Court-Free Resolution
Our lawyers and mediators provide efficient, cost effective, confidential processes, helping you resolve conflict and move on.
Our Services
Depending on your needs, you might like to engage a Mediator or a Lawyer.
Family Issues
- Separation and Divorce
- Elder Mediation
Our Approach
Care
We get it. Any dispute takes a toll. For families, it can be emotionally challenging and difficult. For business, it can be a stressful and unnecessary distraction. You can rely on us to help you through this difficult time.
Simplicity
We make it easy. Our aim is to help you resolve your dispute efficiently, in a timely and cost-effective way. Our services can be done online or in-person to accommodate your needs.
Experience
We have it. With over 60 years’ combined experience, you can rely on our wealth of knowledge to guide and help you achieve meaningful and lasting results.
Our Experts
Mary Louise Hatch (Director)
Nationally Accredited Mediator | Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner | Parenting Co-ordinator | Lawyer
BA LLB LLM
Sandy Woolley (Director)
Mediator | Lawyer
BA LLB Grad Dip Bus Admin
Our Experts
Mary Louise Hatch (Director)
Nationally Accredited Mediator | Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner | Parenting Co-ordinator | Lawyer
BA LLB LLM
Sandy Woolley (Director)
Mediator | Lawyer
BA LLB Grad Dip Bus Admin
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my ex take/claim my house?
In mediation, no matter who owns the family home, it is part of the property pool and cannot be unilaterally “taken” or “claimed” by one spouse. Both parties need to negotiate and agree upon what will happen not only to the family home but all assets in the property pool. A good way to do this is through mediation where both parties work with the mediator to reach agreement on asset division as well as any parenting issues. Mediation provides a safe space to consider options—such as one party buying out the other’s interest or selling the home and dividing the proceeds—in a way that allows discussion of all the circumstances.
Is child custody mediation legally binding?
Agreements reached in Mediation, including those about parenting (think child custody) arrangements, are not automatically legally binding. However, once an agreement is reached, it can be made legally binding by filing a consent order with the court. This ensures that if a party does not follow the agreements reached during mediation there will be consequences.
If a couple splits, who gets the house?
The division of property, including the family home, depends on various factors, including what is fair and equitable, the contributions (both financial and non-financial) each party has made and each party’s future needs. Mediation is a good way to help couples negotiate a mutually agreeable, bespoke arrangement that takes into account all the circumstances and considers each party’s needs. This is far quicker and cheaper than relying on a court decision and parties end up with their own unique, tailored agreements.
Do you need a lawyer for mediation?
While it’s not required to have a lawyer during mediation, many clients find it helpful to consult one even if only to help them prepare for the mediation and understand their legal rights and options. Having a Lawyer with you in the mediation means that the represented party can obtain advice especially regarding your best strategy and the making and receiving of proposals.
What is Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) mediation?
FDR is a specific type of mediation required by law before filing for parenting orders in court. It helps separating couples resolve parenting disputes and agree on a suitable parenting plan. FDR is conducted by accredited professionals and aims to provide a structured, supportive environment for families to reach amicable solutions.
What happens if we can’t reach an agreement in mediation?
If you’re unable to reach an agreement in a parenting mediation, the mediator can issue a Section 60I certificate, which is required before you can apply for court orders regarding parenting matters.
If you are unable to reach agreement in mediation, you have different options available to you such as arranging a further mediation or having further discussion or negotiation outside the mediation or if needed, commencing court proceedings. Remember, even if no agreement is reached, discussions had in mediation can be helpful in parties understanding each other’s perspectives and any partial agreements are often helpful in reducing future disputes
What Our Clients Say
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