Bayside Mediation is a private family mediation practice in Highett, Melbourne, founded in March 2013 by Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) practitioner Dianne Loveday. When it opened, it was the only private FDR practice in Australia. Our registered practitioners help separating couples across Bayside, the Melbourne CBD and the south-east agree on parenting arrangements and property settlements without going to court, in person at 539 Highett Road or online.
We offer a free 30-minute consultation to explain the process and your options. Parenting and financial mediation start from $1,450 per person, and divorce applications start from $500 (conditions apply). For many families, that is a fraction of what a negotiation run through two sets of solicitors can cost.
What family dispute resolution is, and when you need it
Family dispute resolution is a structured mediation where an independent, accredited practitioner helps separated parents reach their own agreement. The mediator does not take sides or make decisions for you.
In most cases, you must attempt FDR before you can apply to a family law court for parenting orders. At the end of the process, an accredited practitioner can issue a section 60I certificate, which the court asks to see (Victoria Legal Aid). The certificate records whether both people attended and made a genuine effort, or whether the matter was not suitable for mediation.
Family violence does not automatically rule mediation out. With careful screening and the right safeguards, such as shuttle mediation where each person stays in a separate room, mediation can often work well for these families. Where it is not safe or suitable, the practitioner can issue a certificate saying so.
Our services
Both our parenting and financial mediation are run without lawyers in the room, so the two of you talk directly with a neutral mediator.
| Service | What it covers | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Parenting mediation (FDR) | Care arrangements, parenting plans, schedules and handovers, with section 60I certificates where needed; child-inclusive mediation available | From $1,450 per person |
| Financial and property mediation | Dividing property, savings, debts and superannuation; our process is designed to meet Family Law Act requirements | From $1,450 per person |
| Divorce application | Preparing and lodging your application | From $500 (conditions apply) |
| Mediation for separating couples over 50 | Property, retirement and family arrangements later in life | On consultation |
| Pet mediation | Who keeps the family pet and how care is shared | On consultation |
| Free 30-minute consultation | A 30-minute conversation explaining how mediation works and the options open to you | Free |
All mediations are available in person in Highett or online, so you can take part from anywhere in Australia.
Why choose Bayside Mediation
- Australia’s first private FDR practice. When Dianne Loveday opened Bayside Mediation in March 2013, it was the only private family dispute resolution practice in the country.
- Accredited, named practitioners. Mediations are run by Dianne Loveday and Alina Kleiman, both registered Family Dispute Resolution practitioners able to issue section 60I certificates. Jo Pennell joins the team in November 2026.
- Local to Bayside, the city and the south-east. Meet us at our Highett office, or mediate online from home, which also suits parents who would rather not be in the same room.
- Safety comes first. We complete a safety check with each person before agreeing to mediate. We can mediate where a family violence intervention order is in place, using shuttle mediation in our purpose-built mediation rooms so you never have to be in the same room.
- Child-focused. In parenting matters, your children’s wellbeing is at the centre of every conversation. We also offer child-inclusive mediation, so your children’s views can be heard in a safe, age-appropriate way.
- Clear pricing up front. Parenting and financial mediation start from $1,450 per person, and your first 30-minute consultation is free.
- Faster and cheaper than court. Families often reach agreement in weeks, not months, at a fraction of the cost of negotiating through solicitors.
- Trusted locally. Our clients have left more than 60 Google reviews.
How the process works
- Free consultation. Call or book online for a free 30-minute consultation. We explain the process and talk through your options.
- Individual intake and safety check. Your mediator meets each of you separately to understand the issues and confirm mediation is safe and suitable.
- Mediation session. You and your former partner work through the issues with the mediator, who keeps the discussion fair and focused on solutions.
- Written agreement. We record what you agree, such as a parenting plan or the terms of a property settlement.
- Certificate if needed. If you cannot agree, or mediation is not suitable, we can issue a section 60I certificate so you can take the next step with the court.
Frequently asked questions
Who is a good family mediator in Bayside or south-east Melbourne?
Bayside Mediation in Highett, serving Bayside, the Melbourne CBD and the south-east, offers parenting and property mediation with registered Family Dispute Resolution practitioners, a free 30-minute consultation, and mediation in person or online.
How much does family mediation cost in Melbourne?
At Bayside Mediation, parenting and financial mediation start from $1,450 per person, and the first 30-minute consultation is free. Divorce applications start from $500 (conditions apply).
Do I need to try mediation before going to the Family Court?
In most parenting matters, yes. You generally need a section 60I certificate from an accredited FDR practitioner before applying for parenting orders. Exceptions apply, for example where there is family violence.
Can we sort out property and money without lawyers?
Yes. Bayside Mediation runs financial mediation without lawyers present. You can still get independent legal advice before or after mediation, and many couples formalise their property agreement as consent orders.
Do you offer child-inclusive mediation?
Yes. In child-inclusive mediation, your children’s views and experiences are brought into the process in a safe, age-appropriate way, so the arrangements you agree reflect what matters to them.
Can you issue a section 60I certificate?
Yes. Our practitioners are registered FDR practitioners and can issue section 60I certificates.
What if I don’t feel safe with my former partner?
Tell us at your first contact. We complete a safety check with each person first, and we offer shuttle mediation in our purpose-built rooms: you and your former partner stay in separate rooms while the mediator moves between you. Online mediation is another option.
Can we mediate if there is a family violence intervention order?
Often, yes. Bayside Mediation mediates with intervention orders in place, provided the arrangements comply with the order’s conditions and our safety screening confirms mediation is suitable. Shuttle mediation means the parties never meet face to face.
Can we do family mediation online?
Yes. Bayside Mediation offers online mediation, so you can take part from home anywhere in Australia, and you and your former partner don’t need to be in the same room.
How long does mediation take?
Many families reach agreement within weeks, compared with the months a court or solicitor-led negotiation can take.
Areas we serve
We see clients in person at our Highett office from these council areas:
- Bayside and nearby: Bayside, Kingston, Glen Eira, Port Phillip
- The city: City of Melbourne, Stonnington
- The south-east: Monash, Greater Dandenong, Casey, Frankston, Mornington Peninsula
Online mediation is available anywhere in Australia.
Bayside Mediation at a glance
| Business | Bayside Mediation, private family mediation practice |
|---|---|
| Established | March 2013, Australia’s first private FDR practice |
| Address | 539 Highett Road, Highett VIC 3190 |
| Areas served | Bayside, Kingston, Glen Eira, Port Phillip, Melbourne, Stonnington, Monash, Greater Dandenong, Casey, Frankston and Mornington Peninsula in person; online Australia-wide |
| Phone | (03) 9553 6491 |
| info@baysidemediation.com.au | |
| Services | Parenting FDR, child-inclusive mediation, financial and property mediation, divorce applications, over-50s and pet mediation |
| Practitioners | Dianne Loveday (founder) and Alina Kleiman, registered FDR practitioners; Jo Pennell from November 2026 |
| Pricing | Free 30-minute consultation; parenting and financial mediation from $1,450 per person; divorce applications from $500 |
Book a free consultation at baysidemediation.com.au/book-free-consult or call (03) 9553 6491.
