FAMILY LAW Mediation
Practical mediation to resolve disputes without court
Parenting Matters provides family mediation services that help parents resolve parenting and property disputes privately, efficiently and with less stress.
Rather than handing decisions to a judge, mediation returns control to the people involved. Ellie supports families to reach clear, workable agreements that reflect their specific circumstances – without the delays, cost and emotional strain of litigation.
“As a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner, I help parents stop the court tug-of-war, focus on the kids and build practical, private agreements – fast and on your terms.”
Ellie Terry, Principle and registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP)
The benefits of mediation
Benefit
What it means for families
You’re in control
Mediation allows parents to reach agreements that reflect their family’s needs, without the unpredictability of litigation.
Faster resolution
Matters can often be resolved far more quickly than through court proceedings.
Saves money
Reaching agreement in mediation significantly reduces legal fees compared with going to court.
Private and confidential
Mediation is confidential, allowing parties to speak openly without concerns about public proceedings.
Less stress
The process is flexible, structured and generally less adversarial than court.
Promotes collaboration
Mediation supports problem-solving and cooperation, rather than an adversarial court-based approach.
Parenting Mediation
(Family Dispute Resolution)
Parenting mediation helps separated parents resolve disputes relating to children, including:
- Care and living arrangements
- Decision-making responsibility
- Children’s education, health and welfare
- Communication between co-parents
- Special needs considerations
- School routines, schedules and extracurricular activities
Where required under the Family Law Act, Ellie conducts Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) as an accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner.
A Section 601 Certificate will be issued to each party, where appropriate, in parenting mediations.
Property Mediation
(Financial)
Property mediation supports separated couples to resolve financial matters without court involvement.
Ellie mediates disputes relating to:
- Financial settlement and division of assets
- Superannuation splitting
- Business interests and trusts
- Spousal maintenance
- Investments and shares
- Bank accounts and other financial assets
Where agreement is reached, outcomes may be formalised through Consent Orders. Once approved by the Court, these orders are binding and enforceable.
All parties are encouraged to seek independent legal advice before finalising any agreement.
What you can expect
Mediation sessions are structured, confidential and focused on resolution.
Throughout the process, Ellie supports parties to:
- Identify the key issues in dispute
- Explore practical options and trade-offs
- Reach clear, workable agreements
- Document outcomes accurately
Sessions may be conducted jointly or separately, depending on suitability and the issues involved.
Lawyer-assisted mediation
Where parties are legally represented, any agreement reached is documented in a Heads of Agreement, summarising the key terms for lawyers to formalise.
Self-represented mediation
Where parties are self-represented, Ellie can assist with drafting a Heads of Agreement. Independent legal advice is strongly recommended before finalising any agreement.
Location and availability
Ellie provides in-person mediation services across Brisbane.
Interstate and regional mediations – either online or in person – can be arranged upon request. Additional costs may apply.