Family Law Mediation Melbourne
Assisting Melbourne families in resolving parenting and property matters with family law mediation and dispute resolution services.
Expert Mediators
Out Of Court Solutions
Parenting & Property Matters
Resolve Your Family Law Matter With Our Melbourne Mediation Team
Our experienced Melbourne team of family law mediators offer FDR and mediation services to support separated couples and co-parents in resolving their family law disputes. Through respectful, solutions-focused mediation, we provide a structured and supportive environment to resolve disputes without the need for court, reducing conflict and emotional stress.
Whether you’re seeking clarity around care arrangements, a fair property settlement or support with child support negotiations, we are here to help you reach lasting agreements with your ex-partner that provide stability and peace of mind for the future.
Book a Free Introductory Session
How Does Family Law Mediation & Dispute Resolution Help Separated Families?
Separation involves more than just legal paperwork – it can affect every part of life, including parenting arrangements, property division and child support. For most people, the thought of going to court for a family matter is daunting. Booking a Family Dispute Resolution or Family Mediation session often allows separated couples to address property and family disputes without the need for court proceedings.
Resolving family law disputes in a mediation setting allows parties involved to arrive at their own decisions about their family and finances, without the matter being decided by a Judge. This can make the separation process far less stressful, and also, less costly.
What Family Law Matters Can Be Resolved Using Mediation?
Mediation and family dispute resolution practitioners work with individuals, separated parents and families across a wide range of family law matters, including parenting plans, dividing property, Consent Orders, child support and spousal maintenance.
The aim of mediation is to create actionable, workable solutions that represent the best interests of both parties in a neutral, low-pressure, cost-effective environment. Mediation and FDR aim to facilitate a collaborative approach between people involved. Mediation can be used even when there is a higher level of conflict, as long as both parties are willing to make a genuine effort and it is safe for them to do attend.
Areas of Practice
Our team provides family dispute resolution services and comprehensive support for a wide range of family law matters.
Family Law
Divorce & Separation
Children & Custody
Binding Financial Agreements
Property Settlement
Family Violence
Intervention Orders
Same Sex Divorce
How does the family law mediation process work?
Mediation and family dispute resolution works by providing separating, or separated, couples a neutral space to discuss their matters and, in most cases, reach agreement as to how to best resolve things. The setting provides more structure than a personal discussion, and is much less formal than family court proceedings.
Who facilitates family law mediation sessions?
Mediation for family law matters may be facilitated by a family lawyer who is also a mediator or a mediator from a different career background. In almost all cases, mediation is confidential, and sessions take place in a welcoming and safe environment.
Supporting You Through The Family Law Mediation Process
Our accredited mediators provide a calm, neutral space to resolve parenting, property, and child support matters. We guide both parties toward fair, workable solutions—without going to court.
With impartial support and clear communication, we help you move forward with confidence and clarity.
Work with Testart’s Melbourne Family Law & Mediation Experts
At Testart Family Lawyers, we combine legal expertise with genuine care to guide you through property settlements, parenting arrangements and family dispute resolution. Whether you’re considering separation or addressing a complex family matter, our team is here to support you with clarity and compassion, every step of the way.
Step 1: Free Introductory Session
We start by listening. In your free session, we get to know you, your situation and what matters most.
Step 2: Strategy Session
Next, we design a personalised plan with practical legal solutions that reflect your goals and needs.
Step 3: Engage Our Support
From initiating mediation through to resolution, we’ll handle your family law matter with integrity and professionalism, so you can focus on moving forward.
Book a Free Introductory Session
Let Testart Family Lawyers support you during this challenging period. Reach out today to schedule your free introductory appointment.
Call Us
Address
Level 3, 489 Toorak Road
Toorak VIC 3142
Open Hours - By Appointment
Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm
Closed Sat - Sun
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find a good mediator?
To find a qualified family law mediator in Australia, simply get in touch – or you can view practitioners via the Australian Attorney-General’s Department’s Family Dispute Resolution Register, which lists accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners (FDRPs).
You can also search via the Australian Mediation Association or the Resolution Institute, or use services like Relationships Australia, which offer accredited mediators nationwide. Look for someone accredited under the Family Law (Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners) Regulations 2008.
What is shuttle mediation?
Shuttle mediation is a process in which the parties do not meet face-to-face. Instead, the mediator moves between separate rooms (physically or virtually), relaying messages, offers, and responses. It is often used when there is a history of domestic violence, high conflict, or emotional safety is a concern.
Can my lawyer come to mediation?
Yes, in most cases, your lawyer can attend mediation, particularly in private mediations or lawyer-assisted family dispute resolution. However, for FDR conducted through government-funded providers, such as Relationships Australia or a Family Relationship Centre, lawyer attendance may be restricted or require prior approval.
What is the difference between mediation and Family Dispute Resolution (FDR)?
Mediation is a broad, general process where a neutral third party facilitates negotiation between parties in conflict. It can apply to any dispute (not just family law). Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) is a specialised form of mediation under the Family Law Act 1975, specifically designed for resolving parenting and family law financial disputes. It can only be conducted by accredited FDR Practitioners.
What does the mediation or FDR process involve?
The Mediation/FDR Process is generally as follows:
- Intake assessment: The mediator ensures the matter is suitable (screening for family violence or power imbalance).
- Session scheduling: This may be a joint session or shuttle mediation.
- Negotiation: Facilitated by a mediator, focusing on reaching an agreement.
- Outcome: If agreement is reached, it can be documented in a parenting plan or used to apply for consent orders.
What matters are suitable for family law mediation?
Family law mediation (including FDR) is suitable for:
- Parenting arrangements (time with children, decision-making)
- Property settlements (division of assets, superannuation, debts)
- Spousal maintenance
- Child support agreements (if relatively straightforward)
What matters are not suitable for family law mediation?
Mediation may not be suitable if there is:
- Family violence or abuse (past or current)
- Child abuse or risk to children’s safety
- Severe power imbalance
- Highly complex financial structures or hidden assets
- Urgent legal matters (e.g., child abduction or threats to safety)
- One party is unwilling or unable to participate meaningfully
In such cases, court intervention or lawyer-led negotiation may be more appropriate.
What are the alternatives to mediation in Australia?
Alternatives to mediation include:
- Direct negotiation between parties
- Negotiation through lawyers
- Collaborative law (each party has a lawyer committed to out-of-court resolution)
- Arbitration (binding decision for property matters only)
- Filing an application in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA)
If the other party doesn’t want to attend mediation, what do I do?
If the other party refuses mediation for a parenting matter, you can request that the FDR practitioner issue a section 60I certificate stating:
- One party did not attend, or
- Mediation was attempted but was unsuccessful.
This certificate is required before applying to court for parenting orders (unless an exception applies, e.g. family violence or urgency).
What is a section 60I certificate?
Under Section 60I of the Family Law Act 1975, a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner can issue a certificate confirming if:
- Either person did not attend FDR;
- Either person did not make a genuine effort;
- FDR was inappropriate; or
- FDR was attempted but failed.
This certificate is mandatory before filing parenting proceedings, unless an exemption applies.
What happens if we cannot resolve parenting or property matters in mediation?
If mediation or FDR is unsuccessful, the following steps are:
- For parenting matters, you may apply to the court for consent or parenting orders. A section 60I certificate is usually required.
- For property matters, you can apply for consent orders (if an agreement is reached later) or initiate court proceedings for financial orders.
In both cases, legal advice is recommended before proceeding.