Family mediation in Sydney & across NSW
When a relationship changes or family communication breaks down, mediation gives everyone a structured, impartial space to talk, be heard and work out practical arrangements together.
Based in Sydney, NSW · sessions online across NSW and Australia
How mediation can help
Support through separation and family change
Separation, divorce and other big family changes affect nearly every part of life: where people live, how money is managed, how children are cared for and how family members relate to each other. It's normal for conversations about these things to feel tense or stuck.
Family mediation helps you to:
- talk about difficult issues in a calm, structured way
- understand each other's concerns and priorities, even if you don't agree
- explore practical options instead of going over the same arguments
- reach agreements you can both live with, and put them in writing
- lower the emotional and financial cost of resolving a dispute
Who family mediation is for
- Married or de facto couples who are separating or have separated
- Parents working out arrangements for their children (see Parenting & FDR)
- Couples who want help communicating about a relationship challenge
- Adult family members in conflict, such as siblings, parents and adult children, or in-laws
- Blended and extended families navigating new roles
- Families making decisions about an older relative (see Elder mediation)
What you can discuss
Common topics in family mediation
- Arrangements for children
- Parenting plans
- Communication between households
- Dividing property and assets
- Debts and ongoing expenses
- The family home
- Superannuation (with legal advice)
- Spousal or child-related costs
- Holidays and special occasions
- Relationships with grandparents and extended family
- Relationship and communication breakdown
- Moving forward respectfully after separation
Separated parents who need to agree on arrangements for children will usually take part in Family Dispute Resolution (FDR). Property and financial matters are covered in more detail on our property and financial mediation page.
How sessions work
What to expect
Every family is different, so we adapt the process to fit. Most family mediations follow these stages.
- 1
Enquiry and information
You contact us and we explain the process, fees and what happens next. With your agreement, we can contact the other person to invite them to take part.
- 2
Individual intake sessions
Each person has a private pre-mediation session (2 hours). We talk about the issues, your goals and any safety concerns, and we assess whether mediation is suitable. We also send you a mediation kit with information and agreement documents to sign and return.
- 3
Joint mediation session
Sessions are usually 3 hours and held online. You might share a virtual room or use separate rooms with the mediator moving between you. We set an agenda, make sure each person is heard and work through the issues one at a time.
- 4
Recording agreements
Where you reach agreement, we help you write it down clearly. We'll also explain the options for making it legally binding, with advice from your own lawyer.
- 5
Follow-up if needed
Some matters need more than one session. Additional sessions can be booked to keep talking, review drafts or finalise arrangements.
When mediation may not be appropriate
Mediation isn't right for everyone
Mediation depends on each person being able to take part freely, safely and honestly. It may not be suitable if:
- there has been family violence, or someone feels afraid of the other person
- there are concerns about child abuse or the safety of a child
- one person is being pressured, threatened or controlled (coercive control)
- there is a significant imbalance of power that can't be managed safely
- someone can't take part effectively for health, capacity or other reasons
- a matter is urgent and needs a court's protection
We look at these questions in each private intake session. Sometimes the process can be adapted, for example with separate rooms, a support person or legal representatives. Sometimes another path is safer. We'll be honest with you either way.
Family mediation FAQs
Questions families often ask
This page provides general information only and is not legal advice. Family law can be complex and the right path depends on your circumstances — we encourage you to get independent legal advice before making decisions or signing agreements.
Do we both need to agree to mediation?
Yes. Mediation is voluntary and both people need to take part. If you'd like, we can contact the other person to explain how mediation works and invite them to an intake session.
Will I have to be in the same room as my former partner?
Not necessarily. Online sessions can be held in separate virtual rooms, with the mediator moving between you. This is often called shuttle mediation.
Is what I say confidential?
Generally, yes. There are legal exceptions, for example where there is a risk to a child or someone's safety. We'll explain these exceptions before mediation starts.
Is an agreement from mediation legally binding?
Agreements reached in mediation are not automatically legally binding. Parenting arrangements can be recorded in a parenting plan, or made formal as consent orders. Property agreements are usually formalised through consent orders or a binding financial agreement. Get independent legal advice before formalising any agreement.
Can I bring a support person or lawyer?
Often, yes, by prior arrangement. Talk to us at intake about who you'd like involved and how they can best support you.
How much does family mediation cost?
Our current session fees are listed on our Fees & FAQs page. Fees are per session, not per person.
Let's talk about what you need
We'll listen, explain your options and help you decide whether mediation is the right next step.