About mediation
If you’re having a dispute with someone and have not been able to resolve it yourselves, you can apply for mediation.
Mediation can help you settle a dispute without going to court. At mediation, you’ll meet with the person (or people) you’re having a dispute with and try to find a solution together. You’ll be joined by 1 or 2 trained mediators. Mediators are impartial, meaning they don’t take sides or give advice.
Taking part in mediation can save time, legal fees and court costs for you and the community.
Learn more about how mediation works.
On this page
Disputes that suit mediation
- Neighbourhood disputes involving fences, noise, children, pets, and overhanging trees
- Family and intergenerational disputes
- Workplace disputes
- Some commercial disputes
- Multi-party disputes, involving whole communities
Disputes not suitable for mediation
- Parenting plans or child custody matters—contact Family Relationships Online
- Debt matters—contact the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT)
If QCAT referred you to mediation, you may need to take part in advisory mediation.
Criminal matters
If you have been involved in a criminal matter, you may want to apply for restorative justice.
Family dispute resolution certificates
We cannot provide the certificate needed to proceed to the Family Court. If you need a certificate, contact Family Relationships Online.
Fees
In most cases mediation is free. Workplace mediations and facilitations may have session fees.
Mediation and the law
Mediation is not a legal process. Mediators can't give legal advice, decide who is right or wrong, or force people to reach an agreement.
If you have questions about your legal rights and responsibilities, consider getting legal advice before attending mediation. Free community legal services may be available in your area.
Matters before the court
If you are involved in a legal process with the person you’re in dispute with, your matter may not be suitable for mediation. After you apply, we will contact you to discuss your dispute in more detail before continuing.
Matters involving court orders
If there is a court order (e.g. domestic violence or peace and good behaviour order) in place, it may prevent you from meeting with the other person. We will need to see a copy of the order when you apply so we can assess if mediation can go ahead.
Read more on domestic violence and how to report it.
Making agreements legally binding
Usually, an agreement reached in mediation is not legally binding.
It can be made enforceable by including a statement that the agreement is legally binding. The other person must also agree.
If an agreement is made legally binding, only the agreement can be used as evidence.
Confidentiality
We are committed to keeping your information private and confidential. However, under the Dispute Resolution Centres Act 1990, we may sometimes be required to share your information. This includes, for example, when a law requires that we share it. Other than this, we will only disclose your information to third parties with your consent.
More information
Read more about: