Family Law Mediator

We will work closely with each of you to guide you through a discussion that is tailored to your unique family and empower you to be the drivers of your own change.

Separation can be an emotionally challenging and difficult time for you and your children. We can help you make those important decisions about your children and property by providing a quick, cost effective alternative to court proceedings. We have highly skilled accredited Mediators and Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners who provide a safe, reliable and confidential service.
We help both of you reach agreement
Less formal & simpler process
We facilitate – you control the conversation
Ideal when you would like to work without a lawyer or you already have a lawyer

Our Process

  • We first conduct a confidential Preliminary Assessment Conference with each of you to discuss your situation and concerns and help develop ideas and options that would be appropriate for you and your family.
  • Then we arrange and facilitate a mediation with you and your ex/partner .
  • We offer flexible mediation formats (face to face or separate rooms, online, phone or skype).
  • We support you throughout the process to help you to achieve the best outcomes possible.
  • In parenting matters, you might like to consider having a Child consultant assist you in decision making.
  • In financial matter, you may seek the advice of your accountant or financial advisor to help make sound decisions.
  • Also, at any time, parties may seek the advice ad support of a lawyer. We conduct lawyer assisted mediations if needed nd appropriate.

Outcomes Of Mediation

  • Parenting Plans
  • Financial Agreements
  • Consent Orders
  • Child Support Agreements
  • S60I Certificates

Mediation Fees

Our fees are only a fraction of the usual costs of litigating in court.

  • We charge a fixed fee for your initial Preliminary Assessment Conference.
  • Beyond that, our fees are always tailored to your individual circumstances.
  • Contact us to ask us more.

FDR Mediation 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