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MS and CO Lawyers

Family Dispute Resolution

A Calm and Constructive Path Forward

Separation and family change can bring uncertainty, emotion and difficult decisions. Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) offers a supportive and constructive way to navigate parenting and financial matters, helping families reach practical outcomes with dignity, respect and care.

Led by a Nationally Accredited Mediator and Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner, our Melbourne-based mediation services provide a calm, confidential and impartial environment where families can have meaningful conversations, reduce conflict and work towards practical solutions without the stress, delay and expense of court proceedings.

Where Family Dispute Resolution is required before commencing parenting proceedings, we are authorised to issue Section 60I Certificates in accordance with the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth). Following mediation, we can issue the appropriate certificate where legislative requirements are met, enabling eligible parties to commence proceedings in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia when necessary.

Whether an agreement is reached through mediation or court proceedings ultimately become necessary, we provide clear legal guidance and practical support throughout the process. With flexibility, efficiency and child-focused outcomes at the heart of our approach, we are here to help you move forward with greater clarity and confidence.

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Different perspectives. One path forward.

Every family’s circumstances are unique. We help families navigate difficult conversations, find common ground, and work towards practical outcomes with respect, understanding, and confidence.

F

Focused Guidance

MS and Co Lawyers

Family matters require sensitivity and practical solutions. We provide clear legal guidance, helping protect your rights while working toward fair outcomes for you and your family.

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Dispute Resolution

MS and CO Lawyers

Disagreements can be emotionally challenging. Our team handles family disputes with professionalism, aiming to resolve conflicts efficiently through negotiation or mediation.

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Resolving Matters

MS and Co Lawyers

Resolving family matters with care, clarity, and confidence. We pursue practical legal solutions that protect your interests while minimizing unnecessary conflict and stress

What is Family Dispute Resolution?

FDR | Mediation

A Confidential and Supportive Process

Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) mediation is a specialised form of mediation designed to assist separating couples and families to resolve disputes in a respectful, constructive, and solution-focused manner.

Rather than having decisions imposed by a court, FDR provides families with the opportunity to participate in a structured process with the support of an independent and impartial Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner. The process encourages open communication, informed decision-making, and the development of practical agreements that consider the needs and interests of all involved.

Family Dispute Resolution may assist with:

  • Parenting arrangements and parenting plans
  • Communication between separated parents
  • Property and financial matters
  • Spousal maintenance discussions
  • Child-focused agreements
  • Ongoing co-parenting concerns

The process is confidential, supportive, and designed to help families navigate separation with greater clarity, reduce conflict, and move forward with practical solutions.

Every legal matter presents unique challenges and opportunities. Understanding every perspective allows us to develop clear strategies, protect our clients’ interests, and achieve the best possible outcome.

At MS and Co Lawyers, we provide strategic, practical legal services tailored to the needs of individuals, families, and businesses.

Our expertise includes Family Law, Criminal Law, Wills & Estates, Consumer Law, Commercial & Contract Law, Intervention Orders, and Family Dispute Resolution (FDR), delivering solutions that are both effective and compassionate.

Whether your matter is resolved through negotiation, Family Dispute Resolution, or court proceedings, we provide clear advice, strong representation, and practical support at every stage. We also assist self-represented litigants with tailored legal guidance where full representation is not required.

Built on integrity, professionalism, and genuine client care, MS and Co Lawyers is committed to delivering exceptional legal services with transparent pricing, flexible appointments, and a results-focused approach.

Nationally Accredited Mediator & Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner

Our Family Dispute Resolution services are conducted by a Nationally Accredited Mediator and Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner, providing families with experienced, impartial and compassionate support throughout the process.

Two oceans, one shore. Guiding you to clarity, resolution and a brighter future. We help bring people together to find common ground through compassionate legal guidance and FDR.

We understand that separation is more than a legal issue; it is a significant life transition. Our role is to provide a safe and supportive environment where clients feel heard, respected and empowered to make informed decisions about the future.

We believe in resolving disputes respectfully and in the positive impact mediation can have for families. By encouraging constructive communication and reducing conflict, Family Dispute Resolution can help families move forward with greater clarity while preserving important relationships wherever possible.

Our approach is centred on:

  • Neutral and impartial guidance
  • Respectful and confidential discussions
  • Practical and sustainable outcomes
  • Reduced conflict and improved communication
  • Child-focused solutions that prioritise wellbeing
Benefits

Why Choose Mediation?

Family Dispute Resolution offers a more collaborative and constructive approach to resolving disputes, helping families focus on practical solutions while reducing unnecessary conflict.

With the guidance of an independent and impartial practitioner, families are supported to communicate effectively, consider different perspectives, and work towards workable outcomes.

Every family is different. Mediation offers a flexible process that can be tailored to your circumstances, with appointments designed to fit around work, parenting commitments and individual needs.

Mediation provides a practical and streamlined process, helping families reach agreements without the delays often associated with court proceedings.

By encouraging respectful communication and cooperation, mediation can help minimise tension and create a healthier foundation for future interactions.

Where children are involved, their wellbeing remains at the centre of discussions. Mediation supports arrangements that promote stability, security and positive co-parenting relationships.

Many families are able to resolve matters more quickly through mediation, allowing everyone to move forward with greater certainty and peace of mind.

Compared with lengthy litigation, mediation is often a more affordable pathway, helping families avoid unnecessary legal expenses.

Maintaining respectful relationships can be particularly important when children are involved. Mediation encourages communication and cooperation, supporting healthier long-term family relationships wherever possible.

Every family is different. Mediation offers a flexible process that can be tailored to your circumstances, with appointments designed to fit around work, parenting commitments and individual needs.

Mediation provides a practical and streamlined process, helping families reach agreements without the delays often associated with court proceedings.

By encouraging respectful communication and cooperation, mediation can help minimise tension and create a healthier foundation for future interactions.

Where children are involved, their wellbeing remains at the centre of discussions. Mediation supports arrangements that promote stability, security and positive co-parenting relationships.

Many families are able to resolve matters more quickly through mediation, allowing everyone to move forward with greater certainty and peace of mind.

Compared with lengthy litigation, mediation is often a more affordable pathway, helping families avoid unnecessary legal expenses.

Maintaining respectful relationships can be particularly important when children are involved. Mediation encourages communication and cooperation, supporting healthier long-term family relationships wherever possible.

What to Expect

The Process

Understanding the process can help you feel more comfortable and prepared. Family Dispute Resolution is designed to be straightforward, supportive and focused on helping families move forward.

Step 1 — Initial Enquiry

Contact our office to discuss your circumstances and arrange an appointment. Flexible scheduling options are available, including Saturday appointments for clients seeking additional convenience.

Step 2 — Individual Intake Sessions

Each party attends a private intake session with the Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner. These sessions provide an opportunity to understand your circumstances, explain the process and assess whether Family Dispute Resolution is appropriate.

Step 3 — Preparation

We will guide you through what to expect and answer any questions you may have so that everyone feels informed and comfortable before mediation begins.

Step 4 — Family Dispute Resolution Session

During the joint session, discussions are facilitated in a calm and structured manner. The focus remains on constructive communication and exploring practical solutions that work for your family.

Step 5 — Reaching an Agreement

Where agreement is reached, the outcomes can be documented, providing clarity and a pathway forward for everyone involved.
MS and Co Lawyers

FDR Fee Structure

MEDIATION

Joint Family Dispute Resolution Session

Online or In-Person Mediation

FDR sessions may be conducted online or, where an in-person session is preferred, at a suitable external conference venue. Any venue hire costs will be additional and arranged separately.

Weekday Sessions

Half-Day Session

$770 per party

Up to 4 hours of Family Dispute Resolution mediation.

Full-Day Session

$1,500 per party

Up to 8 hours in one day, or two separate sessions of up to 4 hours each scheduled over multiple days

Additional Mediation Sessions

$350 per hour per person

Available where further time is required to continue discussions and work towards practical outcomes.

EXTENDED HOURS | FDR

Saturday Appointments

Saturday appointments are available at an extended-hours rate of 1.5 times the standard weekday session rates.

Half-Day Saturday Session

$1,155 per party

Up to 4 hours of Family Dispute Resolution mediation.

Full-Day Saturday Session

$2,250 per party

Up to 8 hours of Family Dispute Resolution mediation.

Section 60I Certificate

Issuance of Certificate

$330

Initial Meeting

$0 (No Charge)

Up to 20 minutes

Intake Session
$250 per person

Private intake and assessment appointment with the Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner.

Note:

For detailed fee information or a tailored estimate based on your circumstances, please contact our office.

MEDIATION

Joint Family Dispute Resolution Session

Online or In-Person Mediation

FDR sessions may be conducted online or, where an in-person session is preferred, at a suitable external conference venue. Any venue hire costs will be additional and arranged separately.

Weekday Sessions

Half-Day Session

$770 per party

Up to 4 hours of Family Dispute Resolution mediation.

Full-Day Session

$1,500 per party

Up to 8 hours in one day, or two separate sessions of up to 4 hours each scheduled over multiple days

Additional Mediation Sessions

$350 per hour per person

Available where further time is required to continue discussions and work towards practical outcomes.

EXTENDED HOURS | FDR

Saturday Appointments

Saturday appointments are available at an extended-hours rate of 1.5 times the standard weekday session rates.

Half-Day Saturday Session

$1,155 per party

Up to 4 hours of Family Dispute Resolution mediation.

Full-Day Saturday Session

$2,250 per party

Up to 8 hours of Family Dispute Resolution mediation.

Section 60I Certificate

Issuance of Certificate

$330

Initial Meeting

$0 (No Charge)

Up to 20 minutes

Intake Session

$250 per person

Private intake and assessment appointment with the Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner.

Note:

For detailed fee information or a tailored estimate based on your circumstances, please contact our office.

Frequently Asked Questions | FDR

MS and Co Lawyers

In many parenting matters, parties are required to attempt Family Dispute Resolution before commencing court proceedings, unless certain exceptions apply.

Yes. Family Dispute Resolution is conducted in a confidential setting, subject to limited legal exceptions.

Every family is different. Some matters are resolved in a single session, while others may require additional meetings. Family Dispute Resolution is generally much faster than court proceedings.

You are not required to have a lawyer present during the process. However, obtaining independent legal advice before or after Family Dispute Resolution is often recommended.

If an agreement cannot be reached, we can discuss the next available options and provide guidance regarding the appropriate pathway forward.

Absolutely. Supporting child-focused outcomes and promoting the wellbeing of children is a central part of Family Dispute Resolution.

Yes. Saturday appointments are available for clients seeking additional flexibility and are charged at double the standard hourly rate.

Many families value the flexibility, efficiency and collaborative nature of Family Dispute Resolution. It offers a more respectful and cost-effective approach while helping reduce conflict and preserve important relationships.

Book a Family Dispute Resolution Appointment

MS and Co Lawyers

Taking the first step can often feel like the hardest.

Whether you are navigating parenting arrangements, financial matters or ongoing co-parenting issues, we are here to provide a calm, respectful and supportive environment where meaningful conversations and practical solutions can take place.

Our goal is to help families move forward with greater clarity, confidence and peace of mind.

Complimentary 20-minute consultation available for Family Law and Family Violence matters.