Property & financial mediation in Sydney & NSW
Practical, impartial mediation to help married and de facto couples work out how to divide property, finances and debts after separation, without the cost and stress of going to court.
Based in Sydney, NSW · sessions online across NSW and Australia
How it helps
Working through the financial side of separation
Dividing property after separation can feel overwhelming. You may have a home, savings, superannuation, debts, a business or assets you built together over many years. Mediation gives you a structured way to work through these issues one at a time.
The mediator doesn't decide what's fair or give legal or financial advice. Instead, we help you to:
- identify and list what you own and owe
- exchange the information you each need to make informed decisions
- understand each other's priorities and practical needs
- explore options, such as keeping, selling or transferring assets
- reach an agreement that can then be formalised with legal help
Matters we can help with
- The family home and other real estate
- Savings, shares and investments
- Superannuation (with advice about splitting)
- Vehicles, household items and personal property
- Debts, loans and credit cards
- Business interests (with specialist advice)
- Ongoing expenses and practical transition arrangements
Suitable for married and de facto couples, including same-sex couples, at any stage after separation.
The foundations
Disclosure, advice and clear records
Three things make property mediation work: complete information, independent advice and a clear written record.
Full financial disclosure
Separating couples have a legal duty to give each other full and frank disclosure of all information relevant to their financial circumstances. Mediation works best when both of you have that information before you negotiate. Common documents include tax returns, bank and superannuation statements, loan statements and valuations.
Independent legal advice
We strongly recommend that each of you gets advice from your own family lawyer before and after mediation. A lawyer can explain how the law might apply to your circumstances and review any agreement before it's finalised. Financial and tax advice may also be important.
Documenting agreements
If you reach agreement, we help you record the terms clearly in writing. This document captures what you've agreed. It is not, by itself, a legally enforceable property settlement.
Mediation agreement vs legally binding settlement
Making your agreement legally binding
An agreement reached in mediation is an important step. It is not the same as a legally binding property settlement. If your agreement is never formalised, either person may still be able to make a property claim later.
In Australia, a property agreement is usually made legally binding in one of two ways:
Consent orders
You both agree on the terms and apply to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. The court checks whether the proposed orders are just and equitable before approving them. Once made, consent orders are legally binding and enforceable.
Binding financial agreement
A private written agreement under the Family Law Act. It's binding only if strict requirements are met, including each person getting independent legal advice from their own lawyer before signing.
Be aware of time limits
Generally, married couples must apply to the court for property orders within 12 months of their divorce taking effect. De facto couples must apply within 2 years of separation. Applying after these deadlines requires the court's permission.
Get legal advice early so mediation doesn't put you at risk of missing a deadline.
Before going to court
The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia requires most people to follow pre-action procedures for financial cases before filing, unless an exemption applies. These procedures include trying dispute resolution and exchanging disclosure. Mediation can help you take these genuine steps.
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.
How it works
The property mediation process
Enquiry and intake
Each person has a private intake session. We discuss the issues and safety, and check that you can both negotiate freely.
Information exchange
You gather and share financial documents. We help you build a shared list of assets, liabilities and superannuation.
Mediation
We work through priorities and options in a joint session or separate virtual rooms. Lawyers can attend if you both agree.
Agreement and formalising
We record what you've agreed. Your lawyers can then prepare consent orders or a financial agreement.
Do we need valuations before mediation?
Often, yes. If you disagree about what an asset is worth, for example the family home or a business, it usually helps to get an agreed or independent valuation first. We can talk about this at intake.
Will the mediator tell us what's fair?
No. Mediators don't give legal advice or decide outcomes. Your own lawyers can advise you on how the law may apply. The mediator helps you negotiate an agreement you both accept.
Can our lawyers attend mediation?
Yes, if both people agree and it's arranged in advance. Some couples choose lawyer-assisted mediation. Others get advice between sessions.
What if one of us isn't being open about finances?
Mediation depends on honest disclosure. If one person isn't providing information, we may pause the process until the documents are exchanged. Your lawyer can advise you on other options.
Is property mediation suitable if there has been financial abuse?
Economic or financial abuse is a form of family violence. Please raise any concerns privately at your intake session, not in the website form. We'll talk honestly about whether mediation is safe and suitable.
Start with a conversation
Talk to us about property and financial mediation, and how it can fit alongside advice from your own lawyer.