How mediation works

A clear path, one step at a time

Knowing what to expect can make a hard situation feel more manageable. Here's how mediation with Keystone Resolution usually unfolds. Each service has its own details, and we always adapt to your circumstances.

A calm room with a sofa, a glass of water and a notebook, ready for a conversation

1
Initial enquiry

You contact us through our enquiry form, by phone or by email. We'll get back to you within one business day. Your initial consultation is free: we'll explain how the process works for your situation, what it costs and what happens next, with no obligation to go ahead.

You don't need to share sensitive details at this stage. If mediation involves another person, we'll talk with you about how and when we contact them.
2
Private intake & suitability assessment

Each person has a separate, confidential intake session with the mediator. For family matters, this is the pre-mediation session (2 hours). We'll:
- listen to your perspective and what you hope to achieve
- explain the process, confidentiality and its limits, and the mediator's role
- assess whether mediation is safe and suitable, including screening for family violence, coercion and power imbalances
- discuss any support you need, such as separate rooms, an interpreter or a support person
- talk through the documents you'll need, including your mediation kit and agreement to mediate
If mediation isn't appropriate, we'll tell you and help you understand other options.
3
Facilitated mediation sessions

Once intake is complete and any documents are returned, we schedule the joint session. Sessions are held by secure video. You might all share one virtual room, or the mediator can move between separate rooms (shuttle mediation).

The mediator sets an agenda, makes sure everyone has a fair chance to speak, keeps the conversation focused and respectful, and helps you explore options. You can ask for a break at any time.
4
Agreements & next steps

Where agreement is reached, we help you record it clearly in writing, for example as a parenting plan, a summary of property terms or a workplace agreement. We'll explain the options for making a family law agreement legally binding, such as consent orders. We encourage everyone to get independent legal advice before formalising anything.

If you don't reach full agreement, that's okay. Many people narrow the issues or agree on some things. We'll talk about what comes next, including further sessions, legal advice or, for parenting matters, whether a section 60I certificate is appropriate.