About mediation
Mediation helps people settle disputes without going to court. The people who are in dispute meet in the presence of one or two trained mediators. At the meeting, they talk about their differences and find a solution that works for everyone involved.
Dispute Resolution Branch 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.
Before applying for mediation, you should:
- have already tried to resolve the matter yourself—if it’s safe to do so
- be willing to meet with the other party to resolve the dispute.
Learn more about how mediation works.
When you apply for mediation, your local Dispute Resolution Centre will assess the matter. If the dispute is suitable for mediation, we’ll contact the other people involved. If they agree to a mediation session, we’ll set up a date and time that works for everyone involved.
Disputes that suit mediation
- Neighbourhood disputes involving fences, noise, children, pets, and overhanging trees
- Family and intergenerational disputes
- Workplace disputes
- Commercial disputes (limited)
- Multi-party disputes, involving whole communities
Disputes not suitable for mediation
- Parenting plans or child custody matters—but you can contact Family Relationships Online
- Debt matters—but you can 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.
More on mediation
Read more about:
Other types of mediation
- Mediation in the workplace
- Neighbourhood mediation
- Advisory mediation
- Restorative justice
- Mediation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples