Mediation in family law involves two parties meeting with an independent third party (called a Mediator) to try and come to an agreement regarding their family law parenting and/or property settlement.

The aim of the mediation process is for the parties to come to an agreement between themselves without the delay and expense of going through the court process. Alternative Dispute Resolution processes such as mediation are often effective, and therefore form an essential part of the settlement process.

The Mediator’s role is to try and assist the two if you to reach an agreement. However, Mediators will not give you legal advice, so if you are considering attending mediation, you first need to consider whether you want to be accompanied by a lawyer. If you want to attend without a lawyer, it is important that you first obtain independent legal advice before the Mediation. It is also often a good idea to seek further legal advice before signing any agreements. Unlike a Judge or Registrar of the Court, a mediator is not able to impose a decision on you or our former partner. Mediation (like Collaborative Law) puts the power to reach an agreement in your hands.