Parental atunement is when parents work together to parent their children with a cohesiveness that children respect and understand is best for their wellbeing. Most of us realise this importance in intact families. What may seem surprising at first,, is that it is even more essential in separated families, to ensure that children grow up feeling loved and cared for, valued and respected by both parents. To do this we help parents to put aside their own arguments to focus on their children's needs. 

Parenting Plans crafted by the parents themselves, with the skilful assistance of Accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners empower separated parents to take responsibility for the important decisions about caring for their children. Parenting plans allow parents to consider the developmental stages, needs and interests of their children when planning time spent with each parent, extended family and others during school terms, weekdays, weekends, holidays and other special days. Parenting plans can include agreements on child maintenance payments, special needs, family values, effective communication, parenting styles, blending families, new partners and any issues that matter to the parents and children. 

Parenting plans can remain flexible, allowing Parenting Plans to be reviewed to accommodate changes in parents' situations or children's needs. These plans may also be taken to the court to be stamped to become legally enforceable orders by consent. 

As long as Family Dispute Resolution is appropriate i.e. when there are no concerns about family violence or other safety factors, Family Dispute Resolution provides a safe environment to discuss and agree on all parenting issues including potentially contentious issues such as changing children's names, residency, school or other living arrangements. 

Step-family environments and new relationships change family dynamics and are likely to create concern with the family of origin. These are times that effective Family Dispute Resolution can create an opportunity for open dialogue, airing of concerns, building of understanding and crafting of agreements designed to help reassure parents and children of a safe and happy family environment. InterMEDIATE Dispute Management assists conflicted parents to establish agreements that address each child's developmental needs, whilst maintaining good quality relationships with both parents, where possible. 

Most parents recognise and honour a child's right to the love and care of two responsible parents. We understand that for some separated parents who are embroiled in their own conflict, this can be extremely difficult. We offer assistance to those who experience such problems through a process of building of parental atunement and refer to counsellors when negative emotions become unmanageable, and helpful courses for separated parents which are available locally. 

Do not wait. Early intervention of disputes is always recommended, as separated parents are better able to consider the best interests of their children, when disputes have not been allowed to escalate to a level where they become bitter, entrenched and therefore more difficult to resolve. 

For urgent Family Dispute Resolution services - such as when parents plan to travel, one of our team of Accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners will be available Australia wide, to assist at short notice.