Family Law
Mediation Lawyers
Our mediation lawyers assist in separating individuals during the mediation process, ensuring they are well prepared and their rights are protected during negotiations.
Our mediation lawyers support you in resolving family law issues using mediation.
Our mediation lawyers guide you through mediation, helping you prepare thoroughly, understand your rights, and get the most out of the process. We provide clear advice on parenting, property and financial matters to help you reach fair, practical agreements.
We work with you to structure proposals, anticipate potential challenges, and ensure your voice is heard. Once an agreement is reached, we formalise it legally, protecting your interests and providing certainty - often without the need for court proceedings.
How our mediation lawyers can help you.
We understand that resolving family disputes after separation can be complex and emotionally challenging, and that the mediation process can feel daunting without support. Our experienced mediation lawyers provide clear, practical guidance to help you protect your rights, understand your responsibilities, and reach fair agreements tailored to your circumstances.
Our mediation services include:
- Preparing you for family dispute resolution or mediation conferences
- Advising on your rights and obligations under the Family Law Act
- Facilitating discussions on parenting matters, property settlements, child support and spousal maintenance
- Supporting cases involving children, including child-inclusive mediation
- Drafting and reviewing written agreements, consent orders, and binding financial agreements
- Coordinating with financial advisors or other professionals to assess ongoing needs
- Assisting with the enforcement or variation of existing agreements
- Providing an unbiased and independent mediator to guide parties through the process
Contact our team today to learn how our mediation lawyers can carefully guide you through dispute resolution, helping you reach fair agreements while minimising stress and avoiding unnecessary court proceedings.
Compassionate legal support during the mediation process
You may be newly separated and unsure of where to start with parenting or property matters for mediation, or you may be headed back to mediation with your former partner to resolve disputes around co-parenting, relocation or child support.
Whatever stage you are at in your journey, having the right legal support can significantly improve outcomes. At Eliza Legal, we have extensive family law experience assisting individuals in resolving family law disputes and will ensure you can make confident, informed choices every step of the way.
When is mediation or family dispute resolution suitable?
Mediation or family dispute resolution (FDR) is suitable when separating parties want to resolve family law matters without going straight to court. It is beneficial for disputes over parenting arrangements, property settlements, child support or spousal maintenance.
Common situations where mediation may be appropriate include:
- Disagreements over parenting plans or care arrangements for children
- Differing expectations regarding property settlement or financial support
- Difficulty communicating effectively with the other party
- Desire to resolve disputes in a less adversarial, cost-effective manner
- Cases where children are involved and child-inclusive mediation may help
- Parties seeking a fair, enforceable agreement with guidance from an independent mediator
- As a prerequisite to court proceedings
Mediation allows both parties to discuss their concerns in a structured, safe environment, with the assistance of a trained, independent third person, helping to reach outcomes that respect everyone’s rights and interests.
How can a mediation lawyer help?
A mediation lawyer can guide you through the family dispute resolution process, helping you understand what to expect on the day and how to prepare. They will assist in identifying the topics to discuss, clarifying negotiables and non-negotiables, and advising on realistic outcomes.
For spousal maintenance or other family law matters, a mediation lawyer can:
- Explain your rights and obligations under the Family Law Act
- Review financial disclosures and ensure accuracy
- Help structure discussions to focus on key issues
- Advise on options for formalising agreements through consent orders or Binding Financial Agreements
- Prepare you to negotiate confidently while protecting your interests
With expert guidance, you can approach mediation well-prepared, improving the chances of reaching a fair, enforceable outcome without the need for lengthy court proceedings.
How we can assist:
Mediation and Family Dispute Resolution Services
Our firm provides comprehensive support for family dispute resolution (FDR), guiding clients through mediation to resolve financial and parenting matters efficiently and fairly. Whether you are negotiating spousal maintenance, property settlement matters, or other family law disputes, we carefully guide clients to achieve the best outcome.
Our mediation services include:
- Preparing you for a family dispute resolution conference with a nationally accredited mediator or family dispute resolution practitioner
- Advising on eligibility, obligations, and rights for spousal maintenance and financial support
- Negotiating fair arrangements that reflect financial needs, capacity, and best interests
- Including maintenance or property terms in Binding Financial Agreements or consent orders
- Assisting in resolving property disputes and complex financial matters
- Representing you where agreements cannot be reached or further legal action is required
- Identifying issues of non-disclosure, financial imbalance, or unfairness
- Coordinating with financial experts to assess affordability and long-term needs
- Supporting clients experiencing financial pressure, coercion, or conflict
- Providing practical advice on the mediation process, including separate rooms, realistic negotiation strategies, and what to expect during the settlement process
With a practical approach and expert advice, our mediation lawyers assist parties in moving forward with confidence, helping resolve client issues while protecting your rights and minimising stress.
Our team helps families in Mt Eliza, Mornington & Frankston
Family Law Experience
Our family lawyers bring extensive experience in financial support and mediation matters, ensuring your rights are protected.
Personal Guidance
We provide personalised advice on family law matters, suited to your individual circumstances and financial situation.
Practical, Strategic Support
We focus on clear, actionable guidance to help you reach fair agreements and minimise future disputes.
Local Expertise
A trusted firm serving clients across Mount Eliza and the Mornington Peninsula, familiar with the local legal landscape and resources.
Our Process
Step 1: Free 20-Minute Call
Connect with one of our family lawyers to discuss your situation and explore whether mediation or other options are the right pathway for you.
Step 2: Fixed-Fee Initial Consultation ($440)
During a 90-minute session, we assess your circumstances, clarify your rights and obligations, and outline potential mediation pathways.
Step 3: Preparation & Review
Complete a pre-consultation form so we can provide personalised advice and accurately draft or review your spousal maintenance agreement or related documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have another question that hasn't been answered? Get in touch with our team and we'll help answer all your questions.
Is mediation suitable for everyone?
Mediation offers an alternative dispute resolution option for many family law matters, but it may not suit cases involving family violence, child safety risks or parties unwilling to negotiate. A qualified mediator can assess suitability before the process begins.
What fees are involved with mediation?
Fees can include an initial intake session, the mediation conference itself, lawyer support, and drafting or formalising agreements. Legal aid may be available in some cases, and costs vary depending on mediator accreditation, session length, and additional professional support.
What are the four types of mediation?
Common types include facilitative mediation, evaluative mediation, transformative mediation, and narrative mediation. Each approach varies in structure and focus, from guiding negotiations to empowering parties to resolve disputes collaboratively under the guidance of an accredited mediator.
In Australian family law matters, mediation is usually conducted as family dispute resolution (FDR), typically using a facilitative style, guided by an accredited family dispute resolution practitioner to help parties reach agreements on parenting, property, or financial matters.
How are mediation agreements formalised?
Mediation agreements can be formalised as consent orders through the family court or incorporated into legally binding documents, such as parenting orders or binding financial agreements. This ensures the terms are enforceable and compliant with family law requirements.
What are the disadvantages of mediation?
Mediation may not resolve all issues, especially if parties are uncooperative or power imbalances exist. Agreements may require follow-up or legal formalisation, and unresolved disputes might still proceed to the court, prolonging the resolution process.
What is the role of a lawyer in mediation?
A mediation lawyer provides guidance on rights, obligations, and legal options, helps prepare for sessions, advises during negotiations, and ensures that any agreement reached aligns with the law. They may also assist in formalising agreements into enforceable court orders.
Book your free 20-minute discovery call with a mediation lawyer.
Take the first step towards clarity and support. Book online using the button below, and one of our mediation lawyers will contact you to discuss your circumstances and provide initial guidance.
