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Family Law Mediation

No family matter is unsolvable — explore resolution through mediation.

Why Justice Family Lawyers for Your Mediation Matters

We possess specialised expertise in family law, enabling us to conduct mediation with a high level of professional insight. Our skilled family law mediators in Sydney excel in fostering a calm, cooperative environment that encourages practical outcomes over prolonged conflict.

Each of our family law mediators is trained to guide discussions thoughtfully, ensuring both parties feel heard and respected. This balanced approach increases the chances of reaching sustainable agreements.

Upholding strict confidentiality, we ensure that all discussions and agreements made during family law mediation in Sydney remain private and protected, giving clients peace of mind throughout the process.

We are mindful of the emotional stress that can come with separation and conflict. Throughout each session, our team creates a supportive setting that reduces pressure and helps you focus on the issues that matter most.

Choosing our firm for family law mediation in Sydney also means choosing a cost-effective and timely resolution path. Avoiding court often leads to quicker outcomes and allows you to move forward with greater clarity.

Laila Sayed - Family law mediation

Family law mediation in Sydney offers families a practical way to resolve disputes without going to court. Whether you’re dealing with parenting disagreements, property division, or support arrangements, mediation allows both parties to find common ground with the help of a neutral professional.

Our approach to family law mediation in Sydney focuses on respect, understanding, and solutions that benefit everyone involved—especially children. It’s a voluntary process that puts decision-making in your hands rather than leaving it to a judge.

Our Services

At Justice Family Lawyers, our family law mediation in Sydney services are designed to meet the unique needs of families at different stages of separation, conflict, or parenting transitions. Each mediation session is carefully structured to reflect the specific issues involved and to support the emotional and practical challenges that may arise.

We provide the following services:

Parenting Mediation
Focused on creating workable parenting plans that prioritise the best interests of the child. This includes day-to-day care, holiday arrangements, communication schedules, and decision-making responsibilities.

Child Support Mediation
Helps parents discuss and agree on financial support for their children. This includes payments for education, healthcare, and extracurricular needs—ensuring both parties understand their obligations and reach a fair contribution arrangement.

Mediation for Children
Involves age-appropriate discussions or consideration of the child’s needs when planning parenting or relocation arrangements. While children do not usually attend, their well-being is central to the outcome, and their perspective may be represented through indirect means.

Our experienced family law mediators approach every session with the goal of promoting respectful dialogue, reducing conflict, and helping families move forward with confidence. We adapt our process to suit the nature of the dispute, whether it’s urgent, complex, or emotionally sensitive.

Family Court Mediation
For matters already before the court, mediation can be arranged to help parties resolve outstanding issues without the need for further hearings. It can lead to faster settlements and reduce the burden of ongoing litigation.

Property Settlement Mediation
Assists separated couples in identifying, valuing, and dividing assets and liabilities. This can include real estate, superannuation, debts, and personal belongings. Our family law mediators in Sydney guide discussions to achieve clarity and fairness.

Separation Mediation
Supports couples during the early stages of separation to reach agreement on temporary living arrangements, financial responsibilities, and how to inform children of the changes. It sets a foundation for more structured discussions that may follow.

Reviews

I recently had a few consults with Harpreet Bawa. I consulted Harpreet after an extremely unsatisfactory experience with Unified Lawyers. Sadly, my representation by one of the team at Unified Lawyers, confirmed the negative stereotype, that lawyers only care about money and have no qualms fleecing even the more financially vulnerable. In stark contrast, my experience with Harpreet and Justice Family Lawyers, has renewed my faith in the legal profession. In my opinion, Harpreet is very knowledgeable in legal matters and was also really patient and articulate, in explaining processes, in detail, to a layman (such as myself). But more importantly, Harpreet has clearly managed to maintain his integrity in a field, in which (I am told) it is quite difficult to do so.
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Lyndall Nash
23/05/25
I want to sincerely thank Justice Family Lawyers for their professionalism, support, and guidance during this challenging time in my life. From the very beginning, the team provided clear legal advice, helping me navigate a complex situation with confidence. Their responsiveness and attention to detail ensured that I fully understood my options, and their expertise gave me peace of mind throughout the process. I truly appreciate their dedication and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome. The level of care and professionalism they demonstrated exceeded my expectations, and I highly recommend Justice Family Lawyers to anyone seeking reliable and compassionate legal assistance.
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Jacobo P
25/03/25
Excellent service, very understanding and knowledgeable.
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Barnaby Andrews
03/12/24
I worked with Hayder and his team on my legal matter, and I was impressed by their professionalism and attentiveness. They truly listened to my concerns and understood exactly what I needed. I highly recommend their services.
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Disinga Katonibau
18/10/24
Julianne helped my partner with a criminal matter at the last minute, without any hesitation. Her clear advice was invaluable during a time when we felt lost and unsure of what to do. Even after the case was resolved, she took the time to check in on us, which meant so much. If you’re looking for a lawyer who not only gets the job done but also shows genuine care and empathy, I highly recommend Justice Family Lawyers.
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Melissa Rizzo
21/09/24
I worked with Hayder and his team on my legal matter, and I was impressed by their professionalism and attentiveness. They truly listened to my concerns and understood exactly what I needed. I highly recommend their services.
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Disinga K
20/09/24

How Does Mediation Work in Family Law?

Mediation in Family Law

Mediation is often the first formal step when disputes arise in family matters. The aim is to reach mutual agreement through structured discussion led by a qualified professional, often referred to as a Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) practitioner.

Role of FDR Practitioners

FDR practitioners are impartial professionals with training in dispute resolution. They guide discussions on parenting, finances, and other family-related issues, helping parties consider outcomes without judgment. These roles are typically filled by family law mediators in Sydney, especially in formal mediation sessions.

Safe Environment

Safety and comfort are priorities during family law mediation in Sydney. Whether the session is held in person or via shuttle format (where parties remain in separate rooms), the process is designed to make everyone feel secure and supported.

Break Family Court Orders 1 - Family law mediation
Issue Identification

One of the key benefits of working with experienced family law mediators is their ability to clarify the real points of disagreement. By breaking down complex issues, the mediator helps reduce tension and creates a clear focus for resolution.

Mediation Formats

Family law mediation in Sydney can be conducted in different ways—face-to-face, online, via telephone, or shuttle mediation if safety is a concern. Each format ensures both parties have a voice while being protected from undue stress.

Shuttle Mediation

When needed, our family law mediators conduct shuttle mediation. This involves moving between separate spaces to carry messages and proposals, avoiding direct interaction while still progressing the discussion.

Confidentiality

Mediation is a confidential process. What is said during mediation generally cannot be used in court, except in limited circumstances such as risk of harm or abuse. This allows clients to speak more openly during family law mediation in Sydney.

what is mediation in family law

What is Mediation in Family Law?

Family law mediation in Sydney is a structured process that allows separating couples or family members to discuss their issues with the help of a trained and neutral third party. Unlike court proceedings, mediation focuses on open dialogue, mutual understanding, and long-term solutions that everyone involved can agree to.

In many cases, mediation offers a more respectful and efficient path to resolution. It’s particularly helpful when communication has broken down or when emotions are running high, but both parties still want to avoid a drawn-out legal battle. The process is flexible, allowing parties to resolve a wide range of family law issues without going through court hearings.

Professional family law mediators facilitate these sessions by keeping conversations on track, diffusing conflict, and helping both sides focus on practical outcomes. These mediators do not make decisions for you. Instead, they create a calm environment where parties are empowered to make their own informed choices.

Using family law mediators in Sydney also ensures the process is guided by someone familiar with Australian family law principles. This helps prevent misunderstandings and keeps discussions aligned with legal expectations, even though mediation itself is not about assigning blame or making rulings.

mediation for children | Justice Family Lawyers

While family law mediation in Sydney is encouraged in most parenting and property cases, there are circumstances where it may be skipped or delayed. Exemptions apply when:

There’s an immediate risk of harm to a child or adult

If there is evidence of family violence, abuse, or threats to safety, the court may decide that mediation is not suitable. Protecting vulnerable individuals always takes priority over mediation efforts.

One party is unwilling or unable to attend

Mediation requires voluntary participation. If one party outright refuses to engage or cannot attend due to health, disability, or other legitimate reasons, an exemption may be granted.

Urgent court intervention is necessary

In cases involving time-sensitive matters—such as preventing a parent from relocating with a child or securing urgent financial relief—family law mediation in Sydney may not provide a quick enough response. The court can be approached directly in these situations.

A consent order has already been prepared and agreed upon

When both parties have already reached an agreement and are applying to the court for a consent order, there’s no need to mediate. Mediation is designed to help parties reach agreement, so if agreement already exists, it becomes unnecessary.

Mediation was previously attempted but did not resolve the issues

If the parties have already participated in a previous mediation session and the issues remain unresolved, the court may accept that further mediation would not be productive. In such cases, parties may proceed to court with evidence of their prior attempt.

Whether court-ordered or voluntary, mediation gives families a chance to take control of their situation, reduce conflict, and lay the groundwork for more cooperative co-parenting or financial arrangements in the future.

We address all aspects of family law

Your journey, our advocacy.

AVO 1 - Family law mediation

AVO

Child Custody - Family law mediation

Child Custody

Child Support 1 - Family law mediation

Child Support

Consent Orders 1 - Family law mediation

Consent
Orders

De facto - Family law mediation

De Facto Property Settlement

Divorce 2 - Family law mediation

Divorce

Mediation 1 - Family law mediation

Mediation

Prenup Icon - Family law mediation

Prenup

Property Settlement - Family law mediation

Property Settlement

Separation 1 - Family law mediation

Separation

Wills - Family law mediation

Wills and Estates

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if we can’t agree during mediation?

If mediation doesn’t result in an agreement, you can proceed to court. However, mediation helps clarify your concerns and may still narrow down the unresolved issues.

Is mediation mandatory before court?

In most parenting matters, yes. You usually need a certificate showing you’ve tried family law mediation in Sydney before filing court documents, unless an exemption applies.

Who pays for mediation?

Costs are often shared equally, but arrangements can vary. Some services offer government-funded mediation. Private family law mediators in Sydney may charge professional fees based on time or session length.

Can lawyers be present during mediation?

Yes. While not always necessary, your lawyer can attend or assist you beforehand to ensure you understand your rights and prepare for discussions.

What if there’s been family violence?

Mediation may not be appropriate in such cases. Let your lawyer or the mediator know, and safety protocols—such as shuttle mediation—can be arranged, or court proceedings may be recommended instead.

Learn what steps you can take next.​

Ready to Resolve Family Disputes with Clarity and Care?

Choose Justice Family Lawyers for compassionate, clear, and professional support throughout your family law mediation in Sydney. Our experienced family law mediators understand the sensitive nature of family conflict and are here to help you reach practical, respectful solutions.

Whether you’re dealing with parenting issues, property division, or separation arrangements, our trusted family law mediators in Sydney will guide you through the process with empathy and precision.

Speak with our team today to book your initial consultation. Let us help you move forward with strength and support.

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