Our Services

Mediation

Separation and family disputes can be emotionally and financially challenging. Mediation provides a practical and supportive pathway to help parties work towards resolution outside of court.

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Mediation is a guided and confidential process that helps resolve disputes without going to court. It supports separating couples and families to work through issues in a structured and practical way. An independent mediator facilitates discussions and helps identify workable outcomes. 

The mediator does not decide the outcome. The focus is on helping you reach an agreement that reflects your individual circumstances. 

Mediation is generally faster, more cost effective and significantly less stressful than ongoing court proceedings. It also has a strong track record of success, with many matters resolving without progressing to litigation. 

Why Mediation

Mediation is often:

  • Faster and more cost effective than court  

  • Confidential and private  

  • Less stressful  

  • Focused on practical outcomes 

  • Many matters resolve through mediation without progressing to litigation.

  • We take a clear and considered approach to mediation, helping you understand your options at each stage. Our focus is on helping you reach practical outcomes without unnecessary stress or complexity.

    We recognise that mediation is not appropriate in every situation, particularly where family violence is involved. Suitability is assessed throughout the process, with your safety and circumstances always considered.

  • Every mediation matter is different. Some disputes can be resolved through open discussion and agreement, while others may require further legal processes.

    We will guide you through each stage of the mediation process, helping you understand your options clearly and supporting practical and informed decision making throughout.

“Looking to resolve a family law dispute through mediation? Contact our team to discuss the mediation process and available support.”

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Our Mediators

Two women sitting on a couch in front of a colorful abstract painting. The woman on the left is Caucasian, with long light brown hair, wearing a black blazer and pearl earrings, holding a white bottle with reed diffuser sticks. The woman on the right is Muslim, wearing a light-colored hijab and a floral dress, with her hands resting on her lap.
Two women sitting on a couch in front of a colorful abstract painting. The woman on the left is Caucasian, with long light brown hair, wearing a black blazer and pearl earrings, holding a white bottle with reed diffuser sticks. The woman on the right is Muslim, wearing a light-colored hijab and a floral dress, with her hands resting on her lap.

We have two qualified Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners in our team, Holly Gunn and Hayley Kelloway. 

Holly and Hayley conduct mediations in person, online, directly with individuals or as part of a lawyer assisted process. They are both able to issue Section 60I Certificates where required. 

For both parenting and property matters, we understand the complexities of separation and the impact it can have on families. Many clients feel uncertain at the start of the process and quickly find reassurance in Holly and Hayley’s approach. 

Their focus is to support communication and guide discussions in a practical and structured way, helping parties work towards workable arrangements that support both parents and children. 

Where possible, the aim is to reach a final agreement without the need for court proceedings. 

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Mediation options

We offer different mediation formats depending on your situation: 

  • If you are looking to engage a mediator to assist with discussions around parenting or property matters without legal representation, this option may be suitable. 

  • If you already have legal representation and would like to engage a mediator as part of that process, we can facilitate a lawyer assisted mediation. 

The Mediation Process 

  • 01 | Intake

    When you get in touch, you will be provided with an intake form to complete. 

    A private intake session is then arranged to understand your situation and assess whether mediation is appropriate. 

    This is also an opportunity to ask questions and understand how the process will work.

  • 02 | Invitation

    The other party is invited to participate and complete their own intake session. We manage this process on your behalf and keep you informed at each stage.

  • 03 | Mediation session

    Mediation may take place in person, online or by telephone. Shuttle mediation may be used where parties remain separate. 

    Each party has the opportunity to raise the issues that are important to them. The mediator will guide the discussion and help explore practical options. 

    Private sessions may also be held where needed, giving you space to speak confidentially. 

  • 04 | After Mediation

    If an agreement is reached, guidance is provided on how it can be documented, including Parenting Plans or Consent Orders. 

    If no agreement is reached, further options will be discussed, including additional mediation or legal pathways. 

    You will leave the process with a clear understanding of the next steps available to you. 

  • Important Information

    A Section 60I Certificate is generally required before commencing court proceedings in parenting matters, unless an exemption applies. Mediation is not suitable in all matters, particularly where there are safety concerns. Suitability is assessed throughout the process. 

    If an agreement is reached, it can be documented in a Parenting Plan or formalised as Consent Orders, depending on your circumstances. If no agreement is reached, further mediation or legal options may be considered. 

  • Costs

    The cost of mediation depends on the type and length of the session. 

    Options may include intake sessions, half day and full day mediations. Our team can talk you through the available options and help you choose what is most suitable. .

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The mediation process begins with an intake stage, where each party provides background information and the mediator assesses whether mediation is appropriate. 

    Once both parties have completed intake, invitations are issued and a suitable format and time for mediation is arranged. 

    Mediation may take place in person, online or via telephone, and can include private sessions where required. 

    If an agreement is reached, guidance is provided on how to document the outcome. If not, further steps are discussed. 

  • In family law matters, parties are generally required to attempt dispute resolution before commencing court proceedings, unless an exemption applies. 

    A Section 60I Certificate confirms that mediation has been attempted or considered and is typically required when applying to the Court for parenting orders. 

  • Agreements reached in mediation can be documented in a Parenting Plan or formalised as Consent Orders. 

    Consent Orders are legally binding and approved by the Court, while Parenting Plans are more flexible but not legally enforceable. 

    For financial matters, agreements may also be formalised through a Binding Financial Agreement or Consent Orders. 

  • If an agreement is not reached, parties may choose to attend further mediation sessions or consider other legal options. 

    In some cases, mediation occurs over multiple sessions, particularly where matters are complex or arrangements need to evolve over time. 

Our team is here to help. Get in touch to arrange a consultation.

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