Supporting children and families through parenting plan mediation

At Bayside Mediation, we help you craft parenting plans and child care arrangements with sensitivity, empathy, and a focus on the long-term well-being of the entire family.

Trusted by 100's of families Australia wide

Child access arrangements & parenting plan mediation services

Putting your kids first

We recognise the profound impact family transitions can have on children. Maintaining positive co-parenting relationships is critical for your child’s sense of security and emotional well-being.

Bayside Mediation’s expert family mediators ensure your child’s needs are put front and centre during the parenting plan mediation process.

"I would like to thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for guiding me through what I thought would be a horrendous situation. With your guidance everything went through calmly and without a drama. I am forever grateful to you for that. Thank you."

"Thank you, Alina, we really appreciate your assistance with this and your expertise and guidance throughout the mediation process. You made a very stressful and daunting process a lot easier to deal with. You are excellent at your job and we are very thankful we engaged you for help."

“Dianne was incredibly accommodating, organising meetings for me at very short notice. I truly appreciate her professionalism, honesty, and strong work ethic. I wouldn’t hesitate to reach out again if I need further support.”

"Dianne, Thank you. I appreciate the time and effort you put into the process and your support throughout."

Child Inclusive Practice (CIP)

Bayside Mediation’s qualified Child Consultants use play and discussion to understand how your child is coping with the separation. Child Inclusive Practice ensures children’s views are expressed and considered during the mediation.

benefits of child focused Mediators

Why use mediation?

Separating couples in Australia must attempt mediation before taking their child custody matter to court. It is a requirement of the Australia Family Law Act.

At Bayside Mediation, 80% of our clients successfully negotiate co-parenting agreements without ever involving the courts.
We help separating couples minimise conflict, foster cooperation and communication and avoid costly and emotionally draining court battles.
We are typically able to see clients within days – not weeks or months. We understand that fast resolution is essential to helping everyone involved move forward in a healthy manner.

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   Based on 66 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
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    Juliette L 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Bayside mediation was a positive and professional experience even though it was an emotional and difficult time.  Dianne was exceptional, knowledgeable and empathetic. She put me at ease from our first meeting.  I am more than grateful to her and Alina who worked extremely hard to achieve an acceptable outcome. Brilliant team work by these two amazing ladies. Dianne I know you went above and beyond. Thank you.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Erik n 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very professional company that goes well above and beyond. Dianne is great to deal with, as is the rest of the staff. Understanding, caring and supportive!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Alicia L 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Alina is a very honest mediator, she care for her client for their family genuinely.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Jean L 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thank you Dianne and Alina for resolving our complex mediation in a fair and professional process. My advice to your potential clients is to avoid lawyers at all costs if possible. I paid a heavy legal price and was amazed at their costing and revenue structure designed to maximise profits at every opportunity. Phone calls, emails, even asking you for some information came at cost of $45 each. Unwarranted and unwanted conversations was billed exorbitantly as legal advice. Mediation is the most cost effective way to resolve issues, especially financial separations and division of assets. Pay attention of lawyers per hour rates compared to the costs of mediation. Stay alert, ask questions and maintain control of your costs. I strongly recommend Bayside Mediation if you want a fair, open, cost effective and transparent process to resolve your personal or family issues. Lawyers and Courts is an option that should be avoided at all costs, if possible. At least speak to Bayside Mediation and weigh up your options. They cannot take sides and they operate legally but without the exorbitant fees, hidden charges and costs. Think and be alert before being caught out by the legal trap. Your assets and money belongs in your pocket because stress and vulnerability can lead to making bad choices.depleting you legally !
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Dean M 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I would like to thank Alina and the team at Bayside mediation for the professionalism and willinginess to support in challenging circumstances. Alina specifically went above and beyod to work to try get stakeholders to the table and her commitment went well beyond just being a facilitor but rather being a figure that can assist to coax stakeholders through apprehension to the table.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Fatima J 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I want to give a big thanks to Tess, who helped me a lot through my divorce. I went to see her twice, and since then if I had any follow up questions I could text or call her and get a fast answer. She listens to me patiently and always gives a helpful answer. I would recommend Tess’ services to anyone who needs it.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Jeffrey t 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had the need to enquire how the mediation process worked. Alina explained the process to me such that it gave me confidence to get my partner involved. I'm happy that it worked so well for both my partner and myself. Excellent support service from Alina. Anonymous
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Jeni J 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I was initially quite hesitant about my appointment, having had a bad experience with a different mediation group many years ago. On meeting Dianne, those fears were alleviated. She was compassionate and genuinely focused on helping us reach the best possible outcome for us all. Her consistent availability via phone and email, along with her honest and objective guidance, provided incredible support throughout the entire process. I highly recommend Bayside and Dianne to anyone seeking mediation services. Thank you Dianne and team.

Helping australian families through Child Custody And Parental PLAN Mediation

Parenting Plans tailored to your family’s needs

Today, custody is considered a thing of the past, and children have a right to enjoy a safe and meaningful relationship with both their parents. Both parents are responsible for making major decisions such as where the children will live, their education, religion, and healthcare.
Our experienced mediators will work with you to create a Parenting Plan outlining your child’s living arrangements, how much time they will spend with each parent, and how major decisions regarding their upbringing will be made.
Your Parenting Plan is tailored to your family’s unique circumstances. It can be as comprehensive or informal as needed and is designed to be fluid as circumstances change, providing children with long-term stability.

When choosing a parenting plan mediator, it’s reassuring to know you’re in expert hands

Our Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners (FDRP) are qualified, recognised industry experts who specialise in helping separating couples negotiate and formalise their parenting arrangements.

Our team is experienced in working with parents in high-conflict situations. We provide a safe, managed, balanced and discreet space for you to discuss your differences and negotiate your agreements.

If mediation is unsuccessful, an FDRP is the only professional who can issue the 60(I) certificate, which is required to take a children’s matter to court. At Bayside Mediation, we can provide certificates.

Our practitioners are qualified, recognised, child-focused industry experts

FAQS For child & Parenting plan arrangements

Your child & parenting plan mediation questions answered

How much does parenting plan mediation and child access agreements cost?

Family mediation fees start from $500 however, it’s important to recognise that most separations aren’t that black and white.

For a more accurate estimate, book a free consultation with a qualified expert family dispute resolution practitioner here.

How does an in-home separation work when children are involved?

This scenario has become more common, driven by the high cost of living.

The process involves establishing clear boundaries and communication strategies to ensure the well-being of the children.

For a detailed explanation of in-home separation concerning children, click here.

How do I make this change as easy as possible for my children?

These are our key tips to make the transition easier for your children.

Open Communication
Consistency and Routine
Emotional Support
Child-Centric Decision-Making
Professional Guidance

For a more detailed guide, click here.

What can I do if I notice my kids are struggling with our separation? Are there signs to look out for?

Signs of distress may include changes in behaviour, mood swings, withdrawal, or a decline in academic performance.

Remember, each child responds differently, and it’s essential to tailor your approach based on their unique needs. If you need additional guidance, family mediation services can assist in navigating these challenges.

For more information on supporting your children through separation, click here.

FIXED FEE DIVORCE APPLICATION – $500*