Family Mediation in Melbourne
Expert Family Lawyers
Comprehensive Mediation Services
Family mediation is a voluntary, confidential process that helps separating couples reach agreement on parenting arrangements and property settlements without going to court.
MST Lawyers offers family mediation in Melbourne, facilitated by accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners (FDRPs) experienced in both parenting and financial disputes.
Our mediation services are available from our Mount Waverley office, with video appointments also available.
Is family mediation required before going to court?
Under s60I of the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), parties are required to attempt Family Dispute Resolution before making parenting applications to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, unless the matter involves family violence, risk of child abuse, or urgency. The mediator issues a Section 60I certificate confirming whether FDR was attempted — this certificate is required before most parenting applications can be filed.
What is family mediation in Australia?
Family mediation is a process under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) in which an accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP) helps separating parties resolve parenting and financial disputes without litigation.
What we do
Our Family Law Team supports clients across Melbourne and Australia with a wide range of issues. Our purpose is to help you plan for a positive future. Mediation is an alternative to expensive and emotionally draining court proceedings.
Thorough Intake Sessions
We ensure that mediation is right for your circumstances with a detailed intake session.
Equality in Discussions
We maintain equality throughout discussions and negotiations during the mediation.
Comfortable and Safe Environment
We provide a comfortable and safe environment to conduct the mediation.
Support and Guidance
We offer support and guidance to facilitate successful negotiations.
Process Assistance
We assist you throughout the mediation process to ensure it moves smoothly.
Written Terms of Settlement
We prepare written terms of settlement for both parties to sign if an agreement is reached.
Our fees
We are reliable, we are empathetic, we listen, we formulate strategies and outcomes to assist you in reaching a resolution.
First Tier
- Issues in dispute: Either property OR parenting
- Intake session with each party separately
- Mediation session: ½ day
- Half Day $880 (incl. GST)
Second Tier
- Issues in dispute: Property AND parenting
- Intake session with each party separately
- Mediation session: Full day
- Full Day $1,850 (incl. GST)
- Our process
We empower you to move forward
Prior to the Mediation
The mediator will contact each party separately to introduce themselves and provide information about the mediation process.
How to Prepare for Mediation
- Your goals and what you hope to achieve at the mediation
- The issues in dispute
- A brief summary of the issues in dispute
- The compromises that you may be willing to consider to settle the dispute
The Mediation
In a mediation, the mediator will assist the parties to:
- Identify and explore the issues in dispute
- Listen to each other
- Develop options and consider alternatives
- Facilitate positive negotiation
- Maintain focus and settlement objectives
Meet the lawyers dedicated to your success
The Family Law Legal Team
Expert family law services that support you through separation, parenting, and legal processes with clarity, compassion, and compliance.