Section 60 Certificates
Section 60I Certificates – Family Mediation & Family Dispute Resolution
A Section 60I Certificate is an essential document under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) for parents who are seeking to resolve parenting disputes through the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. If you want to apply for parenting orders, this certificate confirms that you have made a genuine attempt at Family Dispute Resolution (FDR)before commencing court proceedings.
At Mediation for Families, our accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners (FDRPs) guide parents through a child-focused, structured mediation process to ensure agreements are reached in the best interests of the children.
Why a Section 60I Certificate is Required
Under Australian law, before you can initiate court proceedings for parenting matters:
You must attempt to resolve disputes through family mediation with a qualified family mediator.
A Section 60I Certificate is issued only if mediation has been attended or genuinely attempted.
The certificate is required to confirm to the court that FDR has been pursued, unless an exemption applies (e.g., family violence, child abuse, or urgent matters).
Without a Section 60I Certificate, the court may refuse to hear your application.
How Mediation for Families Can Help
Mediation for Families offers:
Fast, flexible mediation options – online, telephone, or face-to-face.
A child-focused mediation process to guide parents in developing parenting plans and parenting arrangements.
Professional documentation of outcomes, including Section 60I Certificates, Parenting Plans, and Property Agreements.
A safe, neutral, and supportive environment to reduce conflict and reach mutually acceptable solutions.
Our dedicated practitioners are specialists in family dispute resolution, not lawyers who offer mediation as an adjunct service. This means your case receives focused, expert attention, increasing the likelihood of positive and sustainable outcomes.
Exemptions to Section 60I
Some situations allow parents to bypass mediation, including:
Family violence or risk of abuse.
Urgent matters where delays could harm the child.
Circumstances where one parent is unable to participate due to health or other reasons.
Our FDRPs at Mediation for Families assess each situation individually and provide guidance on whether your case may qualify for an exemption.
Validity of Section 60I Certificates
A Section 60I Certificate is valid for 12 months from the date of the last mediation session or attempt.
It can be submitted to the court to support your parenting application.
If your dispute remains unresolved after 12 months, a new mediation session may be required.
Why Choose Mediation for Families for Your Section 60I Certificate
Expert FDRPs dedicated solely to mediation, not general legal services.
Premium service with flexible scheduling to meet your needs.
Tailored agreements focused on reducing conflict, improving communication, and achieving child-focused outcomes.
Transparent fees and clear processes, with fast issuance of your Section 60I Certificate to allow you to progress your parenting application.
For more information, or to book your Family Dispute Resolution session, visit our Family Mediation Services page today.
Affordable Family Mediation and FDR Services Across Australia
At Mediation for Families, we provide expert family mediation and Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) services to help families resolve parenting and property disputes constructively. Our fees have not increased since 2020, reflecting our commitment to delivering the best value for professional mediation services.
Our team of dedicated family mediators specialises solely in mediation, ensuring a child-focused, neutral, and structured approach to developing parenting plans and resolving disputes. By keeping fees consistent, we make it easier for families across Australia to access high-quality FDR services, achieve lasting agreements, and reduce the stress and cost of going through the courts.
Choose Mediation for Families for professional, reliable, and Australia-wide family dispute resolution that prioritises your children’s best interests and supports positive co-parenting outcomes.
| Service | Description | Duration | Fee (Inclusive of GST, per person) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intake & Assessment | Initial consultation to assess your matter under the Regulations | 1 hour | $200 |
| 4-Hour Family Mediation | Full mediation session for either parenting or property matters | 4 hours | $850 |
| 6-Hour Family Mediation | Extended mediation for complex matters or parenting + property matters | 6 hours | $1,000 |
| Parenting Plan | Child-focused agreement outlining living arrangements, communication, and decision-making | As needed | $220 |
| Property Agreement | Formalized agreement regarding division of assets and liabilities | As needed | $220 |
| Section 60I Certificate | Official certificate confirming a genuine attempt at Family Dispute Resolution for parenting matters | Issued post-mediation | $400 |
Key Features of Mediation for Families’ Section 60I Services:
Issued by qualified Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners (FDRPs).
Fully child-focused and confidential.
Flexible mediation options: online, telephone, or face-to-face.
Seamless integration with Parenting Plans and Property Agreements, reducing further court intervention.
Transparent, competitive fees with no hidden costs.
This table positions Mediation for Families as a premium, specialised provider of family mediation, Section 60I Certificates, and related family dispute resolution services across Australia.
Choosing Mediation for Families for your Section 60I certificate and family mediation ensures you are working with a team of dedicated Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners (FDRPs) who focus solely on mediation. Unlike generalist providers, our practitioners bring years of expertise in child-focused Family Dispute Resolution, helping families reach Parenting Plans and Property Agreements efficiently, amicably, and with minimal stress. Our services are available Australia-wide, with flexible options including online, telephone, and face-to-face mediation, making the process convenient, confidential, and cost-effective. By engaging Mediation for Families, you gain access to a premium, professional service designed to prioritise the best interests of your children, reduce conflict, and provide legally recognised Section 60I certificates that are accepted by courts nationwide.