https://www.mjbfamilymediation.com.au/approach daily 0.75 2022-08-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fa013364f2dea603bb93472/1607597509690-FZJN69Q39USF5K6Z6EOI/image.jpg Approach High Conflict High conflict relationships need an experienced mediator who can understand the hurt and frustration to reach amicable solutions and resolutions. Being able to reach prompt and timely resolution helps the family create structure and move forward with their lives. High-conflict parents present special challenges for mediators. For these parents, a more intensive intervention is often needed to help them maintain boundaries that protect their children from ongoing conflict. At MJB, we manage the conflict and complexities and we also work in a very child-inclusive way, which embraces the need to assist parents who are in dispute after separation, and to refocus on and plan for the needs of their children. There is no doubt that a hostile home environment for a child has considerable negative effects on the emotional development of the child, no matter what age. When parents are going through a divorce or separation, they will often think it’s the separation that is causing the most damage, however it is actually the nature of the separation and conflict involved that causes issues for the children. Regardless of what your separation or divorce looks like it is so important to remain child focused. We know that minimising conflict is key to helping children and parents survive what can be an emotionally traumatic time. Essentially this involves resolving conflict for separating and divorcing families. The voice of the child is crucial to the understanding and making of decisions based on the child’s experiences and developmental needs. This, in turn, guides families towards ways to resolve their differences and move forward, with the best interests of the children in mind; which is at the very heart of my practice. When you are in the midst of conflict it can be difficult to remember that in many ways your children are also going through turmoil. Our goal is to help you focus on the needs and the best interests of your children while you negotiate through this challenging time. What to think about Before you get into any discussion about mediation there are a few things that it helps to think about. Ask yourself, ‘what is important to me and what outcome am I hoping for?’ : ‘What outcome might the other party be seeking?’ ; ‘What is my best case scenario, my worst case scenario and what can I live with?; ‘ What risks do I face if we can’t settle?’ ; ‘What are the risks for the other party if we can’t settle?’; ‘Is court a realistic alternative if we can’t agree?’; ‘Am I emotionally ready for mediation?’; “Is the other party ready?’. Consider your responses to these questions and other scenarios you might possibly encounter. Be thoughtful and don’t be too hard on yourself or others. This can be a tough time for all concerned. https://www.mjbfamilymediation.com.au/services daily 0.75 2025-11-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fa013364f2dea603bb93472/1764231496276-M9EB3415GDMD7ILS6SU4/image.jpg Services - FAMILY DISPUTE RESOLUTION DIAGNOSTIC CALL This is a complimentary 15 minute call to discuss your family law parenting and/or property issues to determine whether to commence the FDR process. Please note, this is an early diagnostic call and not a pre-mediation session. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fa013364f2dea603bb93472/1604451430556-2CBMZ57CHUDA06FTR9PK/image.jpg Services - FAMILY DISPUTE RESOLUTION Family dispute resolution begins with a private and individual pre-mediation session. The purpose of this meeting is to clarify what you would like to discuss in mediation and to explain in detail how the mediation works. This meeting also provides an opportunity to assess whether or not it is a case that is suitable for mediation. The other party will also have a private pre-mediation session with one of our mediators. Following this will be a joint session where you will both have an opportunity to put forward any issues or proposals to the other party. The goal of FDR is to avoid court and come to arrangements regarding parenting and/or property and financial issues between you both, with your mediator as a neutral third party assisting you both in this process. When you reach a mutually acceptable agreement or agreements there are a couple of options available to you. You may choose to keep the agreements voluntary or goodwill agreements. These agreements are not legally binding however they are able to be adjusted and amended whenever you choose, upon agreement with each other. The second option available is to have your agreements reached in mediation taken to a lawyer where they will become what is called Consent Orders. The Court accepts these and they become legally binding which means they are now enforceable by law. Should you find yourself in court then the Judge can determine and enforce orders. We encourage you to speak with your lawyer regarding this. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fa013364f2dea603bb93472/1604351264065-EBSV8LDIFU9Q3560WAF6/image-asset.jpeg Services - CHILD INCLUSIVE MEDIATION Child centred mediation is encouraged as this process allows us to bring your child's voice into your mediation process without directly involving them in sessions. What this involves is a specially trained mediator, counsellor or child practitioner spending time with your children in a separate session which takes less than 1 hour per child. The specialist will join you and your mediator in a mediation session to bring you feedback from your children. The child or children are not making decisions for you rather they are relaying how they are coping with the current situation. The child consultant may make recommendations for the current and any future parenting plans. It is important to come to this session with an open mind and know that this is in no way a criticism of your parenting or parenting styles but an acknowledgement that there are other little voices that need to be heard. This is would require the agreement of both parents and is an option which we can discuss in session. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fa013364f2dea603bb93472/1604352539505-1LDX8CSYNJUNEZPA1JIF/image.jpg Services - MEDIATOR FACILITATED NEGOTIATION or ‘SHUTTLE’ This type of negotiation is for you if there is high conflict, a family violence order or because they refuse direct communication with you or any other factors that may require an alternative approach. You do not speak directly to the other party rather your mediator will relay your proposals and/or issues to the other party. You may choose to be supported by your lawyer, advocates or other support people as required. This is also preceded by an individual pre-mediation session. https://www.mjbfamilymediation.com.au/ourteam daily 0.75 2026-03-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fa013364f2dea603bb93472/1607693888793-FPW2T10UW752G3YV2XCP/Mikadie-J.jpg Our Team - Mikadie Joyce-Bates At MJB Family Mediation, I understand that family disputes — especially high-conflict ones — are rarely just about paperwork. They involve real people, real pain, and real futures. With a legal background and 7+ years of experience in family dispute resolution, I bring both the technical expertise and the human understanding needed to guide families through their most challenging moments. I specialise in high-conflict and complex family mediation, including separation and divorce, parenting plans and child arrangements, property settlement, and other family disputes. As a fully accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP), registered with the Australian Attorney-General's Department, I am authorised to issue the s60I certificates required by the Family Court — so you can meet your legal obligations while staying in control of your outcome. I work primarily online, making my services accessible to families across all of Australia. Sydney in person mediations are available by arrangement. I believe that with the right support, most families can find a way forward — without a courtroom. Your first step is a free 20 minute confidential consultation. I am here when you are ready. MEDIATION EXPERIENCE: NMAS MEDIATOR AND FDR PRACTITIONER FROM 2018 ongoing: Providing services for family dispute resolution, workplace conflict and community disputes. Online via Zoom or *onsite by arrangement FDR PRACTITIONER FROM 2018: Working in collaboration with Jon Graham (ISDR) in high conflict family matters NMAS MEDIATOR AND FDR PRACTITIONER FROM 2020 to 2022: Interact Online Dispute Resolution Service. Providing help to diagnose and resolve disputes through appropriate dispute resolution processes. ADMITTED AS A LAWYER 2014: Supreme Court of NSW (I do not currently hold a practising certificate) RELEVANT EDUCATION: GRADUATE DIPLOMA OF FAMILY DISPUTE RESOLUTION PRACTICE: Registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner - Accredited by the Attorney- General's Department KEEPING KIDS IN MIND parenting program - Facilitator CHILD INCLUSIVE MEDIATION AND APPROACH - Online training introduction program - Dr Jenn McIntosh Children Beyond Dispute NMAS MEDIATOR: Training assessment and accreditation as a professional mediator under the National Mediator Accreditation system (NMAS) LAWYER: BA/LLB - University Of New South Wales https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fa013364f2dea603bb93472/1607695597638-VZMMI3IA29UYKPCWAKSK/image-asset.jpeg Our Team “Mikadie helped me through a very stressful time when I separated from my partner and had to negotiate parenting arrangements for our special needs son. Mikadie’s guidance was invaluable and she always went above and beyond. Mikadie genuinely cared about getting the best outcome for everybody, and I highly recommend her services.” - Jessica F. https://www.mjbfamilymediation.com.au/location daily 0.75 2022-09-12 https://www.mjbfamilymediation.com.au/home daily 1.0 2026-03-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fa013364f2dea603bb93472/1604354755537-OOUW2AKSLGUOB5U11P4S/MJB_Mediation-2.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fa013364f2dea603bb93472/1614588375137-UC4IG48XZTM7IHRI93OQ/daddys-little-girl.jpg Home - Why Mediation? Mediation is a future-focused and self-determining process that allows you and the other party to arrive at personalised solutions. There is no one size fits all when it comes to deciding what is in the best interests of your children, or how your property and financials should be decided. A qualified Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP) is neutral third party that helps guide you both through the process of negotiation and towards a resolution that everyone is comfortable with. By choosing mediation and avoiding court not only do you allow for your voice and the voice of your children to be heard and acknowledged, you also avoid what can be a costly and emotionally painful time that comes with litigation and time in court. Choosing mediation means that it is you and your ex making decisions for the future unlike a judge making decisions for you. You keep your power and in doing so jointly craft your parenting arrangements and terms of settlement. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fa013364f2dea603bb93472/1614589199627-RV4Q2WHBL7EXE16LJMGS/2-1.jpg Home - Mikadie helped me through a very stressful time when I separated from my partner and had to negotiate parenting arrangements for our special needs son. Mikadie’s guidance was invaluable and she always went above and beyond. Mikadie genuinely cared about getting the best outcome for everybody, and I highly recommend her services. — Jessica F. https://www.mjbfamilymediation.com.au/resources daily 0.75 2025-03-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fa013364f2dea603bb93472/1604449475210-QMC9788V6132POOI58GS/image-asset.jpeg Resources - Phone Numbers: Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800. (5yo-25yo) Lifeline – 13 11 14 Family Relationships Advice Line - 1800 050 321 Mens Line Australia - 1300 789 978 Domestic Violence Line – 1800 656 463 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fa013364f2dea603bb93472/1604449573505-OE5OZY1NQ6DPXBNK69WY/image-asset.jpeg Resources - Websites: Family Law Courts Website: http://www.familycourt.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/fcoaweb/home Family Relationships Online Website: https://www.relationships.org.au/relationship-advice/publications https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fa013364f2dea603bb93472/1604449824427-R7WQ2IH0XB0KR3XDO53D/image-asset.jpeg Resources - Publications for children: Our Families Changed: Activity Book (5-7 y.o.): http://www.socialworkerstoolbox.com/my-familys-changing-activity-book-for-children/ Family Separation: A Guide for Teens: https://raisingchildren.net.au/teens/communicating-relationships/family-relationships/helping-teens-adjust-separation Kids' World: A Kids Guide to Changing Families: https://www.aftoncsd.org/Downloads/Changing%20Families%20Workbook.pdf https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fa013364f2dea603bb93472/1604449960369-MDHSZ2Z6C9KMEP1ZZI8Q/image.jpg Resources - Publications useful for you: Because it's for the Kids - Building a secure parenting base after separation: https://www.familyrelationships.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/06_2017/because-its-for-the-kids.pdf Going through separation: https://www.familyrelationships.gov.au/separation Share the Care: Collaborative Parenting Apart: http://www.relationships.org.au/relationship-advice/publications/pdfs/share-the-care-parenting-plan https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fa013364f2dea603bb93472/1604451008748-HK99K0QWR2T372Y1S2H5/image.jpg Resources - More publications for you: What about the Children?: http://www.relationships.org.au/relationship-advice/publications/pdfs/what-about-the-children.pdf Me and My Changing Family. Moving Forward: https://www.centacarecq.com/wpcontent/uploads/2019/09/Me-My-Kids-and-My-Ex.pdf Me and My Kids. Parenting from a Distance: https://www.ourfamilywizard.com.au/blog/5-key-considerations-long-distance-parent-child-relationships https://www.mjbfamilymediation.com.au/fees-1 daily 0.75 2024-02-12 https://www.mjbfamilymediation.com.au/process daily 0.75 2025-11-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fa013364f2dea603bb93472/1607694342389-5PQJPRS55TQJEZ7E4KYF/image.jpg Process https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fa013364f2dea603bb93472/1635470776005-99TCZVH6CRBS4T0BKOTP/unsplash-image-RYxTItxb4oY.jpg Process https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fa013364f2dea603bb93472/1616225041521-A71L2AXT5SNAIUA02LZ3/unsplash-image-oUhSla4L_98.jpg Process - Mikadie has a unique ability to be objective, neutral, professional and caring all at the same time. She helped me during an extremely difficult time, when I had to negotiate terms of a relocation for me and my children. Mikadie’s careful and child-focused guidance was no less than invaluable. The amount of work she put in and her attention to detail was well beyond the norm. I couldn’t recommend her services more highly. - Scott W. https://www.mjbfamilymediation.com.au/faqs-1 daily 0.75 2025-11-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fa013364f2dea603bb93472/1614589199627-RV4Q2WHBL7EXE16LJMGS/2-1.jpg