Mediation can provide a structured way to discuss family law disagreements, but it is not suitable in every situation. We help you understand the issues, prepare for meaningful discussion and consider whether a proposed agreement is legally and practically workable.
A mediator or family dispute resolution practitioner facilitates discussion and does not decide the outcome for the parties. The process may concern parenting, financial matters or both, with different legal requirements applying to each.
It is useful to understand your position, key documents and the consequences of proposed terms before making commitments. We help clients identify priorities, realistic alternatives and questions that should be answered.
Family violence, coercion or serious safety concerns can make some dispute resolution processes inappropriate or require safeguards. There can be exceptions to usual pre-court requirements. We discuss the safest suitable pathway for the circumstances.
An agreement reached in mediation is not necessarily the final legal document. Depending on the issue, consent orders or another formal instrument may be needed. We explain the steps for properly recording the result.
Mediation is more productive when the issues and available information are clear. For a property matter, that may require disclosure, valuations and an agreed balance sheet. For a parenting matter, it may require a current routine, proposed arrangements and a clear account of any safety concern.
Legal advice before the session can help you identify an appropriate range of proposals and the consequences of accepting particular terms. It can also clarify which matters are suitable for compromise and which need further information before any agreement is reached.
A lawyer may help prepare the case, draft proposals and advise during negotiations, depending on the mediation format. The mediator remains neutral and does not give either party independent legal advice. Each participant should understand who is providing legal advice and who is facilitating discussion.
If an agreement is reached, the next step depends on the subject. Parenting arrangements may be recorded in a parenting plan or consent orders. Financial terms may require consent orders or another suitable document. We help convert agreed principles into clear terms and explain when an informal record is insufficient.
A safe process may require separate rooms, remote participation, support arrangements or a different form of dispute resolution. In some circumstances mediation should not proceed. Tell us about family violence, coercion, mental health concerns, substance use or a serious imbalance in access to information before the session is arranged.
Our family law team explains the legal process in plain language and helps you separate urgent decisions from matters that can be negotiated over time. Advice is based on your documents, family circumstances and safety concerns. We are upfront about cost from day one and do not promise a particular result. Advice before mediation helps you evaluate proposals and understand how any agreement should be documented.
Family dispute resolution is generally expected before many parenting applications, but exceptions apply, including some urgent or safety-related circumstances.
No. A mediator is an independent facilitator, not a judge deciding the dispute. Each party should obtain legal advice about their own position.
Not always. The legal effect depends on what was agreed and how it is formalised. Get advice before assuming an informal document resolves the matter.
Call (03) 9111 9945 before the mediation date where possible. Have the invitation, issues in dispute and any proposals or financial information ready. We can help you prepare and understand how an agreement may be formalised. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 9 am to 7 pm, or request a callback.
Floor 1, 330 Keilor Rd,
Niddrie VIC 3042
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Whatever family challenges you’re facing, we help you understand where you stand. Compassionate support, fixed fees, and complete clarity.
