Mediation at
Bayside Community Legal Service.
Assisting community and families to work it out without resorting to Court with our free mediation service.
Learn moreWhy Mediation May Be a Great Fit
Mediation is a process where a neutral, qualified person assists people to self-determine a way out of their conflict.
How Our Mediation Service Works
Our mediation service operates separately to our legal advice service using fully-qualified mediators and Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners (FDRPs)
Mediation is not legally binding and our mediators cannot provide you with legal advice.
The goal of a mediation is to facilitate a conversation between parties, keeping them focused and moving forward with the conversation with the goal of achieving an agreement or resolution to the conflict.
It is voluntary to attend mediation, however in parenting disputes, under the Family Law Act 1975 if you choose not to participate in Family Dispute Resolution, the other party may request a certificate (a 60i certificate) and use this to make an application to the family court. You should seek legal advice to determine what is right for your situation.
Co-Mediation Model
Our mediators work in pairs to ensure impartiality, expertise and provide you the best service.
FREE of Charge
Our panel volunteer their time for our community and work under their business, not for BCLS. *Income cap does apply for eligibility.
Panel of Private
Mediators
BCLS has a panel of private mediators and FDRPs who volunteer to take on your case.
We have a panel of mediators who can do general mediations AND family dispute resolution (parenting plans/property settlements). FDRPs mediate parenting matters as they are qualified to write the 60i certificates if needed for family court. A general Mediator cannot issue this certificate.
We do not provide for legally assisted mediations, meaning, this is a free, community referral service, if you want a lawyer to attend your mediation, please hire a private mediator/FDRP.
We do not provide for child inclusive mediations. If you would like your child’s voice to be heard and included in a mediation, please hire a private FDRP and/or Child Consultant to assist you with your matter.
How to Get a Free Mediation
1
Check You
Qualify
Make sure we can mediate your legal issue and that you meet our eligibility criteria.
2
Complete our Intake Form
Our online intake form is fast, convenient and captures all the information our mediators need to see if they can assist you.
3
Confirm your Mediation
If our mediators can assist you, they will be in contact to invite both parties to attend mediation and confirm a date and time.
4
Attend Your Mediation
In-person, over the phone or via video conference. Our mediations are fully accessible.
Let's Get Started.
Please complete our intake form to see if you qualify for a free mediation.
Our team will review your intake form and be in contact shortly.