Bayside Mediation − a kinder, faster, and more affordable alternative to litigation.
Established in 2013, Bayside Mediation is Melbourne’s longest-running private mediation practice. We specialise in separation, property and asset settlements, child support agreements and parenting plans.
We are all certified Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners and Nationally Accredited Mediators. Our team is made up of legal experts, psychologists and financial gurus with decades of family law and mediation experience between them.
Our practitioners are qualified, recognised, industry experts
Meet our dedicated team of mediators:

Dianne Loveday
Founder, Principal Mediator, Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP)
Dianne founded Bayside Mediation in 2013 and is the heart and soul of the firm.
Meet Dianne

Alina Kleiman
Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP), Mediator and Former Solicitor
Alina is a mother, solicitor and mediator dedicated to helping families find alternatives to litigation.
Meet Alina

Romani Benjamin
Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP), Mediator and Former Solicitor
Romani’s compassionate approach to mediation keeps the best interests of your children central to every discussion.
Meet Romani

Sophie Russell
Psychologist and Child Inclusive Practitioner
With empathy and compassion, Sophie helps separating couples develop amicable co-parenting arrangements that ensure children feel loved, heard and safe.
Meet Sophie

Michael Eagles
Specialist Consulting Mediator
Michael is a distinguished negotiator and NMAS-trained mediator who excels in resolving complex disputes with finesse and empathy. With over two decades of experience,
he has honed his skills in both corporate and community settings, guiding parties to amicable solutions.
Meet Michael
Bayside Mediation
Why start with mediation?
We guide you through the separation storm and help you avoid the stress and complications of litigation.
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EFFICIENCY AND COST SAVINGS
Negotiating a separation using solicitors can cost tens of thousands of dollars and take months. Bayside Mediation can help your family reach an agreement for a fraction of the cost in a matter of weeks. -
TAILORED SUPPORT AND CARE
As a private practice, Bayside Mediation offers each client a personalised and caring approach. Our mediation services are child-focused, and their well-being is central to the process. We create a supportive environment for families navigating the uncertainty of separation. -
EMPOWERED DECISION MAKING
We empower families to make decisions that are specific to their needs, leading to long-lasting and sustainable outcomes.
Alina is a very honest mediator, she care for her client for their family genuinely. Alicia L24 July 2025 Thank you Dianne and Alina for resolving our complex mediation in a fair and professional process. My advice to your potential clients is to avoid lawyers at all costs if possible. I paid a heavy legal price and was amazed at their costing and revenue structure designed to maximise profits at every opportunity. Phone calls, emails, even asking you for some information came at cost of $45 each. Unwarranted and unwanted conversations was billed exorbitantly as legal advice. Mediation is the most cost effective way to resolve issues, especially financial separations and division of assets. Pay attention of lawyers per hour rates compared to the costs of mediation. Stay alert, ask questions and maintain control of your costs. I strongly recommend Bayside Mediation if you want a fair, open, cost effective and transparent process to resolve your personal or family issues. Lawyers and Courts is an option that should be avoided at all costs, if possible. At least speak to Bayside Mediation and weigh up your options. They cannot take sides and they operate legally but without the exorbitant fees, hidden charges and costs. Think and be alert before being caught out by the legal trap. Your assets and money belongs in your pocket because stress and vulnerability can lead to making bad choices.depleting you legally ! Jean Leclair1 July 2025 I would like to thank Alina and the team at Bayside mediation for the professionalism and willinginess to support in challenging circumstances. Alina specifically went above and beyod to work to try get stakeholders to the table and her commitment went well beyond just being a facilitor but rather being a figure that can assist to coax stakeholders through apprehension to the table. Dean Mueller18 June 2025 I want to give a big thanks to Tess, who helped me a lot through my divorce. I went to see her twice, and since then if I had any follow up questions I could text or call her and get a fast answer. She listens to me patiently and always gives a helpful answer. I would recommend Tess’ services to anyone who needs it. Fatima Jong24 November 2024 I had the need to enquire how the mediation process worked. Alina explained the process to me such that it gave me confidence to get my partner involved. I'm happy that it worked so well for both my partner and myself. Excellent support service from Alina. Anonymous jeffrey taylor5 October 2024 I was initially quite hesitant about my appointment, having had a bad experience with a different mediation group many years ago. On meeting Dianne, those fears were alleviated. She was compassionate and genuinely focused on helping us reach the best possible outcome for us all. Her consistent availability via phone and email, along with her honest and objective guidance, provided incredible support throughout the entire process. I highly recommend Bayside and Dianne to anyone seeking mediation services. Thank you Dianne and team. Jeni Jaya26 September 2024Google rating score: 4.3 of 5, based on 64 reviews