Family Dispute Resolution & Mediation in Newcastle & Maitland
Resolve Your Family Dispute with Clarity, Compassion & Confidence.
If you're facing a family breakdown, deciding co-parenting arrangements, or dividing property, mediation—also known as Family Dispute Resolution (FDR)—is often the best first step. As an accredited FDR Practitioner (FDRP), Louise Neilson helps separated couples and families in Newcastle, Maitland, and throughout the Hunter Valley to reach practical, legally sound agreements—without going to court. Our mediation services are cost-effective, confidential, and tailored for: Parenting & custody arrangements for children, Financial and property settlement discussions, Combined issues involving both children and property.
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Our Mediation Services
Parenting & Children Mediation
Aim: Safeguard your children's wellbeing through Parenting Plans or Consent Orders Process: Identify key parenting issues, explore cooperative solutions, and formalize outcomes Outcome: A legally enforceable agreement that prioritizes your children’s best interests
Property & Financial Dispute Mediation
Ideal for separated couples negotiating property division without the stress of court. Helps manage stamp duty risks, asset transfers, and financial fairness. Outcome: Clear, written settlement agreements that form the basis of formal Consent Orders.
Combined Children + Property Mediation
Where both parenting arrangements and property division need resolution. Saves time and cost by handling converging issues in a single process.Outcome: Comprehensive agreements, ready for legal drafting and implementation.
Why Choose Mediation with Neilson & Co Legal?
Requirement Before Court
Under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), you must attempt mediation before filing for parenting orders—unless an exception applies. Louise can issue a section 60I certificate, confirming you attended and genuinely participated.
A Practitioner with Legal Insight.
Louise is a fully qualified family lawyer and an accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP). However, when engaged as a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner, Louise acts as an impartial mediator only and does not provide legal advice to either party during the mediation process.
This ensures a neutral and confidential environment focused solely on helping participants reach mutual agreement.
While Louise’s background in family law means she understands the legal framework surrounding property settlements and parenting matters, her role in mediation is strictly facilitative—supporting both parties to communicate, negotiate and reach their own decisions.
GET IN TOUCH
How Our Mediation Works
1. Book Your Mediation Consultation
Online or in-person at Newcastle or Maitland, or via video/phone.
2. Intake & Assessment
Evaluate safety, willingness to negotiate, and suitability for FDR.
3. Mediation Session(s)
Neutral facilitation from Louise, with or without legal support.
4. Finalizing Agreements
We help you prepare Consent Orders, Parenting Plans, or Property Settlement Agreements.
Benefits of Mediation
- Confidential: Unlike court hearings, your discussions stay private
- Cost & Time‑Effective: Faster resolution means less legal cost
- Greater Control: You decide the outcome—not a judge
- Preserves Relationships: Especially vital where co‑parenting continues.
Who Benefits Most From Our Services
- Couples seeking Parenting Orders or Parenting Plans
- Separating parties negotiating property division outside court
- Families wanting to resolve both children and asset issues in a single, cohesive process
- Anyone who wants structured, legal-safe, and amicable agreements.
How to Get Started
Book your session: Online at our Newcastle or Maitland locations, or via Zoom/phone
Phone: 02 4909 4837
Email: hello@neilsoncolegal.com.au
FAQS
Click on the relevant questions to expand for more information.
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Yes—unless an exception applies, you must try mediation before applying for parenting orders.
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Absolutely—our combined mediation sessions are designed for overlapping issues.
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Louise will issue a section 60I certificate, and our team can advise on next steps, including court if mediation is unsuccessful.