CG Logo 1Line wTagline(1)
+61 2 9895 9200
CONTACT US
+61 2 9895 9200
CONTACT US
Menu
CG Logo 1Line wTagline(1)

Family Law Mediation & Arbitration

Expertise

Family Law
Binding Financial Agreements
Child Adoption
Child Support
Collaborative Family Law
De-Facto Relationships
Divorce & Separation
Domestic Violence & AVOs
Parenting Issues
Property Settlements & Superannuation
Surrogacy
Family Law Mediation & Arbitration
Family Law Arbitration
Family Law Mediation
Conveyancing
Personal Taxation Advice
Retirement Living
Superannuation & SMSF
Wills and Estate Planning
Contested Estates
Enduring Guardianship
Power of Attorney
Probate & Estate Administration
Special Disability Trusts
Wills for Parents of People with an Intellectual Disability

Family Law Mediation & Arbitration

Coleman Greig has the skill and expertise to help couples resolve their issues through alternative dispute resolutions, saving the time and cost of Family Court proceedings.

Family Law Mediation and Arbitration can result in both faster and more cost-effective outcomes than in the court process. The processes are confidential and promote the best interests of both parties.

Our Family Law Mediators and Arbitrators are all accredited with the Australian Institute of Family Law Arbitrators and Mediators (AIFLAM) as well as being Accredited Family Law Specialists.

Neutral Family Mediation Lawyer

The mediator’s aim is not to favour one side of the dispute or make unilateral decisions. They facilitate respectful communication and help the parties negotiate and reach an agreement.

Common Issues That a Family Mediation Lawyer Addresses Include:

  • Divorce and spousal maintenance
  • Child custody, support, and parenting schedules
  • Division of property
  • Other family-related matters
The Benefits of Family Lawyer Mediation

Engaging the services of a bespoke family mediation lawyer in Sydney has several significant benefits over court-based solutions, namely:

  • Reduced conflict: A family mediation lawyer promotes calm, rational cooperation between disputing parties
  • Cost savings: Family law mediation is typically less expensive than entering into the court system
  • Time: Professional family lawyer mediation is typically much faster than relying on the courts
  • Flexible, customised solutions: In the less adversarial atmosphere created by a family mediation lawyer, it is often possible to find solutions amenable to both parties
When Is Family Mediation Appropriate?

Couples can participate in Family Mediation to resolve a dispute at any time, either prior to initiating court proceedings, or whilst proceedings are taking place. This alternative dispute resolution process can help resolve:

  • Property disputes
  • Parenting disputes
  • Spousal maintenance
  • Interim property matters
  • Child support issues
  • Contravention/breaches of existing orders
  • Issues relating to the implementation of orders; and
  • Disagreements over issues relating to parental responsibility (e.g., passports and overseas travel involving children, school enrolment, and medical issues relating to a particular child). This can include instances when parties already have court orders in place.
When is Family Arbitration Appropriate?

Family arbitration is an alternative dispute resolution process that can only be used to resolve property disputes and does not cover parenting issues, which must be addressed through the Family Mediation process. Family arbitration can be used for:

  • Property matters
  • Spousal maintenance and maintenance agreements
  • Financial agreements made pre, post or during marriage
  • Superannuation agreements and
  • Execution and compliance with court orders.

It is important to note that Family Arbitration is not applicable when there is:

  • Negative equity
  • A connected dispute regarding children’s living arrangements
  • An unvalued business
  • An unsecured third-party claim; or for
  • Single issues in a property hearing.

Contact our Family Law team to discuss what options are best for your circumstances.

 
BOOK YOUR FAMILY MEDIATION NOW

Andrew Banna
Principal Lawyer
PHONE +61 2 9895 9393

Email Andrew

Nicole Stevens
Senior Associate
PHONE +61 2 9895 9391

Email Nicole

Karina Ralston
Principal / Director
PHONE +61 2 9895 9394

Email Karina

Adam West
Principal / Director
PHONE +61 2 9895 9391

Email Adam

Coleman Greig are available to service your needs no matter where you are located in NSW. Our network of offices are supported by the latest digital technology, enabling us to work with you in a way that suits you best.

Any personal information you provide is collected pursuit to our Privacy Policy.

 

Family Law Mediation and Arbitration: Your Comprehensive Guide

Mediation and arbitration are both effective resolution methods when disputes occur, but there are significant differences, namely:

  • Mediation:
    Mediation focuses on cooperation and reaching an amicable, mutually acceptable resolution. The mediator makes no decisions regarding the outcome, which the parties control, and agreements are not legally binding unless a court order formalises them. Mediation is typically informal, flexible, and tailored to the evolving scenario/needs of the parties. Although it encourages cooperation and preserving respectful relationships, a resolution cannot always be achieved if the parties disagree.
  • Arbitration:
    A neutral family law arbitrator reviews evidence and hears arguments from both parties before making a decision. This is usually final, binding, and enforceable in court, similar to a judge’s ruling. Arbitration is more formal and closer to a court trial with equivalent rules and procedures. It lacks flexibility and can feel adversarial.

How to Prepare for Family Mediation or Arbitration

Preparing for family mediation or arbitration involves the following vital steps to ensure the process is as smooth and productive as possible:

  • Gather essential documents:
    Prepare all the necessary documents as listed in the following section.
  • Review and cement your goals:
    Think carefully about what you hope to achieve. List your priorities, non-negotiable aspects, and areas of potential compromise.
  • Consult an experienced family law mediation lawyer:
    Speak with your family mediation lawyer to better understand the legal ramifications of your goals and work on presenting your case effectively.
  • Prepare a concise statement:
    Work with your family mediation lawyer to prepare a concise statement outlining your position, goals, and concerns. 
  • Practice expressing your thoughts in a calm, concise manner:
    Productive discussions can only occur if everybody puts their emotions aside and focuses on the end goal. Practise what you want to say and work on calm, practical communication skills.
  • Be open-minded and prepared to make reasonable compromises:
    Mutually acceptable solutions seldom involve each party getting everything they want, and it is critical to listen, view things from both perspectives and reevaluate as discussions evolve.
  • Focus on staying calm, patient, and productive:
    A calm, patient, and methodical approach is ideal for navigating emotional discussions effectively.
Why Choose Coleman Greig for Family Arbitration Law Advice?

Coleman Greig has an incredible record of success in helping clients negotiate stressful family mediation scenarios, and our team is respectful, compassionate, and discreet in these sensitive matters. We have a reputation in the community for fair, transparent, and socially responsible services and business practices based on our impeccable self-governance, professional integrity, and ethical values.

We host events to help raise money for charity, and promote further understanding of the law through a collection of webinar recordings, concise plain English guides, informative publications, and in-depth blogs. Please explore our comprehensive media centre, where you will find the latest news and alerts, helpful ebooks, and rewarding career opportunities.

Please get in touch to learn more about us and the talented people who will provide family arbitration law advice. When you choose Coleman Greig as your trusted family mediation lawyer in Sydney, you will experience a comprehensive, tailored service. We are proud to receive recognition and awards for our services and are committed to maintaining the highest standards. The team will assist with your personal legal requirements and act as a family law arbitrator or mediator. 

 

Plain English Guides

Plain English Guide to Divorce and Separation

Separation is a stressful time for individuals and families. At Coleman Greig our family lawyers can help you through the process by providing the benefits of many years of practical experience in all aspects of family law.

Read more

Plain English Guide to Parenting Issues

This Plain English Guide sets out some of the key provisions of the Family Law Act as it relates to children and what the Court will take into consideration when determining what arrangements should be made and who will have responsibility for the children.

Read more

Plain English Guide to Property Settlement under the Family Law Act

If you and your partner separate, you need to consider what is to happen in relation to the division of any property that you own. 

Read more

Insights

Load More
Load More
No more posts to show

FAQs

Accordion Content

The duration of the family mediation process can vary significantly, depending on the following: 

  • Complexity
    Single-issue disputes are faster to settle. If complex financial arrangements or contentious custody disputes are involved, resolution is typically slower and more challenging. 
  • Willingness
    Both parties must be fully committed to the process. Open, calm, focused cooperation is the easiest way to achieve the desired result. 
  • Availability
    Aligning the schedules of the parties can be challenging and lead to frustrating delays.

On average, participants should expect the mediation process to take several weeks or even months.

No, family mediation is not legally binding unless the following steps are taken:

  • Memorandum of Understanding (MOU):
    At the conclusion of proceedings, the family mediation lawyer will typically draft an MOU outlining any agreements reached. For this document to become legally binding, the following is also required:
  • Consent order:
    By submitting the agreement to the court for review and approval, an MOU can be converted into a consent order, which is enforceable by law.
  • Binding financial agreement (BFA):
    The parties may agree to draft a BFA if financial matters are complex. This outlines the agreed financial arrangements and is legally binding.

Before signing any binding agreements, both parties should seek independent legal advice to protect their rights and interests.

Logo
+61 2 9895 9200
CONTACT US

© 2026 Coleman Greig Lawyers  |  Sitemap  |  Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. ABN 73 125 176 230

Facebook-f Instagram Linkedin Youtube