Mediation FAQ

Mediation is a collaborative dispute resolution process where a trained, neutral mediator helps people in conflict reach their own agreement. It is private, confidential, and focused on finding practical solutions that work for everyone involved. Blue Door Mediation uses Insight Mediation and Collaborative Resolution techniques to help participants understand the deeper reasons behind conflict and move forward constructively.

Mediation is flexible, private, and collaborative - the parties control the outcome together. Court is a formal, public, and adversarial process where a judge imposes a binding decision. Mediation is generally much faster and more cost-effective than litigation, preserves relationships rather than damaging them, and allows creative, practical outcomes - whereas court is limited to the remedies available under law.

Yes. Everything discussed in mediation is private and confidential. Unlike court proceedings, mediation takes place in a safe, neutral space. What is said during mediation cannot be used as evidence in any subsequent court proceedings.

Mediation is significantly faster than the court system. A family separation matter, for example, can often be resolved in weeks rather than the two or more years it can take to get a Family Court hearing. The overall timeline depends on the complexity of the issues, how prepared the parties are, and how many sessions are needed.

Most mediations involve an initial individual 90-minute session for each party, followed by one or more joint sessions of 2–4 hours. Many disputes are resolved within a single joint session. Complex matters may require additional sessions, which can be scheduled to suit everyone involved.

Yes. While we prefer in-person sessions for maximum benefit, online and phone options are available to suit your circumstances.

Sessions typically involve the parties in dispute and the mediator. Support persons may attend if desired. Lawyers can also attend with the agreement of all parties. For complex matters, other professionals - such as financial experts, child specialists, valuers, or accountants - can be brought in as agreed.

Lawyers do not need to be present during mediation, though they can attend if the parties agree. We recommend seeking independent legal advice - particularly from a lawyer trained in mediation or collaborative law - before finalising any agreement. Our mediators, who are also practising collaborative lawyers, can explain the legal requirements involved.

Yes - agreements reached through mediation can be made legally binding, depending on the type of dispute and how the agreement is formalised. For family separation and contracting out agreements, the written agreement is referred to independent legal advisors for certification, making it legally binding and enforceable.

Yes, in almost all cases. Mediation is generally much more cost-effective than litigation. Court proceedings involve ongoing legal fees, court filing costs, and can stretch over months or years - often with no guaranteed outcome. Mediation uses fixed-fee packages so you know the cost upfront, resolves disputes far faster, and reduces indirect costs such as time away from work and prolonged stress.

Our standard package - two workbooks, two individual 90-minute sessions, and one joint session of up to 4 hours - is $2,000 (GST inclusive). An initial 15-minute phone consultation is free. Additional joint sessions are $1,200 (up to 4 hours). Conflict coaching is $100 per hour. Workbooks are $75 each. Contact us for a quote for co-mediation or matters that do not require workbooks.

Yes. Our mediators work with separating couples to reach agreements on care arrangements for children, relationship property, and other family matters. We can work alongside existing Family Court proceedings. Guided workbooks are available to help you prepare, and the final agreement can be certified as legally binding by independent legal advisors.

Yes. Private mediation is effective for workplace conflicts, employment grievances, and communication breakdowns. While MBIE offers free workplace mediation, private mediation may be preferred where timing, discretion, or privacy is important - or where an ongoing relationship makes escalating through lawyers undesirable.

Conflict coaching is a one-on-one process that helps you gain clarity, develop strategies, and feel confident in managing a difficult situation. It is useful when the other party is not willing to participate in mediation, when you want to prepare before a mediation session, or when you want to improve how you handle conflict and communication generally.

Yes. Mediation provides a respectful, private space for families to navigate conflict following a death - whether about the contents of a will, the actions of executors or trustees, or how an estate is being administered. A Deed of Family Arrangement is a legal mechanism that allows the estate to be distributed differently from the will, with a binding agreement certified by lawyers.