Mediation serves as a method for families in conflict or facing relationship breakdowns to settle disputes.

It can occur informally, involving a friend or family member as a mediator, or formally, with a professional mediator aiding the parties.

The family law system promotes attempts at resolving family disputes without court intervention. Hence, mediation typically marks the initial step in a family law case. The court often requires a certificate verifying that parties attempted mediation before initiating court proceedings.

Certain circumstances permit exemptions from this requirement:

• Urgency, such as concerns of one parent being a flight risk with the child/children.
• Instances involving family violence or child abuse.
• Responding to a court application.
• Parties agreeing to consent orders.
• The inability of a party to participate in mediation.
• Previous court orders with one party breaching the orders.