Achieving a balanced and fair resolution is not easy for any relationship breakdown, but it is a particularly vital objective when families are involved. In these cases, expert family law and mediation services can prove invaluable.
At Nevett Ford, our family mediation lawyers are professional, experienced mediators who have tertiary-level qualifications for family disputes. They work closely with clients to evaluate proposals, identify potential issues, and devise strategies with the goal of arriving at an outcome tailored to their clients’ unique needs.
We also contribute to a more amicable solution by partnering with collaborative lawyers to conduct collaborative law, a legal process in which couples achieve agreement without going to court.
Contact us to enquire about our availability and see how we can help you and your partner reach a mutually agreed resolution.
Our Family Dispute Mediation Services
Divorce Mediation and Family Law
Helping couples reach amicable agreements during separation.
Lawyer-Assisted Mediation
Professional legal support from experienced family law mediation lawyers during mediation sessions.
Property Settlement Mediation
Guiding parties involved through financial and property matters.
Family Court Mediation
Assisting with family court mediation services before and after court proceedings.
The Family Dispute Mediation Process in Australia
1. Initial Consultation
Our mediator will assess your situation, the background of your relationship, and the issues you want to resolve. If you have legal representation, your lawyer-assisted mediation may involve a briefing note prepared by your lawyer for the mediator.
2. Joint Mediation Sessions
Where safe and appropriate, both parties will come together to discuss issues, explore solutions, and understand each other’s perspectives.
3. Shuttle Mediation
If direct meetings are not possible, the mediator will facilitate negotiations by communicating between parties separately.
4. Negotiation and “Reality Testing”
Our mediators use “reality testing” to help you critically assess your position, considering both the Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement (BATNA) and the Worst Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement (WATNA). This ensures informed decision-making. We will then assist you in negotiating an agreement.
5. Agreement Formalisation
Once a mutually acceptable agreement is reached, it is documented, signed, and legally formalised, allowing both parties to move forward.
Who You’ll Work With
Richard Hamilton
Director
Erin Trantino
Associate
Catalano Clay
Lawyer
Why Choose Us
150 Years Of Experience
Our family mediation lawyers are trained legal professionals specialising in family law, with tertiary qualifications in mediation for family disputes.
Premium Facilities
Our state-of-the-art conference and mediation rooms are equipped with remote video links, offering convenience and flexibility.
Professional, Comfortable Setting
Reduce your stress in our warm, welcoming facilities with stunning harbour views instead of cold, harshly lit basement conference rooms.
Discreet and Confidential
We prioritise our clients’ comfort. Our private mediation family law services ensure your complete privacy and confidentiality.
Personalised Service
Our family mediation lawyers take the time to get to know your current and future needs to ensure you get advice tailored to your specific situation.
Competitive Pricing
We offer a full day of mediation, including access to our premium conference room facilities, for a reasonable rate of $3,500, including GST.
FAQ
What is family dispute mediation?
Family dispute mediation is a process where a neutral family mediation lawyer assists families in resolving conflicts, often during separation or divorce, without going to court. It focuses on achieving fair agreements in areas like property settlement mediation, spousal maintenance, child support, financial arrangements, and parenting arrangements.
Consulting a family law mediation lawyer before starting mediation is recommended, as having access to clear family law advice and a professional mediator-trained divorce lawyer can significantly increase your chances of success. Contact us today to learn more about how our mediation law firm can assist you and enquire about our availability.
What are the benefits of family dispute mediation?
- Faster, More Cost-Effective Resolution
Lawyer-assisted mediation is generally much cheaper than going to court. And, unlike court proceedings that can drag on for months or even years, family dispute mediation can often resolve disputes in a matter of days or weeks. - Confidentiality
Unlike court cases, which are public, private mediation sessions for family law matters remain completely confidential. This is especially important for sensitive family issues. - Control and Flexibility
Family dispute mediation allows both parties to have a say in the outcome. You maintain control over the decisions instead of having a judge impose a solution. - Reduced Conflict and Preserved Relationships
A family law mediation lawyer helps manage emotions and fosters amicable discussions, which is crucial when children are involved. This process encourages respectful communication and supports co-parenting by maintaining or improving family relationships. - Tailored Solutions
Family law divorce mediation provides a platform to create customised agreements that work best for your specific circumstances, whether it is for property settlement mediation, parenting arrangements, or financial matters.
By choosing family law and mediation services, you benefit from a process designed to support fair, lasting, and positive outcomes for all involved.
What happens if the mediation fails?
Your mediator or family law mediation lawyer will provide you with a certificate to confirm that mediation was attempted before proceeding to court if, for any reason:
- One party refuses to participate in the mediation process
- The situation is not suitable for mediation
- An agreement cannot be reached on various matters.
This certificate allows you to initiate court proceedings if you choose to do so.
Do I need a family mediation lawyer during mediation?
While not mandatory, having a family law mediation lawyer can be highly beneficial. Your lawyer can:
- Explain what to expect during mediation
- Outline possible court outcomes if mediation fails
- Highlight the strengths and weaknesses of your case
- Help you prepare strong negotiation strategies.
A lawyer-assisted mediation approach ensures you are well-prepared, legally informed, and well-supported throughout the process, which contributes to a smoother mediation experience. Get in touch with our team to enquire about our availability.
How much does family dispute mediation cost?
We offer a full day of family mediation at a reasonable day rate of $3,500 including GST, including the use of our state-of-the-art conference facilities with stunning harbour views.
Our mediation law firm is fully committed to transparency. We will provide you with a clear understanding of costs at each stage of the process. Contact us to learn more about pricing and availability.
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