Phillip Sorensen

Mediator

Phillip was trained as a mediator at the Queensland University of Technology is happy to undertake work as a mediator in disputes. He is a member of the Australian Institute of Family Law Arbitrators and Mediators.

Mediation Information

Set out below is some information to assist you in the mediation process. If you have any questions about mediation services or would like to book Phillip for your upcoming mediation, or enquire as to his availability, or fees, you may do so via the enquiry form on the Contact Us page.

What Is Mediation?

Mediation is a process whereby a trained person assists two or more people or organisations in dispute to negotiate a mutually satisfactory resolution to their dispute. It is a form of ‘assisted negotiations.’

What Events Precede The Mediation?

Typically (though every mediation process is varied), a mediation involves the following steps:

• The mediator is approached by someone with a request to assist.
• The mediator telephones or writes to each person/organisation and asks if each is willing to consider mediation.

• If so, the mediator sends to each person educational literature, information about costs, mediator’s background and a contract relating to confidentiality and costs.

• The mediator often meets with each party and their legal representative separately and may proceed to a joint meeting with both parties and their respective legal representatives or may conduct a ‘shuttle’ mediation i.e. each party in a room with the mediator moving between the rooms.

• A time and place (usually at a ‘neutral’ venue) for the meeting is arranged.

What Happens In A Joint Mediation Session?

The mediator welcomes each person and explains what will happen. She/he then asks each person in turn (without interruption from the other) to talk about what concerns she/he has.

The mediator clarifies each party’s concerns and then tries to narrow areas where the parties are in agreement or disagreement.

Each of the parties is asked to come up with possible ways to resolve each issue. An agreement is pieced together, like a jigsaw puzzle.

Can I Talk About The Mediation Session With Friends Or Professional Advisers?

Yes, during the mediation you can ask for the time to speak to your lawyer or adviser.

The mediator will report in writing to the Solicitors for each party the outcome of the mediation. It is my experience that this written report often assists the parties and their advisers to know in detail what has been agreed upon, and what issues, if any, are yet to be settled.

Are Arrangements Reached At The Mediation Binding At Law?

No. The written report will contain details of agreement. Parties usually re-draft the agreement into a legally binding document after receiving advice from their respective lawyers or accountants.

What If I Feel Uncomfortable With The Mediation?

You can ask to speak to the mediator alone. Or, you can express your concern immediately and the mediator will try to deal with it openly. Or, you can ask for the mediation session to be adjourned.

Please contact Phillip Sorensen for further mediation service details via Contact Us ›