TIMEFRAMES AND SECTION 60i
TIMEFRAME
When family relationships change, you shouldn't have to wait months to start resolving important parenting, property, and financial matters.
At Adelaide Family Mediation, we understand that uncertainty can be stressful. That's why we offer a responsive, efficient, and supportive mediation process designed to help families move forward as quickly as possible.
Whether you need assistance with parenting arrangements, property settlement, child-related matters, or a Section 60I Certificate, our experienced Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners are here to help.
How Quickly Can Mediation Start?
Appointment Within 7 Days
Once you contact Adelaide Family Mediation, we aim to offer you an intake and assessment appointment within seven days. This confidential one-on-one session allows you to discuss your circumstances, identify the issues requiring resolution, and explore the most appropriate pathway forward.
We Contact the Other Party
Following your intake session, we will invite the other party to participate in the mediation process by attending their own confidential intake and assessment appointment. If we do not receive a response within 14 days, we will make a further attempt to contact them and encourage their participation.
Section 60I Certificates
If the other party chooses not to participate or fails to respond after reasonable attempts have been made, you may be eligible to request a Section 60I Certificate.
This certificate confirms that Family Dispute Resolution was attempted but could not proceed due to the other party's non-participation and may allow you to take the next steps through the Family Court if required.
Joint Mediation Sessions
When both parties are willing to participate, we aim to schedule a joint mediation session within 14 days, subject to availability.
Sessions can be conducted:
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Face-to-face
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Via Zoom
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Through shuttle mediation (where parties remain in separate rooms)
Our mediators create a safe, respectful, and solution focused environment to help you reach practical agreements that work for your family.
How Long Does the Process Take?
Every family is different, however many matters can commence and progress through mediation within approximately four weeks.
The timeframe will depend on:
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The availability of both parties
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Willingness to participate
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Complexity of the issues
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Any requests for additional information or legal advice
Our focus is always on helping families resolve matters efficiently while ensuring everyone has sufficient time to make informed decisions.
Why Choose Adelaide Family Mediation?
✔ Appointments available within 7 days
✔ Experienced Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners
✔ Parenting and property mediation services
✔ Face-to-face, Zoom and shuttle mediation options
✔ Section 60I Certificates available where appropriate
✔ Child-focused and practical approach
✔ Supporting families across Adelaide and South Australia
At Adelaide Family Mediation, we combine professionalism, empathy, and efficiency to help families reach workable agreements and move forward with confidence.
Section 60I Certificate
Need a Section 60I Certificate?
If you are seeking Parenting Orders through the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, the Family Law Act 1975 generally requires parents to first attempt to resolve their dispute through Family Dispute Resolution (FDR).
Before commencing Court proceedings, parties are usually required to make a genuine effort to resolve parenting disputes and obtain a Section 60I Certificate from an accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner.
At Adelaide Family Mediation, our registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners can assess your circumstances, facilitate Family Dispute Resolution where appropriate, and issue a Section 60I Certificate when required.
What Is a Section 60I Certificate?
A Section 60I Certificate is a document issued by a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner that confirms what occurred during the Family Dispute Resolution process. This certificate may be required when applying to the Court for Parenting Orders involving children.
Types of Section 60I Certificates
A Section 60I Certificate may be issued where:
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The Other Party Did Not Participate - You attended Family Dispute Resolution, however the other party refused or failed to attend despite reasonable attempts to engage them.
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Mediation Was Not Appropriate - Following assessment, the Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner determined that Family Dispute Resolution was not suitable in the circumstances.
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Genuine Effort Was Made - Both parties attended mediation and made a genuine effort to resolve the parenting issues in dispute.
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Genuine Effort Was Not Made - Both parties attended mediation, however one or both parties did not make a genuine effort to resolve the issues.
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Mediation Commenced But Could Not Continue - The mediation process began, however the Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner determined that it was not appropriate for the process to continue.
Fast and Professional Section 60I Certificate Services
At Adelaide Family Mediation, we understand that families often need timely assistance. We aim to offer intake appointments within seven days and will promptly contact the other party to commence the Family Dispute Resolution process. Our experienced mediators provide clear guidance throughout the process and will discuss whether a Section 60I Certificate may be available in your circumstances.