Apply for mediation

You can apply for mediation to settle a dispute before going to court.

Before applying for mediation, you should:

  • have tried to resolve the matter yourself—if it is safe to do so
  • be willing to meet with the other party to resolve the dispute.

Learn more about mediation and how it works.

How to apply

Apply online below.

We’ll ask for:

  • the name of the person you’re in dispute with and their contact details
  • some details about the matter.

This will help us decide if your matter is suitable for mediation.

If there is a court order(s) in place that prevents you from contacting the other person, we will need to see a copy of it.

For more information or to ask how you can apply another way, contact your nearest Dispute Resolution Centre.

What happens next

Your application will be automatically sent to your local Dispute Resolution Centre. We’ll assess the dispute and decide if it’s suitable for mediation. If it is, we’ll contact the other people involved.

If the matter is not suitable, we’ll contact you and close the file.

If they agree to a mediation session, we’ll set up a date and time that works for everyone involved.

Read about how mediation works.

Mediation is voluntary

For a mediation session to go ahead, all parties must agree to attend. We’ll tell you if the other person refuses, but we can’t tell you why due to privacy.

Read more about mediation.

Apply online

  1. Can you apply?
    1. Does your mediation relate to a parenting plan or the custody of your children? *
    2. You are not eligible to apply for this service

      The Dispute Resolution Branch (DRB) does not provide family dispute resolution and cannot provide the certificate needed to proceed to the Family Court if an agreement can’t be reached at mediation. We may be able to assist with property settlement or other family disputes.

      Please contact Family Relationships Online for assistance with your parenting plan or child custody inquiry.

    3. Are you over 18? *
    4. Please note: You may need the consent of an adult to take part in mediation.

    5. Do you have the contact details of the person you're in dispute with? *
    6. You are not eligible to apply online

      Please contact the Dispute Resolution Centre for help.

    7. Are there any criminal charges related to your dispute currently before the court? *
    8. You are not eligible for mediation

      Please contact the Dispute Resolution Centre for help.

    9. Are you currently involved in any other legal process with the person you're in dispute with? *
    10. You may be ineligible. Please contact the Dispute Resolution Centre for more information, or fill out the application and have the Dispute Resolution Centre contact you.

  2. Complete the questionnaire
    1. Are there any orders in place (e.g. domestic violence order / peace and good behaviour order) that prevent contact between you and the party you're in dispute with? *
      1. You will need to provide a copy of the order. You can either upload it now, or send us a copy later.

      2. Your file has been attached. We will receive it when you submit this form.

    2. Has there been any abuse, threats or police involvement? *
    3. Are you willing to meet with the other party to resolve the dispute? *
    4. What have you already tried to resolve this dispute? * Select all that apply
    5. How long have you been in dispute? *
  3. Details of other party
    1. Name
    2. What contact details do you have for the other party? * Select all that apply
    3. Address
    4. Please choose at least 1 contact method for the other party before continuing.

    5. Are there any other people involved in the dispute who need to attend mediation with the other party? * Example: husband, wife, business partner
  4. Your details
    1. Name
    2. Address
    3. What is your preferred contact number? *
    4. Do you need an interpreter? *
    5. Are you of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin? *
    6. Do you have any health issues, special needs or disabilities? *
    7. Are there any other people involved in the dispute who need to attend mediation with you? * Example: husband, wife, business partner
  5. Acknowledgements

    Please confirm that:

    1. *
    2. *
    3. *
    4. * View the privacy statement.