Family mediation practice

Separating couples, sometimes with fees split between them. Some referrals come from lawyers, counsellors and community organisations.

Hourly or per-session fees, often with an intake session and joint sessions. Some practitioners also work for community organisations while building their own client base.

• Calm, neutral and fair with both parties
• Strong listening and negotiation skills
• Handling emotional conversations
• Sound record keeping and organisation

• Accreditation and training requirements, so check what is needed before you promise any certification to clients
• Professional indemnity and public liability insurance
• Family violence screening, because mediation is not suitable for every couple, so learn the risk assessment process
• Privacy and confidentiality rules for client records
• Training can take time and money before your first paying client

Startup costs are typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on your training pathway, insurance, room hire or video setup, and marketing. Training can take time and money before your first paying client.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on how many couples you work with, your fees and your referral sources. The estimate assumes at least about 10 hours a week, and results will vary.

Check the accreditation and training requirements before promising any certification to clients. Also learn family violence screening and risk assessment, since mediation is not suitable for every couple, and check insurance and confidentiality rules for client records.