Family Law and
Divorce
Mediators Brisbane
Resolve parenting and property disputes without going to court. Free, confidential consultation with an accredited family-mediation lawyer.
Family Mediation Lawyers & Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) Specialists
Urgent help to settle parenting and property disputes without going to court – available Australia-wide.
After a separation or divorce, fast and fair resolution is vital. Our family-mediation lawyers guide you through every stage of Family Dispute Resolution (FDR), issuing the section 60I certificate you need and keeping legal costs low.
We understand how stressful these conversations can be. Our mediators listen, explain your options in plain English and support you at every session – whether you are working toward an amicable agreement or need firm guidance in a tense negotiation.
If you are facing a family-law dispute, you deserve proven mediation support. Unified Lawyers is consistently ranked among Brisbane’s top family-law firms for delivering rapid, practical outcomes that keep families out of court and in control.
Why Choose Family Mediation?
Looking for an amicable, cost-effective way to resolve your family-law dispute without the stress of court? Family mediation, also known as Family Dispute Resolution (FDR), offers clear advantages:
Keep Control – you and your ex-partner make the decisions, not a judge.
Lower Conflict – a neutral family-law mediator guides the discussion and keeps emotions in check.
Child-Focused Outcomes – agreements can be tailored to your children’s routines and needs.
Confidential & Faster – sessions are private and usually conclude within weeks, not months.
Cost-Effective – mediation fees are a fraction of full litigation costs.
Throughout the process, our family-mediation lawyers stand beside you, explaining your rights, and negotiating firmly on your behalf.
How Does Family Mediation Work in Brisbane?
Family law mediation offers a voluntary and less adversarial way to resolve family law disputes. During the mediation process, a neutral third party (mediator) facilitates communication and guides you and your ex-partner towards a mutually beneficial outcome for your specific family law issues.
While the mediator controls the conversations, our family-mediation lawyers stand beside you at every stage, providing the legal backbone that turns goodwill into a watertight agreement. We help by offering:
- Clear and Concise Advice: Our lawyers will explain the intricacies of the mediation process and your legal rights in QLD. We’ll answer any questions you may have, ensuring you feel confident navigating each step.
- Skilled Negotiation: Our team will advocate for your needs and negotiate effectively on your behalf to achieve a fair and favourable agreement during mediation sessions.
- Solid Representation: You’ll have the peace of mind knowing you have a qualified legal representative looking out for your best interests throughout the mediation process.
Whether you’re considering mediation or already mid-process, Unified Lawyers is your trusted partner delivering legal insight, negotiation strength and unwavering support throughout your family-mediation journey.
Our Family Law Mediation Process
At Unified Lawyers, we understand the complexities of family law matters. Our experienced Brisbane Family Lawyers can
guide you through each step of the mediation process:
1
Initial Consultation
We assess your situation and determine if legal action is suitable.
2
Information Gathering
We gather relevant information and discuss your rights and action plan.
3
Mediation Sessions
You’ll participate in collaborative negotiation sessions with the mediator.
4
Formal Agreement
If a resolution is reached, we can draft and finalize
a formal agreement.
Free Strategy Call – Speak With a Brisbane Family Mediation Lawyer Today
Navigating a parenting or property dispute? You don’t have to do it alone. At Unified Lawyers, our dedicated family-mediation team offers a free, confidential strategy call so you start the Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) process feeling informed and empowered.
During your call, we will listen to your situation, ask the right questions and outline your best options, whether you need to book an FDR session, secure a section 60I certificate or convert a mediated agreement into consent orders.
600+
5 Star Reviews and Thousands of Lives Transformed
At Unified Lawyers, results matter because they matter to you. We’ve helped more than 8000+ clients across Australia resolve their family law matters with care and expertise.
Tsharna Kecek
I cannot recommend Unified Lawyers highly enough, especially the exceptional service provided by Shelley Scott. From our very first meeting, Shelley exhibited an impressive level of professionalism and legal knowledge that reassured me that I was in excellent hands. Shelley approached every step of the process with kindness and compassion. She took the time to listen to my concerns and provided thoughtful guidance, ensuring that I felt supported throughout my journey. Her consideration for my situation made a challenging experience much more manageable.
Allysha Webber
Anushka Pokharel (Associate) provided incredible legal guidance throughout my lengthy legal proceeding. Anushka also went above & beyond with communication, never failing to keep me updated on every facet of progress of my case. I highly recommend Anushka & Unified Lawyers to anyone seeking high level, consistent legal guidance.
Paul Glynn
I can’t thank Lauren Spence enough for the outstanding support and expertise during a very difficult period of my life. Going through a child custody battle with my ex-partner was already stressful, and the thought of ending up in court was overwhelming—both emotionally and financially. Lauren guided me through the mediation process with calm professionalism, clear advice, and genuine care. The best part? We completely avoided court, saved a huge amount in legal costs and time, and were able to move forward much sooner than I ever expected. Lauren was always responsive, patient when I needed reassurance, and incredibly effective at keeping things on track.
John Pierre Saliba
I had an excellent experience with Unified Lawyers. Their team provided outstanding service, clear communication, and strong representation throughout my family law matter. They were professional, supportive, and genuinely cared about achieving the best outcome for me. I highly recommend Unified Lawyers to anyone seeking expert and reliable family law advice.
Jane Sayabath
Alex was an absolute pillar of support throughout. From the very beginning, he had an incredible ability to remove the emotion from the situation and provide calm, clear, and strategic Family Law advice. When everything felt overwhelming, he helped break things down into manageable steps and gave me a practical plan to move forward with confidence. What stood out most was his balanced approach, yet focused and outcome driven. He never dismissed how I was feeling, but he ensured decisions were guided by logic, strategy, and the bigger picture. That clarity made all the difference.
Ben Abbott
Jessica adamovich did an amazing job to get my little boy back to Sydney . Happiness restored ! And was always respectful and mindful around delicate situations and feelings
Tsharna Kecek
I cannot recommend Unified Lawyers highly enough, especially the exceptional service provided by Shelley Scott. From our very first meeting, Shelley exhibited an impressive level of professionalism and legal knowledge that reassured me that I was in excellent hands. Shelley approached every step of the process with kindness and compassion. She took the time to listen to my concerns and provided thoughtful guidance, ensuring that I felt supported throughout my journey. Her consideration for my situation made a challenging experience much more manageable.
Allysha Webber
Anushka Pokharel (Associate) provided incredible legal guidance throughout my lengthy legal proceeding. Anushka also went above & beyond with communication, never failing to keep me updated on every facet of progress of my case. I highly recommend Anushka & Unified Lawyers to anyone seeking high level, consistent legal guidance.
Paul Glynn
I can’t thank Lauren Spence enough for the outstanding support and expertise during a very difficult period of my life. Going through a child custody battle with my ex-partner was already stressful, and the thought of ending up in court was overwhelming—both emotionally and financially. Lauren guided me through the mediation process with calm professionalism, clear advice, and genuine care. The best part? We completely avoided court, saved a huge amount in legal costs and time, and were able to move forward much sooner than I ever expected. Lauren was always responsive, patient when I needed reassurance, and incredibly effective at keeping things on track.
John Pierre Saliba
I had an excellent experience with Unified Lawyers. Their team provided outstanding service, clear communication, and strong representation throughout my family law matter. They were professional, supportive, and genuinely cared about achieving the best outcome for me. I highly recommend Unified Lawyers to anyone seeking expert and reliable family law advice.
Jane Sayabath
Alex was an absolute pillar of support throughout. From the very beginning, he had an incredible ability to remove the emotion from the situation and provide calm, clear, and strategic Family Law advice. When everything felt overwhelming, he helped break things down into manageable steps and gave me a practical plan to move forward with confidence. What stood out most was his balanced approach, yet focused and outcome driven. He never dismissed how I was feeling, but he ensured decisions were guided by logic, strategy, and the bigger picture. That clarity made all the difference.
Ben Abbott
Jessica adamovich did an amazing job to get my little boy back to Sydney . Happiness restored ! And was always respectful and mindful around delicate situations and feelings
Frequently Asked Questions Mediation & Family Law
Is mediation compulsory in family law?
In Australia, mediation is not compulsory for all family law disputes, but it is mandatory in cases involving children before you can apply to the court for parenting orders.
This requirement is called Family Dispute Resolution (FDR), which aims to encourage parties to resolve parenting disputes amicably without court involvement.
However, for other types of family law disputes, such as property settlement or spousal maintenance, mediation is highly recommended but not compulsory.
What is the success rate for family law mediation?
The success rate for family law mediation is quite favourable, with many cases resulting in a positive outcome without needing to proceed to court. Studies and reports suggest that about 70-80% of mediation cases lead to a successful agreement between parties.
The success of mediation largely depends on the willingness of both parties to compromise and the skill of the mediator in facilitating effective communication and negotiation.
What is a Section 60I Certificate?
A Section 60I Certificate is a document issued under the Australian Family Law Act.
It certifies that the individuals involved have attended a Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) session (mediation) to try to resolve their parenting dispute before proceeding to court.
This certificate is necessary to file for parenting orders in court, although there are exceptions, such as cases involving family violence or child abuse where mediation may be deemed inappropriate.
How much does Family Law Mediation cost?
The cost of family law mediation can vary significantly based on several factors, including the complexity of the issues, the duration of the mediation sessions, and the professional fees of the mediator.
Typically, mediators charge an hourly rate or a flat fee for a session. In Australia, costs can range from several hundred to several thousand Australian dollars, depending on the case’s specifics. It’s important to note that mediation is generally more cost-effective than proceeding to court, and many legal services offer mediation at a reduced cost or even free for eligible parties.
What are the key benefits of choosing mediation over court proceedings?
Choosing mediation over court proceedings offers a number of advantages. Firstly, mediation is typically more cost-effective, sparing parties the significant legal fees often associated with court cases. Mediation is also usually faster than navigating the court system, which can be burdened by backlogs and lengthy procedural requirements. Mediation allows both parties to maintain control over the resolution of their disputes, rather than having an outcome imposed by a judge. This process not only tends to preserve a better post-dispute relationship between the parties but also promotes mutually beneficial solutions tailored to the specific needs of the individuals involved.
How can Unified Lawyers support me during the mediation process?
At Unified Lawyers, the support provided during the mediation process is comprehensive and client-focused. Our legal team offers clear, concise advice to help you understand your rights and the details of the mediation process. We are adept at navigating complex negotiations, advocating assertively for your interests to reach a fair resolution. Throughout the mediation, you will benefit from having experienced legal professionals by your side, ensuring that you are both informed and empowered to make decisions that align with your best interests.
What types of disputes can be resolved through family law mediation?
Family law mediation is versatile and can be used to resolve a wide array of disputes that arise during separations or divorces. This includes making arrangements for parenting, such as custody schedules and decision-making responsibilities, as well as the division of property and assets.
Mediation can also address issues of spousal support and maintenance, providing a platform for ex-partners to reach an agreement on financial obligations post-separation in a non-confrontational setting.
What happens if we cannot reach an agreement through mediation?
If mediation does not result in an agreement, the next step generally involves progressing to family court where a judge will make a decision regarding the dispute.
It is important to note that while mediation aims to resolve issues amicably, not all mediations will be successful, and having a legal strategy for court is advisable.
Unified Lawyers is equipped to transition from mediation to court representation, ensuring that your case is handled effectively and with the continuity that comes from maintaining the same legal team.
Are the agreements made during mediation legally binding?
Agreements reached during mediation can become legally binding if they are formalised through consent orders approved by the court. This legal ratification ensures that the terms agreed upon during mediation are enforceable under law, providing security and clarity for both parties moving forward.
At Unified Lawyers, we can assist in drafting and reviewing these agreements before they are submitted for court approval, ensuring that they reflect your best interests and meet legal standards.
Our Brisbane Office
Our family lawyers in Brisbane are available to meet at our centrally located office near the corner of Eagle Street and Charlotte Street, just steps from the Brisbane River. The office is conveniently positioned close to Brisbane City Hall, the City Botanic Gardens, and the Riverside dining precinct.
For clients attending court hearings or legal appointments, the Brisbane Magistrates Court and the Supreme Court are only a few minutes away.
The office is easily accessible by public transport, with Central Station a short walk away and multiple Translink bus routes servicing the nearby streets.
If you are driving, there are several Secure Parking facilities located on Eagle Street and Margaret Street, providing convenient access to our building.
In addition to our Brisbane office, our family lawyers also meet with clients in the Gold Coast.