How to Choose the Right Mediator

In choosing the right family mediator for you and your particular circumstances, consider the following:

• The mediator’s mediation experience, especially in family law matters that are similar to those that you are seeking to resolve, including children's care arrangements, child support, property matters and relocation
• The mediator’s family law expertise
• The mediator’s mediation training and credentials, especially in family law
• The mediator’s education and professional background, for assisting in the generation of options to the issues important to you
• The mediator’s reputation for professionalism, neutrality and competency
• The mediator's location, in an area near you

François' family law mediation experience:

• He has conducted more than 500 family law mediations (as at 2013) in parenting matters, children's care arrangements, property settlements and relocation matters, within Queensland, interstate and internationally
• He has conducted child-inclusive mediations, where a child psychologist provides feedback during the mediation to the parties, after having spent time with the children to determine how they are coping with the separation and current parenting arrangements

François' family mediation certifications and qualifications:

• He is registered as a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner with the Federal Attorney-General's Department, pursuant to the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth)

• He is a Nationally Accredited Mediator
• He has a Master of Laws (Dispute Resolution), with a specialisation in mediation, from The University of Queensland

François' flexibility in the process of family mediation:

• He provides face-to-face mediation, lawyer-assisted mediation, shuttle mediation (where the parties are in two different rooms), phone mediation and videoconferencing mediation, especially useful for interstate and international parties
• He conducts mediations in Brisbane, Ipswich, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba
• He is experienced in conducting interstate mediations and international mediations

François' professionalism, understanding and courtesy:

• He is aware of what separated and divorced parents are enduring
• He provides a mediation process that places parents most at ease
• He ensures that any power imbalances between parents do not affect the mediation process or influence its outcome