Children’s matters

Before We Begin — Intake & Assessment

Before any joint session takes place, Brittany meets individually with each party in a confidential intake and assessment session. This session is not just preparation; it is an essential and legally required part of the process. It allows Brittany to:

• Assess for family violence, safety concerns, and power imbalances

• Ensure mediation is appropriate and safe for your situation

• Understand your circumstances, concerns and goals

• Prepare you fully so you can engage with confidence

• Answer any questions about the process

This session is confidential. What you share does not go to the other party. Where safety concerns are identified, Brittany will discuss the most appropriate pathway forward; which may not be joint mediation. Your safety and the safety of your children always comes first.

In The Session

Your mediation session runs for approximately four hours and is conducted online via secure video conferencing, or in person in the Mackay region by arrangement.

Brittany facilitates the session as a neutral third party — her role is not to take sides, give legal advice, or make decisions for you. Her role is to create the conditions for both parties to have genuinely productive conversations.

Sessions are structured but flexible. The process generally includes:

• Opening the session and confirming the process and ground rules

• Each party sharing their perspective and key concerns

• Identifying the issues that need to be resolved

• Exploring options and working toward practical agreements

• Documenting any agreements reached

If discussions become difficult or unproductive, Brittany may pause the session, speak with each party separately, or suggest a different approach. You are in control of the outcome — no agreement is ever imposed.

At the conclusion of the session, any agreements reached are documented. For children's matters this may include a parenting plan.