Family Law Mediation & Dispute Resolution Services
- Expert guidance for peaceful dispute resolution.
- Confidential mediation tailored to your situation
- Minimise stress with confidential mediation processes.
- Experienced mediators focused on your family's best interests.
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Our Services
Our Family Law Mediation Services
At LawBridge, we offer dedicated family law mediation and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services designed to help you navigate separation and divorce constructively. We aim to assist you to reach an agreement and make decisions concerning your children, property, and finances without the stress and expense of going to court.
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Family Law Mediation
Family law mediation is a voluntary and confidential process led by an impartial mediator. It offers a safe, structured setting where separating couples can communicate openly, identify key issues, and explore mutually acceptable solutions. The mediator facilitates discussion but doesn’t offer legal advice or make decisions.
Mediation can help resolve matters like:
Parenting arrangements and parenting plans
Division of property and financial assets
Spousal maintenance
Why choose mediation:
Mediation is often quicker, more affordable, and less stressful than litigation. It gives you more control over the outcome and encourages constructive communication. If successful, agreements can be made legally binding through consent orders. In parenting matters, attempting mediation (Family Dispute Resolution) is usually required before applying to court, and may result in a Section 60I certificate.
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Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
ADR offers additional ways to resolve family law matters outside court. These include negotiation, collaborative law, arbitration, and conciliation conferences—each with different benefits depending on your situation.
Types of ADR:
Negotiation – Informal discussions between parties, often with legal support, to find common ground.
Collaborative Law – A respectful team-based process where all parties agree not to go to court and work together with lawyers and specialists.
Arbitration – A private, binding process for financial/property matters where an arbitrator makes a final decision.
Conciliation Conferences – Often court-related, these sessions involve a Registrar helping parties explore settlement options without imposing decisions.
ADR can reduce conflict and deliver faster, more personalised outcomes. Our team at LawBridge will help you choose the best pathway based on your needs and circumstances.
Our Mediation & Dispute Resolution Process
At LawBridge, we guide you through every step of the family law mediation and dispute resolution process with care and clarity. Our goal is to help you resolve parenting and financial matters without going to court, offering a structured pathway to reach fair, lasting agreements.
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Consultation & Assessment
Your journey begins with an initial consultation, where our accredited practitioner will:
Discuss your family situation and the key issues in dispute
Explain the mediation process and your options
Assess if mediation or another ADR method is suitable—especially in cases involving family violence
Guide you on preparation, the role of the mediator, and the relevance of a Section 60I certificate if required for court applications
This stage ensures safety, clarity, and readiness before proceeding.
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Mediation Sessions
If mediation is appropriate, we facilitate structured and confidential sessions led by a qualified mediator. These sessions allow both parties to:
Discuss concerns openly
Explore options
Work toward a mutually acceptable agreement
Support persons (e.g. a lawyer or trusted individual) may attend if agreed by both parties. The mediator ensures the conversation remains respectful, focused, and productive.
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Finalising Agreements
Once an agreement is reached, we assist with:
Documenting the outcome as a parenting plan or draft consent orders
Ensuring clarity and legal enforceability
Guiding you through the steps to formalise your agreement without court involvement
We support you throughout this final stage, helping you move forward with confidence and peace of mind.
100% Obligation-Free
Speak to one of our Experienced Lawyers Today
Why Choose LawBridge for Family Law Mediation and Dispute Resolution
Choosing the right support during a family law dispute is essential. At LawBridge, we provide professional, client-centred family law mediation and dispute resolution services that help you make informed decisions—often without going to court. Our approach prioritises effective outcomes and the well-being of your family.
Experienced & Accredited Mediators
Our team includes skilled mediators and accredited family dispute resolution practitioners who guide you through the process with care. We support decision-making around parenting, property, and financial matters using proven methods tailored to your situation.
Client-Focused Support
We centre our services around your needs, offering personalised guidance and access to legal advice when needed. Whether preparing for mediation or formalising agreements, we’re here to support your goals every step of the way.
Confidential & Safe Environment
All sessions are conducted with strict confidentiality, allowing open and respectful discussions—crucial for resolving sensitive issues like parenting plans or financial agreements.
What Our Clients Say
Our clients trust LawBridge to provide clear, reliable & practical legal support.
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Team
Our Family Law Mediation Team
At LawBridge, our family law mediation team is committed to helping you resolve disputes with professionalism, empathy, and efficiency. We understand the challenges that come with family law matters and are here to support you through the mediation process—often avoiding the need for court.
Adam Jacobs
Partner & Co-Founder
Ramia Abdo Sultan
Partner & Co-Founder
Mohamad Kammoun
Managing Partner & Co-Founder
Practice Areas
Our Expertise
LawBridge offers specialised legal counsel tailored to the unique needs of the not-for-profit sector. Leveraging deep experience within charities and educational institutions, we provide guidance on governance, compliance, structuring, and operational matters, helping organisations advance their mission effectively.
LawBridge delivers specialised conveyancing solutions designed for the property development sector. We manage complex transactions, including off-the-plan contracts and large-scale settlements, ensuring your projects progress efficiently, mitigate risks, and achieve successful, timely completions.
We provide commercially astute legal advice and solutions for businesses operating in NSW and across Australia. From corporate structuring and transactions to litigation and compliance, our focus is on delivering pragmatic strategies that protect your interests and drive your commercial objectives forward.
We understand that personal legal matters require sensitivity and expertise. LawBridge provides clear, practical advice on personal law issues including family law, wills, and estate planning, ensuring your personal interests and assets are protected with a strategic, results-oriented approach.
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Preparing for Mediation
Proper preparation is essential for making the most of your family law mediation or family dispute resolution (FDR) session. It helps you approach the process with confidence, make informed decisions, and increase the likelihood of reaching a fair agreement on issues such as parenting arrangements or property settlements—without going to court.
Key Preparation Steps
1. Gather Information
Collect relevant documents such as financial records, asset and liability details, children’s schedules, and past agreements or court orders. Being organised ensures a smoother mediation and promotes full disclosure for fair outcomes.
2. Know Your Legal Position
Seek legal advice before attending mediation. A lawyer can help you understand your rights, responsibilities, and possible outcomes, allowing you to negotiate from a place of knowledge. Remember, mediators do not offer legal advice—they guide the process, not the content of the agreement.
3. Consider Support Persons
You may bring a support person, such as a lawyer, friend, or family member—if agreed upon by both parties and the mediator. Legal representation is especially helpful when complex issues are involved or if you want support in formalising the agreement.
Addressing Safety Concerns
In Cases of Family Violence
If there’s a history of family violence or safety concerns, inform your dispute resolution provider during the intake process. Practitioners will assess if mediation is safe and suitable. If direct mediation isn’t appropriate, other options may include:
Shuttle Mediation – Separate rooms with the mediator moving between parties
Remote Mediation – Online or phone sessions for added safety
Section 60I Certificate – Issued if mediation isn’t suitable, allowing court proceedings for parenting orders
Safety and wellbeing are paramount. Practitioners can also refer you to relevant support services as needed.
Family Law Mediation in NSW
In New South Wales, mediation and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) offer practical ways to resolve family law issues without going to court. These approaches aim to reduce conflict, save time and cost, and support ongoing family relationships—especially where children are involved.
Understanding Family Law Mediation
Mediation involves a neutral third party helping families reach agreements on matters like parenting, property, and finances. It encourages open discussion and collaborative decision-making in a supportive setting. Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) focuses specifically on helping separated families settle disputes respectfully and effectively.
How LawBridge Can Help
At LawBridge, we guide clients through the mediation and ADR process with care and clarity. Our team provides legal support, helps you prepare for sessions, and works to secure fair and lasting agreements. Whether it’s parenting plans or property settlements, we aim to help you resolve disputes with confidence and avoid unnecessary court proceedings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re considering family dispute resolution or mediation, it’s natural to have questions. Below are answers to some of the most common queries about the process and how LawBridge can help.
What is family dispute resolution and why is it important?
Family dispute resolution (FDR) is a special type of mediation process designed to help separating couples resolve disputes about children, property, and finances, ideally without going to court. It is important because it encourages parties to reach an agreement and make decisions collaboratively, and is often a compulsory first step before court proceedings can be initiated for parenting matters. This dispute resolution service aims to facilitate amicable outcomes for your family relationship.
Do I need to attend family dispute resolution before going to court?
Yes, in most family law cases involving parenting arrangements in NSW, you are required to attend family dispute resolution (FDR) and obtain a section 60I certificate from an accredited family dispute resolution practitioner before you can apply to the court for parenting orders. Exceptions to this requirement may apply in situations involving family violence, urgency, or if the application is for consent orders where an agreement has already been reached. It’s best to get legal advice to understand if you need to try family dispute resolution first to resolve disputes.
What happens if the other party refuses to participate in family dispute resolution?
If the other party refuses to attend family dispute resolution or does not make a genuine effort to participate in the mediation process, the family dispute resolution practitioner may issue a section 60I certificate. This certificate can then allow you to proceed with an application to the court to resolve the dispute over parenting arrangements or other family law issues. The certificate will note the refusal or lack of genuine effort by the other party involved in the dispute.
Can I bring a support person or lawyer to mediation sessions?
Yes, you can often bring a support person, such as a lawyer, friend or family member, to family mediation sessions if this is agreed upon by all parties involved in the dispute and the mediator. A support person can provide emotional support, and a lawyer can offer legal advice during the mediation process, helping you prepare for mediation and make decisions. It is important to discuss this with the family dispute resolution service provider or family relationship centre beforehand.
How does family mediation differ from court proceedings?
Family mediation is a confidential, voluntary process where an independent mediator helps separating couples reach mutually acceptable agreements to resolve disputes, whereas court proceedings are formal, public, and involve a judge making decisions. Mediation focuses on cooperation and communication to make decisions and reach an agreement, often being a quicker and less adversarial way to resolve family law issues without going to court. The aim of the mediation process is to resolve your dispute through discussion rather than having a decision imposed by the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.
What types of issues can be resolved through family mediation?
Family mediation can be used to resolve a wide range of family law disputes, including parenting arrangements for children, the division of property and financial matters, and spousal maintenance. This dispute resolution service helps separating couples make decisions and reach agreement on these critical issues, potentially leading to consent orders. Many types of family disputes can be resolved through mediation, helping you avoid the need to go to court.
What is a parenting plan and how is it used in mediation?
A parenting plan is a written agreement made between parents that outlines the arrangements for the care, welfare, and development of their children after separation. During family mediation, parents can work with a mediator to develop a parenting plan that details these parenting arrangements, and it can be used to formalise the decisions reached and form an agreement on arrangements. While not always legally enforceable like court orders, a parenting plan created through the mediation process can be a significant step in resolving disputes about children.
What if mediation is not appropriate for my situation?
If family mediation is assessed by an accredited family dispute resolution practitioner as being unsafe or unsuitable for your situation, for example, due to issues of family violence or an extreme power imbalance, the practitioner will not proceed with the mediation. In such cases where dispute resolution is not appropriate, the practitioner can issue a section 60I certificate. This certificate may then allow you to apply to the court for parenting orders if you cannot reach agreement.
How can LawBridge assist me in family dispute resolution?
LawBridge can assist you in family dispute resolution by providing expert legal advice to help you understand your rights and options before and during the mediation process. Our team can guide you through each step, help you prepare for mediation and any necessary documentation, and support you in your efforts to reach fair and lasting agreements on parenting arrangements and financial matters. We aim to help you use family dispute resolution effectively to resolve your dispute and, if possible, reach an agreement without going to court.
