What is Family Mediation?

FAQs For Immigration

Family Mediation can be about matters regarding children, or finances, or both

What is Family mediation?

Mediation about children:

Mediation is a structured negotiation process where a mediator with skills as a family dispute resolution practitioner, assists parties to discuss issues raised by them, listen to each other’s perspectives and make decisions regarding children.

What is the mediator’s role?

Mediation is a confidential process. The Mediator is an independent, experienced, and impartial professional who guides and facilitates the discussion and assists parties to reach a decision. The Mediator helps to clarify the issues, keeps the discussion focused and assists to write up any agreement reached. The mediator will not make decisions for the parties or provide legal advice.

Mediation about financial situation:

Mediation is a structured negotiation process where a nationally accredited mediator assists parties to discuss issues raised by them, listen to each other’s perspectives and make decisions regarding their financial settlement.

How much does it cost?

See Our Services to see pricing or feel free to reach out!

What is involved in the mediation process?

Intake and Assessment:

Each party will be invited to participate in a confidential intake session where an intake officer will obtain information about the issues in dispute and work closely with the mediator to determine if mediation is appropriate.

Mediation:

Both parties meet with a mediator to discuss the issues in dispute.

Preparing for Mediation:

Once mediation is assessed as suitable and both parties agree to proceed, parties are asked to prepare for mediation by considering the issues they need agreement on. For financial or property mediation, both parties will be required to disclose their current financial position and to provide details of the values of their assets and debts so that the mediator and both parties have current and accurate information to reach agreement about.

How long will the mediation last?

Timeframe

Mediations at MTC Consultancy Family Mediation Service are for a maximum of 3 hours.

What information is required by MTC prior to the mediation?

Property Settlement

If the mediation relates to a property settlement, information about your current income, property, assets, debts and superannuation entitlement will be required.

Parenting Disputes

If your mediation relates to a parenting dispute any previous parenting plans or court orders will be required. If there is a current domestic and family violence order or other court orders a copy will also be required.

Who attends the mediation?

Party's

Only the parties involved in the dispute are present during the mediation. Support persons may wait in reception and are available to consult during break times. You must notify MTC Consultancy Family Mediation Services if you wish to bring anyone as support on the day of mediation. In exceptional cases, support people may be allowed into the mediation room with the consent of both the mediator and the other party.

Can I bring an interpreter?

Interpreter

If English is your second language and you believe that you would struggle to communicate throughout the mediation process without the aid of an interpreter, please advise the Service. We will attempt to arrange an appropriate interpreter for your mediation.

Do I have to mediate?

Parenting

In parenting matters mediation is required before either party can apply to court to have their issues resolved, (unless a Family Law exemption applies).

Meditation

Mediation is often an effective process for resolving disputes and a useful alternative to a costly court process.

Financial/Property

In financial /property matters the Court expects that you have tried to reach agreement about your property and finances before you file any application to the court.

What happens if we reach an agreement?

Agreement

If you reach an agreement, it can be recorded in writing. If you are mediating regarding children a Parenting Plan can be drafted by the mediator, setting out your agreement. If you are mediating about your financial/property settlement the mediator may be able to prepare a Heads of Agreement. Talk to your Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner for further information.

Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner's Complaint Bodies

We welcome any feedback, positive and negative, to inform service review and improvements. If you would like to provide feedback or make a complaint about any aspect of MTC Consultancy Family Mediation Service, please ask about our complaints/feedback procedure.
In Australia, there are several bodies that handle complaints against
Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner's (FDRP) . Here are the key bodies involved:

Attorney-General's Department (AGD)

Family Relationships Centre

IMMIGRATION FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Get clarity on your Australian immigration journey. Our FAQs address common questions about visas, requirements, and the migration process, so you can move forward with confidence.

Top 5 FAQ's

01 How much does it cost to book a consultation?

Fees range from $300 to $1,000, with a free initial call to confirm eligibility and costs.

03 Can I use your services if I’m outside Australia?

Yes — we work with clients worldwide via phone and video calls.

05 How long does the visa process take?

Timeframes vary by visa type and circumstances, but we provide realistic guidance and ongoing updates.

02 What happens during the free initial call?

A short, no-obligation discussion to assess your situation and outline possible visa options.

04 Why should I use a Registered Migration Agent?

RMAs are legally authorised experts who manage your application and liaise directly with the Department of Home Affairs.

FAQ Extended

How do I qualify for Australian citizenship?

The most common pathway to Australian citizenship is by conferral. To be eligible, you generally need to:

Be a permanent resident
Meet the 4-year residency requirement
Be 16 years of age or over
Pass the Australian citizenship test (unless exempt)
Meet the good character requirement
Attend a citizenship ceremony and make a commitment to Australia

There are also other pathways to citizenship, including citizenship by descent, citizenship by birth, or for those born in Australia or to Australian parents living overseas. We can help assess which pathway applies to your circumstances.

How much does it cost to book a consultation?

Our consultation fees range from $300 to $1,000, depending on the complexity of your situation. We offer a free initial call to confirm your eligibility and clearly explain costs before any payment is required.

What happens during the free initial call?

The free initial call is a short, no-obligation conversation where we discuss your circumstances, explore possible visa options, and outline the likely costs. This helps you decide your next steps with confidence.

Can I engage MTC Consultancy if I am outside Australia?

Yes. We work with clients worldwide and offer consultations and ongoing support via phone and video calls.

Can my partner attend the consultation with me?

Absolutely. We welcome your partner’s involvement and encourage it where relevant to your application.

How long does a consultation last?

Rather than limiting support to a single session, once we agree on your services and costs, we support you throughout the entire visa application process.

Are consultations conducted in English only?

No. Interpreters can be arranged on request.

Do my documents need to be translated into English?

Yes. Documents not in English are generally not accepted by Australian authorities and usually require official translation.

Important to know:
Translations completed by NAATI-accredited translators are commonly recommended. However, translations by other professionals may be accepted if they are official or notarised.

Is there an age limit for Australian visas?

Most permanent residency visas have an age limit of 45 years. Some business and investor visas allow applicants over 45 (up to 55), and many family and temporary visas do not have an age limit.

Why should I engage a Registered Migration Agent?

Australian migration law is complex and constantly changing. Registered Migration Agents (RMAs) are legally authorised to assess your eligibility, provide migration advice, prepare and lodge visa applications, and communicate directly with the Department of Home Affairs on your behalf. Having an RMA helps reduce stress, avoid costly mistakes, and ensures your application is handled correctly.

Do you guarantee visa approval?

No agent can legally guarantee a visa outcome. However, we ensure your application is accurate, compliant, and well-prepared, giving it the strongest possible chance of success.

What do I need to provide?

You will need to provide a range of documents, which may include:

Proof of identity (original birth certificate, passport, or travel documents)
Proof of name change, if applicable (marriage certificate, divorce certificate, or deed poll)
Proof of good character (overseas police certificates)
Recent passport-sized photographs
Proof of address (such as a lease agreement or rates notice)

We will guide you on exactly what is required based on your visa type.

What if my visa has been refused before?

You may still have options. We can review your previous refusal and advise whether you are eligible to reapply or pursue an alternative pathway.

How long does the visa process take?

Processing times vary depending on the visa type and individual circumstances. We provide realistic timeframes and keep you informed throughout the process.

Will you communicate with the Department of Home Affairs for me?

Yes. Once engaged, we act as your authorised representative and manage all communication with the Department of Home Affairs.

Are your fees refundable if my visa is refused?

Our fees cover professional services already provided and are generally not refundable. This is clearly explained before you proceed.

How do I get started?

Simply book a free initial call through our website or contact us directly, and we’ll guide you through the next steps.