facebookpixel
Select Page
family and relationships

Family Law Dispute Mediation

Melbourne’s Leading Family Law Dispute Lawyers

At Nevett Ford, our expert family lawyers understand that relationship breakdowns can be a taxing experience. We can help lessen your burden by testing out proposals, working through the details, and helping to identify where areas of inconsistency or strategy might come in.

We also understand that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for family dispute mediation, so we work closely with our clients throughout the process to ensure that both parties reach a resolution tailored to their situation.

Our family lawyers also work with collaborative lawyers to conduct collaborative law, an open and transparent process designed to avoid conflict.

 Contact one of our family dispute lawyers to see how we can help you and your partner reach a mutually agreed resolution.

Who You'll Work With

Richard Hamilton
Director
Jenny Christofidis
Special Counsel
Erin Trantino
Associate
Catalano Clay
Lawyer
Gurnoor Klair
Legal Assistant

FAQ

What is family dispute mediation?

Family law dispute mediation solves disputes between families, either during a marriage separation or a de facto relationship separation. The goal is to reach an agreement on property settlements, spousal maintenance, child support, financial settlements, and parenting matters that satisfy both parties without needing to go to court.

It is recommended that you consult a family lawyer before engaging in mediation as the key to a successful mediation is having access to accurate and easy-to-understand family law advice, as well as an experienced family law lawyer.

How does the family dispute mediation process work?
  • Often an initial interview with an accredited mediator to understand the background of your relationship, the factors that have contributed to its breakdown and the issues you are looking to resolve, or a briefing note will be prepared by your lawyer for your mediator;
  • Joint meetings (if safe, and you are comfortable with it) with all parties involved to share your wishes and concerns and listen to the other party’s reasoning.
  • A mediator going between the parties to pass offers and to ‘reality test’ your position.
  • Reach an agreement that each party can accept. The details of this agreement will then be documented, signed, and resolved to allow both parties to move forward.
What happens if the family dispute mediation fails?
  • If one party refuses to participate in the mediation process, your situation is not appropriate for a mediation, or you are not able to reach an agreement on the different matters, your mediator or family lawyer will issue a certificate – this will form part of the evidence that you have tried everything before going to Court, that will allow you to commence Court proceedings if you want to do so.

What is the role of a family dispute lawyer during mediation?

Although it is not necessary for a lawyer to be there during a family dispute mediation session, having one will be very helpful to you. Your lawyer can help you prepare for mediation by:

  • Explaining what to expect during the mediation.
  • Discussing the possible outcomes if the dispute ends up in court.
  • Identifying the strong and weak points of your case.
  • Determining the options you can take to the mediation

These initial discussions with an experienced family law dispute lawyer allow you to make informed decisions during mediation. In addition, throughout the mediation process, your lawyer will offer legal advice and support the mediator in helping both parties reach a mutually-agreed outcome.

Topics We’ve Written About

Understanding Partial Property Settlements in Family Law

Understanding Partial Property Settlements in Family Law

Dividing assets during separation or divorce can be overwhelming, especially if finances are already tight. This is where partial property settlements in family law, which provide access to specific assets or funds while final decisions are still pending, can offer a...

read more
A Lawyer’s Role in Family Dispute Mediation

A Lawyer’s Role in Family Dispute Mediation

Family disputes can be complex, emotionally charged, and challenging to navigate. When relationships break down, particularly in matters involving divorce, child custody, or property settlements, it can be very difficult to arrive at a resolution that satisfies all...

read more
Understanding Property Settlement vs Spousal Maintenance

Understanding Property Settlement vs Spousal Maintenance

Divorce is not just an emotional process but also a legal and financial one, where both parties must navigate complex legal arrangements to ensure fair outcomes from the separation. As part of this process, two of the most common yet also most contentious financial...

read more

Testimonials

Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value

“Friendly, professional service. Subject matter promptly dealt with. Will recommend them.”

Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value

“Ryan Curtis-Griffiths and Jacqui Azouz provided excellent legal work.  I am a lawyer in the United States so I expect a lot.  And I got it from Ryan and Jacqui.  They are knowledgeable, efficient and very easy to work with. I will use them whenever I have an opportunity. “

Professionalism, Responsiveness, Value

“I cannot find any words to describe the professionalism of thos firm. Everyone from the reception to financial services and not to say Mae who helped out was absolutely amazing. I had Richard Hamilton who was definitely someone I will always have to represent me if I need any further help. Keep up the fantastic work ?  “

Reliable Lawyer and Good Expertise

“Richard Hamilton is a very genuine lawyer with very good expertise, good values and ethics of responsibility. He is not one of the lawyers in the market who would deceive you with false hopes. I found him very reliable which is something you need when you are going through a difficult family court case. Richard is also very good in returning to calls and emails. I definitely recommend him.”

Excellent services and advice

“Ryan has been my migration lawyer of a number of years now and has been successful in obtaining PR and Australian Citizenship for me. His advice is clear, straight forward and tailored to an individual’s needs. He puts in the effort and time and always cares for his clients. Overall, I received a first-class service from him, and I highly recommend him to anyone looking for migration advice.”

The best immigration service provider in Mel

“In all respect to achieve your PR and the pathway for citizenship was done very professionally ! Special thanks to Rayan ( MD) who helped me in all the way throughout to achieve goal.”

Best choice

“Ryan Curtis-Griffiths knowledge of immigration law, a skills in preparing all documents, excellent communication skills, rapid response to my inquiries, thoughtful and good listener.”

Professional Service with Attention to Detail

“We engaged Nevett Ford Lawyers to prepare our 186 Business Nomination and Visa Application. Ryan provided outstanding service by assisting us with all his experience in the industry. It was the best decision to work with Ryan as he always listened to our instructions and assisted with timely advise. I would definitely recommend Ryan and his team to anyone looking for a Immigration lawyer.”

Professional Service and Prompt Response

“Ryan and his team made sure the process of 186 Business Nomination and Visa application were as seamless as possible. We always received prompt response and correct advise regarding the matter. I would happily recommend Ryan and Nevett Ford to anyone who wants assistance with 186 visas.”

Best Lawyers in the business

“Looked after me. Always made sure I knew what was going on and why, but also made sure my mental health was top priority.”

Very professional team

“Great professional team, best communicating with the customer.”

Legal expertise, Client focused service, Courtesy

“Nevett Ford Lawyers, including paralegals and administrative staff, displayed professional and reliable services. All staff with whom I interacted responded promptly to my queries and requests. Their polite and friendly manner was appreciated and reassuring.”

Professional, Efficient & Supportive

“A Positive outcome of Permanent Residency from a Ministerial Intervention is what we achieved through Nevett Ford Lawyers. David Stratton and his Team have been highly efficient and professional along the entire journey through the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) and Ministerial Intervention. The Team managed our file with great care and patience while supporting us through the entire process during the past four years. We would highly recommend Nevett Ford Lawyers for their Professionalism and Task Accomplishments.”

Ryan and Shalini worked extremely hard for us

“Ryan and Shalini’s communication skills were what really stood out to us. They replied to emails most of the time within minutes and did a good job on helping us stay realistic about expectations as our case was extremely difficult and had a high chance of failure, they did a brilliant job of getting the visa through for my partner.”

Service provided was professional & prompt

“Great communication, friendly interaction with all staff (including reception), prompt and did what they said they would do.”

Navigating a tricky workplace case

“Generous with their time. Fair and pragmatic advice from which I was able to make an informed decision.”

    Contact us


    If you are overseas, please call our office on +61 3 9614 7111 between the hours of 9:00am to 5:30pm Australian Eastern Standard Time. Outside of these hours, please indicate your email address below and we will reply to you as soon as possible.