Family Law Dispute Resolution

Most family law matters are resolved without a judge making the final decision. Dispute resolution provides parties with the opportunity to reach an agreement outside of court, typically faster and less expensively than litigation, and with greater control over the outcome.

Is This the Right Service for You?

You may need dispute resolution advice if:

You want to resolve parenting or financial disputes without going to court

You have been asked to attend family dispute resolution and need a lawyer to advise you before and during the process

You need a section 60I certificate before filing a parenting application with the court

You want to explore mediation, collaborative law, or arbitration as an alternative to litigation

You are in court proceedings and want to explore settlement options before a final hearing

Your former partner has refused to engage in dispute resolution and you need advice on your next steps

You want legal representation in a conciliation conference listed by the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia

Our Dispute Resolution Services

Family dispute resolution advice and preparation: We advise you on what to expect from the FDR process, how to prepare, and what your legal position is before you sit down with a mediator. Knowing where you stand before the session significantly affects the outcome.

Lawyer-assisted mediation: We attend mediation with you, advise you during the session, and help you assess any proposed agreement before you commit to it. An agreement reached in mediation without legal advice can create problems that take years to undo.

Section 60I certificates: Before you can file a parenting application with the court, you must have a valid section 60I certificate confirming you have attempted family dispute resolution. We advise on the process, the exemptions that apply in cases of family violence or urgency, and what happens if the other party refuses to participate.

Arbitration: For financial and property disputes, arbitration provides a binding decision from an independent arbitrator without the delays and formality of a court hearing. The arbitrator's decision is binding and can be registered as a court order. We advise on whether arbitration is appropriate for your matter and represent you through the process.

Collaborative law: Collaborative law involves both parties and their lawyers committing to resolve the dispute outside court, typically through a series of structured meetings. Other professionals such as financial advisers or child specialists can be included. We advise on whether the collaborative process suits your circumstances and act as your collaborative lawyer throughout.

Conciliation conference representation: The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia lists conciliation conferences in financial matters, conducted by a Registrar who can assist parties to reach agreement. We represent you at the conference and advise on any agreement reached before it is formalised.

What to Expect When You Work With Us

Step 1: Tell us your situation.

You speak with one of our lawyers about your dispute, what has been tried so far, and what outcome you are trying to achieve. We advise on which dispute resolution process is most appropriate for your circumstances and what is required before any proceedings can be filed.

Step 2: We prepare you.

Before any mediation, FDR session, or collaborative meeting, we advise you on your legal position, what you are entitled to, and what a reasonable outcome looks like. Going into dispute resolution without that knowledge puts you at a significant disadvantage.

Step 3: We participate with you.

Depending on the process chosen, we attend with you, advise you during the session, and help you evaluate any proposed agreement in real time. We do not leave you to navigate the process alone.

Step 4: We formalise the outcome.

If you reach agreement, we prepare the consent orders or binding financial agreement that makes it legally enforceable. An agreement reached in dispute resolution has no legal force until it is properly documented and filed.

Why Choose Family Lawyer AU for Dispute Resolution?

No Hidden Fees

You receive a written cost estimate before we begin any work. No hidden fees, no bill shock, and no ambiguity about what you are paying for.

Nationwide Services

We work with clients across every state and territory in Australia. Whether you are in Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, or anywhere in between, consultations are available by phone and video.

Personalised and Strategic Advice

The right dispute resolution process depends on your specific dispute, your relationship with the other party, the complexity of your financial and parenting arrangements, and what you are trying to achieve. We give you advice built around your circumstances, not a generic recommendation that the same process suits every family.

Costs and Timeframes

Dispute resolution is almost always less expensive than court proceedings. The cost depends on the process chosen, the complexity of the dispute, and how many sessions are required. We provide a written cost estimate before any work begins.

Family dispute resolution for parenting matters typically takes one to three sessions with an accredited practitioner, plus preparation time with us. Arbitration and collaborative law involve more structured processes and we advise on expected costs before you commit.

Agreements reached through dispute resolution can often be formalised within weeks. Compare this to contested court proceedings, which can take twelve months or more to reach a final hearing. The time and cost savings of resolving matters by agreement are significant.

Call 1300 717 173 or book online to discuss which dispute resolution process is right for your circumstances.

Related Services

Children and Parenting — Parenting orders, consent orders and parenting applications where dispute resolution has not resolved the matter.

Property and Financial Settlements — Dividing assets and liabilities after separation, by agreement or through the courts.

Separation — Immediate legal advice on your rights and obligations from the moment you separate.

Divorce — The formal legal process for ending a marriage under Australian law.

Family Violence — Urgent protection orders where dispute resolution is not safe or appropriate.

Speak With a Dispute Resolution Lawyer Today

Resolving your matter by agreement is almost always better than letting a court decide. We are here to help you get there.

We are based at Level 45, 600 Bourke Street, Melbourne. Consultations are available in person, by phone, and by video.

Call 1300 717 173 or book online. All enquiries are confidential.