Support Person in Mediation

What is the role of a support person?

A support person is someone who provides emotional support to you at your Family Dispute Resolution sessions. A support person can help you understand the issues, assist you to reflect on options and help you feel more comfortable in the meeting. Most Family Dispute Resolution sessions go ahead without either party having a support person.

Before the Joint Family Dispute Resolution session, the Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner will also check that the other person agrees to:

• Any support person being present, and
• The nominated support person being present.

At the Joint Family Dispute Resolution session, Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner will confirm the role of the support person and the type of support they may provide.

Who can be your support person?

A support person should be someone you feel comfortable with. They may be a:

• Friend.
• Relative such as a parent, aunt, uncle, cousin, your brother or sister.
• Social worker.
• Family support worker.
• Family Violence worker.
• Other relevant service provider.

A support person cannot be involved in the dispute. If they have been involved in the dispute it may be preferable for them to attend an assessment appointment and be included as a participant in the Family Dispute Resolution process. The other person in the Family Dispute Resolution process must agree to the support person attending before the Joint Family Dispute Resolution session begins.

When might you need a support person?

Situations in which a support person might be suitable include:

• A person taking part in the Family Dispute Resolution has been a victim of Family Violence.
• A person is anxious about the Family Dispute Resolution process.
• The Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner has suggested that a person may benefit from having a support person.

What type of support can your support person provide?

Support can be provided in several ways. Support people do not necessarily have to be in the same room as Family Dispute Resolution session. Support people can be available to offer support:

• In the waiting area or via telephone – Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners or you can call for breaks so that you can have some time with your support person outside the Joint Family Dispute Resolution session room.
• In the Joint Family Dispute Resolution session but not participating or speaking.
• In the Joint Family Dispute Resolution session for part of the session only – you might feel you need a support person with you to start the Joint Family Dispute Resolution session.