A support person for your mediation

Often, yes, but it's the mediator's call, and it depends on the type of mediation. Some mediators welcome a support person in the joint session. Others prefer them to wait outside and join you in breaks and private sessions. Ask the mediator before the day and tell them your support person is independent and bound by confidentiality.

Whatever the mediator decides, I fit around it. Much of the value of a support person in mediation happens outside the room anyway.

• Workplace mediation, between colleagues or with a manager, often as part of a grievance or a return to work
• Family mediation, about arrangements after separation
• Neighbour and community mediation, such as fences, noise, trees or shared spaces
• Mediation and conferences connected to a court or tribunal matter

In Queensland, the government's Dispute Resolution Centres offer mediation, and the centre for the south-east of the state is in Brisbane. Workplaces and lawyers also use private mediators.

1. Preparation session. We go over the process together, and you organise your own notes: what matters most to you, what you'd like to say and what you'd want to agree.
2. On the day. I meet you early, sit with you in the joint session if the mediator agrees, and stay with you through the private sessions and waiting.
3. Breaks. This is where a support person earns their keep. Breaks give you time to breathe, re-read your own notes and think before you answer.
4. Debrief. Straight afterwards, we go over what was agreed and what comes next. Typed notes follow within 24 hours.

The hearing or mediation day option covers a half or full day.

I don't negotiate for you, advise you whether to accept an offer, or speak to the other party on your behalf. If you need advice on an agreement before you sign it, I'll suggest you take time to get it from a lawyer, and help you ask the mediator whether that's possible.