Court is not the only option. For most families navigating separation, it is not the best option either.
At Village Family Lawyers, our mediation support is built on something most firms cannot offer: two lawyers who are Nationally Accredited Mediators.
Family law litigation is expensive, slow, and adversarial. A contested court matter can take years. The outcome is decided by a judge who will hear your matter for only a fraction of the time it takes to get there.
Mediation is private, structured, and focused on reaching a workable agreement that both parties have a genuine say in. For families with children, it also models the cooperative communication that co-parenting will require long after the legal matter is over.
Most family lawyers support clients through mediation without formal training in how the process actually works.
Lauren Wilson and Maria Stipic are Nationally Accredited Mediators under the National Mediator Accreditation System. This reflects formal training and assessed competency in mediation process, dynamics, and practice.
They do not conduct mediation sessions. What their accreditation gives them is an intimate, inside understanding of how mediation works: how sessions are structured, where negotiations typically stall, what preparation produces genuine outcomes, and how to position clients to negotiate effectively under pressure.
Clients supported by lawyers with this level of mediation knowledge are better prepared, better protected, and significantly more likely to reach agreements that genuinely reflect their legal entitlements.
Around 90% of matters we support through mediation resolve without court. That is not a coincidence.
A dedicated 90-minute preparation session at a fixed fee of $750 including GST.
We review your legal position, identify priorities and non-negotiables, develop a negotiation strategy, and prepare you for the dynamics of the session itself. A written letter of advice follows the conference.
Clients who enter mediation prepared consistently reach better outcomes.
We attend mediation with clients as their lawyer, advising throughout the session, ensuring proposals are legally sound, and protecting clients from agreements that do not reflect their entitlements.
Having a lawyer in the room who deeply understands the mediation process, not just the law, makes a material difference to both the experience and the outcome.
Reaching agreement is only the beginning. That agreement must be formalised to be enforceable.
We translate mediated outcomes into consent orders or binding financial agreements: precisely drafted, court-compliant, and protected against future dispute. This step is critical and should never be skipped.
Family Dispute Resolution is a form of mediation required by law before most parenting court applications can be filed. A Section 60I certificate from an accredited practitioner is required. We advise on whether this applies to your matter and guide you through the process, including whether any exemptions apply.
Here is what to expect when you book with Village Family Lawyers in Mount Eliza or Malvern.
Use our online booking form or call 1300 413 997. Choose in person at Mount Eliza or Malvern, or secure phone or video.
A calm, guided conversation in plain English. Your lawyer will listen to your situation and explain your rights and options clearly.
You leave with practical next steps tailored to your situation, protecting your family, your finances, and your future.
Mornington Peninsula and Bayside clients
Melbourne inner east and citywide clients
Discovery Calls are made over the telephone and all other consultations are available via a secure online video call.
All consultations available in person or by phone and secure video. Three ways to connect:
Not sure yet? Book a free 15-minute Discovery Call.
Free
15 min
Initial Consultation
90 min
Pre-mediation conference
90 min
For parenting matters, yes. Australian law requires parties to attempt Family Dispute Resolution before filing most parenting court applications. For property matters, mediation is strongly encouraged but the formal requirement differs. We advise on your specific obligations.
A dedicated 90-minute preparation session at a fixed fee of $750 including GST. We review your position, develop your strategy, and prepare you for how the session will run. A written letter of advice follows. Clients who prepare this way consistently negotiate more effectively.
We can provide a Section 60I certificate confirming mediation was attempted or was not possible. This allows you to proceed to court if necessary. A refusal to engage can also be relevant to how costs are assessed.
The agreement must be formalised into a legal document to be enforceable. We prepare consent orders or a binding financial agreement. Skipping this step leaves the agreement unenforceable.
Mediation is suitable for a wide range of conflict levels. It is generally not appropriate where family violence is a factor, where there is a significant power imbalance, or where one party is acting in clear bad faith. We assess each situation honestly and advise accordingly.
If you want to understand whether mediation can work for your situation, and how to approach it with the best possible preparation, the first step is a conversation.
