Contact us
0455 437 391
antonia@albanymediation.com.au
Our Aim
Albany Mediation Services aims to help people find a solution to their dispute to allow them to move forward with a focus on the future.
We bring people together with the purpose of reaching an agreement that is acceptable and workable for all parties involved.
Our goal is to provide a service that is less costly and less stressful than going to court.
Our Services
Family Dispute Resolution
Before taking steps to apply to the Family Court, Family Dispute Resolution (“FDR”) must be attempted by the Parties. However, if the matter is urgent or it falls within the exceptions stipulated in the Family Law Act/Family Court Act, FDR is not required.
In a non-urgent case and if the matter is suitable for mediation, an application to the Family Court can only be made with a Certificate signed by a registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner. Information about Certificates is explained by the Mediator at the pre mediation meeting.
Workplace Disputes
Working with colleagues and/or management from day to day could put a strain on working relationships. This could be the case either with colleagues or with management. At AMS we assist the Parties generate strategies and put in place realistic procedures which may prevent future misunderstandings within the workplace.
Personal & Neighbourhood Disputes
Sometimes relations between friends/family/neighbours are tested. At AMS the Mediator supports conversation between the Parties in a safe, neutral and professional environment and helps them hear each other’s points of view. The aim is to assist the Parties reach a workable solution.
Relationship Mediation
This type of mediation is solution focused as the past cannot be changed. Couples focus on their short and long-term goals to improve their relationship. They create a template for the future wellbeing of the relationship. They are guided on how conflict patterns can be changed in behavioural and attitudinal communication which is more constructive, as agreed by the couple.
Mediation Process
The first step is the pre mediation, a one-on-one meeting with each Party. The aim of this meeting is to explain the process in detail and to assess the suitability of mediation.
If mediation is appropriate, a Joint Session is booked where both parties attend a meeting with the Mediator. Parties may have their lawyers present at the mediation.
The Mediator controls the process and helps the parties to listen to each other in a safe environment.
The Mediator helps them generate options, explore these options to see if they are workable and help the parties to come to an agreement.
The Mediator does not impose a solution or make a decision on behalf of the parties.
If an agreement is reached, it is one that the Parties have reached.
These meetings can occur at our premises or at a location suitable to all parties and the mediator.
Profile
Antonia Grasso is a registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner with over 20 years mediation experience. She is registered with the Commonwealth Attorney General’s office. Antonia is also a member of the Resolution Institute.
Antonia graduated as a lawyer from the University of Western Australia and practised as a lawyer from 1987 till 2008. Her areas of practice were family law, employment law, civil law, and conveyancing.
In 2001, 2005 and 2006 Antonia was a coach for S.C.R.A.M. (School Conflict Resolution and Mediation) – an interactive role play competition for Years 9 and 10 high school competition. S.C.R.A.M teaches students skills in peaceful dispute resolution.
From 2008-2018 Antonia was a Manager at the Albany Branch of Relationships Australia where she gained experience and knowledge surrounding managerial matters.
In 2018 Antonia started her own mediation practice, “Albany Mediation Services”, where she continues to offer Family Dispute Resolution services and general mediation in areas other than family law.
Testimonials
Frequently Asked Questions
Anyone who wants to go to court for disputes in relation to children must attend mediation.
There are some exceptions – exemptions can be granted by the family court of WA in matters where, for example, there is family violence, child abuse, urgent matters or if the contact details of the other party are unknown.
It begins with each person attending an individual meeting called a Pre-Mediation session. At this session, the mediator will explain the process, ask questions and help the person prepare for the mediation.
This pre mediation session is also to assess if the matter is appropriate for mediation.
This assessment can only be made after both parties have participated in their Pre-mediation session.
If it is appropriate, a joint session meeting will be made with all relevant parties attending.
If it is not appropriate for mediation, the mediator will provide each party with a Certificate to say that FDR could not be conducted due to it being inappropriate according to the relevant legislation.
Reasons for the mediator’s decision are confidential and cannot be divulged to the parties.
The pre-mediation session is approximately 1.5 hours. If a joint session is subsequently booked, this session will last for two hours.
If 21 days have passed since the date of invitation, a certificate will be provided upon written request to the party who initiated the mediation. This applies to parenting and grand-parenting matters only.
If it is a non-family law related mediation, the above timeframes and certificates do not apply.
Certifictaes are issued only in relation to parenting and grand-parenting matters. The sole purpose of a certificate is to allow a person to file an application in the Family Court. A certificate may be issued by a registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (mediator) in the following circumstances:
· The other party did not attend the pre-mediation and/or mediation session
· You and the other party attended and made a genuine effort to resolve the dispute
· You and the other party attended, but one or both of you did not make a genuine effort to resolve the dispute
· The mediator decided the case was not appropriate for mediation
· The mediator decided it was not appropriate to continue part way through the mediation process
A Family Violence Restraining Order (FVRO) does not necessarily provide an exemption. A copy of the FVRO will need to be provided before making the appointment for the pre-mediation to ensure that mediation can take place.
If the children are part of the FVRO (they are named as the “protected persons”), mediation cannot take place.
Yes, subject to the other party’s consent. Lawyers can also be present at mediation sessions.
Yes. The advice will assist you in having an informed understanding of the matters you wish to discuss in mediation. If you are looking for legal advice in Albany, Western Australia, the Great Southern Community Legal Service provides free legal advice.
Yes. At Albany Mediation Services we assist in generating strategies and put in place realistic approaches to situations that will help coworkers move forward harmoniously.
Yes. Albany Mediation Services is available to facilitate team building workshops, seminars and activities, either at your premises or ours, depending on the number of participants.
Activities can be tailored to your business’s needs.
Yes. Albany Mediation Services works with children and young people from the age of 12 and upwards in school situations, group situations as well as one on one.
0455 437 391
antonia@albanymediationservices.com.au
