Aidan Curtis
CENTACARE is looking to introduce a new dispute resolution service in Mount Gambier / Berrin to help keep separation issues out of court.
The service, Legally Inclusive Practice (LIP), will help parties navigate separation and property settlement through mediation and legal advice rather than going through court.
LIP falls under Centacare’s family dispute resolution services, and family dispute resolution practitioner Caroline said there is a real need for it in the Limestone Coast.
“Especially with property mediations when you’re dealing with the division of assets and family homes and super and things like that, you really need to get some good legal advice,” she said.
“It goes alongside some changes that have happened in the family court, where there’s a larger focus on dispute resolution and keeping people out of court.
“We pushed to have this program rolled out and more available to people on a more affordable basis – while people pay for their legal representatives, there are obviously free options, but our fees are very minimal.”
Caroline said LIP has already been launched in Adelaide, but it is important to localise the service because country people face different issues.
“Separation happens everywhere, that’s not unique, but the issues around separations in Mount Gambier and the Limestone Coast are different to that of the city,” she said.
“Local people delivering that and understanding their issues is why it’s so important.”
Caroline said there is still work to do behind the scenes to build LIP at a local level, but that should not discourage people from seeking advice.
“Mediation is already available here, but if people are thinking Legally Inclusive might be an option for them, certainly come in and have a talk and we’ll see what we can do,” she said.
“If we’ve got two parties telling us they want LIP, there wouldn’t be much stopping us from pushing forward and speaking to their lawyers.
“Come and have a chat, family dispute resolution may well be enough for people as it exists already.”
For more information on separation mediation, call Centacare on 08 8303 6630.
