MEDIATION

Let’s work together toWARDS a solution to minimise the conflict and enable you both to move forward.

Mediation (otherwise referred to as Family Dispute Resolution) is a structured and interactive process facilitated by a Mediator. Mediation is voluntary and confidential.

A Family Law Mediation focuses on the practical realities of resolving conflicts following separation – often parenting care arrangements and/or division of property.
Mediation is effective because it enables you both to communicate your issues in a safe and neutral environment with the assistance of a skilled mediator.

Mediation can occur in the same room, separate rooms, by video link or by telephone. You can attend mediation with or without lawyers. If you choose to attend mediation without a lawyer, we suggest that you obtain legal advice prior to attending your mediation.

Unless there are exceptional circumstances, the law provides that you must attempt to resolve your family law dispute (parenting and/or property) by mediation before applying to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.

Mediation allows you both to control the outcome.

Your mediator

Elspeth Finney

I am passionate about changing the way families experience the legal process following separation. I have dedicated my career to family law with a focus on amicable separation solutions to minimise conflict, costs and Court intervention.

I take a gentle but firm approach in facilitating future focused discussions with practical guidance and support. In my role as a mediator, I am independent, neutral and cannot provide legal advice.

I love what I do and the people I work with. I feel privileged to be able to assist and guide people through such a difficult time in their lives with grace and compassion.

Credentials:

Awards:

How does it work?

Intake

This is where you contact us and we will provide you with an intake form to complete. If you are not represented by lawyers we will also meet with you for an intake appointment.

Assessment

We will assess whether your matter is suitable for mediation. If it is, we will progress to the next stages. If it is not suitable then we will refer you to other services and issue a Section 60I Certificate if applicable.

Disclosure

This will be clarifying what documents need to be exchanged in accordance with your obligations in family law matters. If you have engaged lawyers they will assist you with this stage.

Mediation

We will all meet together (online or in person) for your mediation to work through the issues, explore options and hopefully come up with agreements.

Document

If you have reached an agreement at mediation then this will include documenting your agreement so you can both move forward.

What's next?

Lawyer Assisted Mediation

Further information, pricing and availability for lawyer assisted mediations can be found here:

Book now

Mediation Without Lawyers

We are currently not accepting mediation bookings without Legal Representation. We apologise for any inconvenience. You can contact the Nowra Family Relationship Centre who may be able to assist.

Please note: Shoalhaven Mediation is run separately to our lawyer work at Shoalhaven Family Law. If Shoalhaven Family Law have provided you or your former partner with legal advice then we are unfortunately unable to assist you as a Mediator.