Alternative dispute resolution includes meetings and processes such as family counselling, family dispute resolution and conciliation.
Alternative dispute resolution is the preferred option when dealing with matters relating to a property settlement. It provides a quicker, cheaper and more satisfying alternative to court action. It is compulsory to have made some sort of an attempt at dispute resolution before filing for the matter to be heard in court. The parties must provide a certificate from a registered family dispute resolution practitioner to the court. Exceptions to this rule include if the matter is urgent and if there has been a genuine effort to resolve the dispute.
Parties are encouraged to reach an agreement on terms that they have both decided on. Dispute resolution assists with communication between parties following the break-down of a relationship and provides strategies to resolve disputes which may arise in the future.
Meetings are confidential, however some details need to be disclosed to the court by the presiding official, including arrangements made by the parties and other important details.
If no agreement is made during the mediation sessions then the parties will be required to file for court proceedings.
How can Prime Lawyers help you?
At Prime Lawyers, our experienced family lawyers will be able to assist you through this mediation process. We will inform you of all your rights to ensure that you obtain the best result from the mediation process. If mediation is unsuccessful, then we will assist you with initiating court proceedings and continue with negotiations to have the matter settled as soon as possible.