaleise on 0438 881 838 and she can discuss this with you and provide you with a mediation checklist prior to having an intake meeting with her.
What happens on the Mediation day?
Generally, the Mediator will welcome each party and will go through the Mediation process and rules of the Mediation.
Each party will be asked to talk about their goals and concerns with respect to settling the matters. This will be done without interruption from the other party and each will have the opportunity to have their say and the same amount of time will be afforded to both.
The Mediator will identify any common ground and clarify the issues left in dispute. The Mediator will outline the issues to be resolved and put it into an Agenda to provide structure to the Mediation.
Each party will be asked to explain their position to the other regarding each issue listed on the Agenda. The parties will also be asked to explore options for resolving any points in issue and thereafter will undertake separate discussions with the Mediator to further explore their options to settle. An agreement will then be reached if suitable to both.
What if I’d rather go to Court?
The Court process can take up to 2-3 years sometimes and is often very expensive and emotionally draining. If you go to Court, you give your decision making power to the Judge who makes the final decision. It is unpredictable as the Judge may or may believe you.
If the parties can not agree on matters and you end up in Court, the Court often refers you to Mediation to try to work things out, before asking the Judge to decide.
Can I discuss what happens at the Mediation with others?
Any decisions, offers made or anything said at Mediation is confidential and cannot be later used in Court, however the parties can agree on what can be said publicly.
Remember, you made a good decision to enter into Mediation as it is a lot less stressful than going to Court and Mediation will give you the opportunity to start your new chapter with regards to this matter, respectfully and peacefully. Remember, this is your day where you make the decisions.
What will it cost?
Please contact Annaleise direct on 0438 881 838 for information about this.