Court is one way to resolve a family dispute. For most families it should not be the first one. It is slow, stressful and public, and it hands the final decision to a judge who will know your family for a few days at most.
Mediation brings both people together with a neutral mediator who helps them reach their own agreement. Lawyers can attend the sessions or advise from the side. Collaborative family law goes further: each person has a collaboratively trained lawyer, and everyone commits in writing to settling without going to court. Financial and family professionals can join the team where needed.
These processes do not suit every situation. Where there has been family violence, a serious power imbalance or a refusal to disclose information, a different approach is usually safer. We will tell you which process fits your circumstances.
What we help with
- Advice on whether mediation or collaborative practice suits your situation
- Preparing for mediation and attending sessions with you
- Collaborative family law files
- Reviewing and formalising a mediated agreement
- Arbitration where a binding decision is needed outside court
How it usually works
- 01
Choose the process
We look at the issues, the level of conflict and any safety concerns before recommending mediation, collaborative practice, negotiation or court.
- 02
Prepare properly
Mediation achieves more when both people have exchanged financial information and understand their legal position before the first session.
- 03
Formalise the result
A mediated or collaborative settlement is written up as a separation agreement and, where appropriate, filed with the court.
Related services
- ArbitrationA binding decision from a private arbitrator instead of waiting for a court date.
- Separation AgreementsA written agreement that settles parenting, support, property and debt without a trial.
- Divorce & SeparationEnding a marriage or common-law relationship, from the first weeks after separating to the final divorce order.