Free Separation Guide - 10 Things a Lawyer May Not Tell You About Family Law Mediation
Our free Separation Guide explains 10 key truths about family law mediation, helping you save costs and explore practical options for a smoother separation.
What You’ll Learn in This Free Separation Guide
- Why you don’t always need to respond to a lawyer’s letter
- Why Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) mediation is mandatory in most cases
- How accredited mediators decide if mediation is appropriate
- Why early mediation can save money and protect children’s wellbeing
- The real costs of using lawyers vs. mediators
- Why most family disputes are resolved without going to court
- How mediation can work even with a Family Violence Order in place
Want to go deeper?
Explore the podcast “A Lawyer and a Mediator Walk into a Bar” conversational
episodes with insights from both legal and mediation perspectives to help you navigate family separation.
Check out the articles for practical tips, how-to guides, and answers to common questions about separation, parenting plans, and property settlements.
Explore our resource library for free PDF downloads and checklists covering FDR mediation, children and parenting plans, divorce and financial separation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Separation
Is Family Dispute Resolution (mediation) compulsory before going to court?
Yes. In Australia, most separating couples must attempt Family Dispute Resolution before lodging parenting or financial applications in court. There are limited exemptions, such as family violence or urgency. You can read more at Family Relationships Online, an Australian Government resource.
How much can I save by using mediation instead of court?
Family law mediation is typically much cheaper than litigation. While a court case can easily exceed $100,000, mediation often costs only a fraction of this amount. It also saves time and reduces stress by focusing on practical solutions.
Who can use the Separation Guide?
The guide is designed for anyone considering separation or already navigating the process. It offers plain-English advice, key truths about mediation, and practical steps to help families make informed choices with confidence.