RESOURCES

FAQS & resources

See our FAQ section for common questions and review our helpful Resources section so you can find the information you need if we cannot assist you.

FAQS

IS GOING TO FAMILY COURT THE ONLY WAY TO RESOLVE PARENTAL CARE OF THE CHILDREN?

No. Before matters will be heard in Family Law Court, it needs to be demonstrated that parents have attempted to resolve their matters through a Family Dispute Resolution Process. Family Law Court can be stressful, expensive, and can be time consuming. Parties can avoid going to court by resolving matters and reaching agreement with the assistance of a qualified Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner.

When parents separate, is it expected that everything should be 50/50 including the time that children spend with each parent?

Ideally both parents would have ‘equal shared parental responsibility’. This includes sharing parental decisions around medical matters, education, religion, and living arrangements. If a parent (or a person who lives with a parent) has been abusive or violent towards the children, it is unlikely the parental responsibility would be shared. How much time a child will spend with each parent is by agreement. It can be equal time, or it can be significant or substantial time, and will depend on what best meets the needs of the children including developmental factors (how old children are). Children deserve to have a loving and caring relationship with both parents as long as it is safe for this to occur.

Do I need to have a parenting plan in place when I separate?

Parenting plans are documents that two parents can mutually agree on. After reaching agreements, it can be helpful to have all things related to co-parenting listed in a parenting plan. Parents will often include: time arrangements (a structure of how and when children will spend time with each parent), communication (ground rules that support child focused interactions with each parent), and any other issue of importance that is related to the general wellbeing of children. Particularly early on after a separation, many parents find things easier to manage if co-parenting agreements are put into writing. Parenting plans are aimed at ensuring consistency, predictability, accountability, and clarity. Parenting plans can reviewed, and are not legally binding.

What is the role of Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) Practitioners?

FDR practitioners are impartial, do not give legal advice, and do not hold any decision making powers. An important aspect of a FDR Practitioner’s work is to assist parties in defining the issues in dispute and to respectfully express their concerns with openness and clarity.

Is Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) confidential?

Agreement may not be reached in a FDR session and the matter may then go to court. A FDR practitioner cannot be subpoenaed to give evidence (from a mediation session) in court. The confidentiality that is embedded in the FDR process ensures that parties cannot provide evidence of matters discussed during a session. All FDR practitioners are obligated to report to relevant authorities incidents & reports of child abuse, any threats made to a person’s life, and any other criminal activity.

What if FDR does not work?

A Section 60I certificate can be issued to allow you to apply to the court when taking measures to achieve resolution on any outstanding family matters.

How do I make an appointment?

Contact us by phone or email us through our website. A free 30 minute consultation is available as a way of assisting you to make a decision on what service may be most suitable to meet your needs.

How many sessions will I need?

The answer to this question depends on what kind of issues you present with. After attending just one session, some clients find that they have enough newly acquired self-awareness and insight to set them on the path to making significant changes. Sometimes there are complex or deep-seated issues that may require more sessions to resolve. A Mirror Bridge practitioner will discuss your own unique circumstances and the anticipated number of sessions during your first paid session.

Do you offer services for children?

Mirror Bridge offers a service for adolescents 12-17 years old. Alternate options would need to sourced for children under the age of 12. The service offered to adolescents has a family focus, so the goal is always to facilitate joint sessions with parents and their adolescent. Parents can receive assistance one on one about parenting their adolescent child (child not present in these sessions).

Still have a question?

Check out our comprehensive resources section, or If you have any other queries, feel free to reach out to us. We are here to help!

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

IMMEDIATE CRISIS SUPPORT

We are not a crisis support service. If you need immediate support, contact one of the crisis services listed below.

In an Emergency dial 000

Lifeline
24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services.
131114
lifeline.org.au

Kids Helpline
24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5-25.
1800551800
http://kidshelpline.com.au

Suicideline
24/7 specialist telephone counselling and information to anyone affected by suicide. Call if you are thinking about suicide, worried about someone, or have lost someone to suicide.
1300 651 251
https://suicideline.org.au

Safe Steps
(24 hours a day, 7 days a week) for women and children who are victims of family violence. Web chat support service Monday to Friday 9am until midnight
1800 015 188
safesteps.org.au

Victims of Crime Helpline
phone 1800 819 817 or text 0427 767 891 (8am to 11pm, 7 days a week) for adult male victims of family violence and victims of violent crime
1800 819 817
victimsofcrime.vic.gov.au

Child Protection
5pm to 9am Monday to Friday, 24 hours on weekends and public holidays) for children and young people whose safety is at risk
13 12 78
services.dhhs.vic.gov.au

Family Dispute Resolution

Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (fcfcoa.gov.au)
fcfcoa.gov.au

Victorian Legal Aid
https://www.legalaid.vic.gov.au/

TIS National
https://www.tisnational.gov.au

Sexual Assault Crisis Line
https://www.sacl.com.au

Talk to us now to take the first step toward
strengthening your family relationships