Bonnie-Jean McCormack

Yes. I explain to my client the law and how it relates to their circumstance in easy to understand terms. Giving consideration to my client's immediate concerns, my client and I then create a plan for the running of the legal matter. This is done after discussing costs involved, all the possible avenues available to the client and possible outcomes.

Working together we create a plan that allows the client to know their potential legal costs and disbursements upfront aswell as the legal avenue they are taking, what the client is required to do to make the legal matter run smoothly, what Bonnie is required to do and in what time frame and the results the client may expect.

I advise my client usually in person and in writing of the costs they can expect in their unique case. My client is kept informed of ongoing potential costs as the matter proceeds. You will know what to expect by way of costs before any work is done.

My usual and preferred approach is to render accounts to my client at about regular monthly intervals. This way costs are kept manageable for my client. Some clients pay regular agreed instalments and some clients pay in a lump sum when an account is rendered.

Yes, I can represent you at court or in mediation as your lawyer.

Holistic Counselling is a therapeutic approach that looks at the individual as a whole, taking into account their physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health. It incorporates techniques such as meditation, mindfulness, and energy healing. In contrast, traditional counselling typically focuses on addressing the client's specific concerns or issues through talk therapy and behavioral techniques. While both approaches can be effective in helping individuals overcome challenges, Holistic Counselling offers a more comprehensive and integrative approach to mental health and well-being.

In most circumstances (there are some exceptions) the family law in Australia requires that a person considering commencing court proceedings to obtain property settlement must first invite the estranged partner to attend alternative dispute resolution. Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution for property settlement.

Mediation can be a highly effective way to resolve disputes. It can save you time, money, and stress compared to going to court. It can also provide a more personalized and creative solution that meets the unique needs of your family. Mediation can help you maintain a better relationship with your former partner, which is particularly important if you have children together. It can also provide a more timely resolution, as court cases can take months or even years to resolve.

Mediation is also a confidential process, which means that anything discussed during the mediation session cannot be used in court. This can encourage both parties to be more open and honest, leading to a better understanding and a more productive outcome. Finally, mediation is a voluntary process, which means that both parties have control over the final outcome. This can lead to a more satisfying and lasting solution, as both parties have had input on any resolution reached at mediation.

As a mediator, Bonnie-Jean McCormack acts as a neutral, third party who facilitates communication between parties in a dispute. The mediator does not make decisions or impose solutions, but rather helps the parties to reach a mutually acceptable agreement.

As part of facilitating communication between the parties, it is the mediator's role to listen to each parties needs and concerns and help the parties understand each other's needs and concerns. This in turn leads to parties feeling acknowledged.

The Mediator remains impartial and non-judgmental throughout the mediation process.

Ultimately, the role of the mediator is to empower the parties to reach their own agreement that meats their unique needs and interests.