FAMILY MEDIATION SYDNEY
Facing the turbulent waters of separation and divorce can leave partners feeling overwhelmed and emotionally drained.
WELCOME TO RAMSDEN FAMILY LAW
YOUR TRUSTED PARTNER IN FAMILY MEDIATION
At Ramsden Family Law, our family law mediators understand the challenges you face and are here to offer a compassionate, professional, and effective solution through family mediation. As one of Sydney’s leading family law firms, we specialise in helping families reach amicable agreements without the stress and expense of going to family court.
Our family dispute resolution practitioners bring a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the family law system, ensuring that your mediation process is handled with the utmost care and expertise.
Explore our family mediation services and discover how we can help you move forward.
WHAT IS FAMILY MEDIATION?
Family mediation, also known as family dispute resolution, is a voluntary and confidential process designed to help separated or divorced couples resolve disputes amicably with the assistance of a neutral third party, known as a mediator. The goal is to reach a mutually acceptable agreement.
The family dispute resolution practitioner or mediator facilitates discussions, encourages open communication, and assists both parties in reaching mutually acceptable agreements on issues such as child custody, parenting plans, property division, and financial arrangements. Unlike court proceedings, mediation is a more collaborative and less adversarial approach, focusing on finding practical solutions that work for everyone involved.
WHY CHOOSE MEDIATION OVER COURT PROCEEDINGS?
Mediation enables personalised solutions that cater to the unique needs and circumstances of your family rather than a one-size-fits-all court ruling. Mediation is particularly effective for resolving family law disputes.
Mediation is a valuable tool for resolving various issues, including family law matters, without the need for court intervention.
COST-EFFECTIVE
Mediation is generally much cheaper than litigation, saving you from high legal fees and court costs.
TIME SAVING
Court cases can take months or even years to resolve. Mediation sessions are typically quicker, allowing you to reach an agreement in a fraction of the time.
CONFIDENTIALITY
Mediation sessions are private and confidential, ensuring that your personal matters are not disclosed in a public forum.
CONTROL
Unlike court decisions, which are made by a judge, mediation allows both parties to maintain control over the outcomes and agreements.
REDUCED STRESS
The collaborative nature of mediation fosters a less stressful environment, ensuring your emotional and psychological health is put first post-separation relationship, especially when children are involved.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
EXPERIENCED AND ACCREDITED MEDIATORS
Our team comprises accredited family law mediators and arbitrators with extensive experience in family law. Their expertise ensures that your mediation process is conducted professionally and effectively, with a deep understanding of the legal and emotional complexities involved.
COMPASSIONATE AND CONFIDENTIAL APPROACH
We recognise the emotional challenges that come with separation and divorce. Our mediators approach each case with compassion, providing a supportive environment where you can discuss issues openly. Confidentiality is a cornerstone of our practice, ensuring that your personal matters remain private.
COST-EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS
Mediation with Ramsden Family Law is a cost-effective alternative to traditional litigation. We strive to resolve a family law dispute efficiently, minimising the financial burden on your family. Our transparent fee structure ensures that you know the costs upfront, with no hidden charges.
FLEXIBLE MEDIATION OPTIONS
Understanding that every family’s situation is unique, we offer flexible mediation options to suit your needs. Whether you prefer in-person sessions at our conveniently located offices, online mediation for ease and comfort, or shuttle mediation to address safety concerns, we accommodate your preferences to make the process as smooth as possible.
OUR FAMILY DISPUTE RESOLUTION SERVICES
COMPREHENSIVE MEDIATION FOR CHILD CUSTODY AND PARENTING PLANS
At Ramsden Family Law, we understand that your children’s well-being is your top priority. Our experienced mediators specialise in helping you create detailed and workable parenting plans. These plans cover all aspects of child custody, including living arrangements, visitation schedules, education, and healthcare decisions. We ensure that the needs and best interests of your children are always at the forefront of discussions, facilitating agreements that provide stability and clarity for both parents and children. Effective mediation is crucial in preserving family relationships, amicably resolving disputes and in the best interest of the children.
PROPERTY AND FINANCIAL DISPUTE MEDIATION
Dividing assets and finances after a separation can be a complex and contentious process. Our family law mediator is skilled in addressing property settlements, financial arrangements, and the division of assets, including real estate, savings, investments, and debts. We guide you through the negotiation process, helping you reach fair and equitable agreements that respect both parties’ contributions and future needs.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND SAFETY CONCERNS IN MEDIATION
Safety is paramount in all our mediation services. If domestic & family violence, child abuse, or safety concerns are present, our mediators are trained to handle such situations with utmost care and sensitivity. We offer specialised mediation sessions designed to ensure a safe environment, whether through shuttle mediation (where parties are in separate rooms) or virtual mediation. Our goal is to provide a secure setting where both parties can communicate their concerns and reach agreements without fear or intimidation.
OUR MEDIATION PROCESS
INITIAL CONSULTATION AND ASSESSMENT
Your journey with Ramsden Family Law begins with a free initial consultation. During this session, our mediator will listen to your concerns, explain the mediation process, including family dispute resolution (FDR), and assess the suitability of mediation for your situation. This is an opportunity for you to ask questions and understand how mediation can help you resolve your disputes amicably.
MEDIATION SESSIONS AND TECHNIQUES
Our mediation sessions are structured yet flexible to address the unique needs of each family. Sessions are designed to facilitate open communication and collaborative problem-solving. Our mediators use a variety of techniques, including:
Joint Sessions: Both parties meet with the mediator to discuss issues together.
Shuttle Mediation: The mediator moves between separate rooms to help parties negotiate, ensuring safety and comfort.
Virtual Mediation: Online sessions are available for convenience and flexibility, especially useful for parties living in different locations.
Throughout the sessions, our mediators guide the discussion, help clarify issues and encourage both parties to consider each other’s perspectives. The aim is to foster understanding and cooperation, leading to mutually beneficial agreements.
CREATING BINDING AGREEMENTS
Once an agreement is reached, our mediators can assist in drafting a formal document, such as a parenting arrangement or financial settlement. This document outlines the agreed terms in clear and precise language. Both parties review and sign the agreement, making it a binding contract. For added legal security, these agreements can be converted into consent orders, which are enforceable by the court.
OUR MEDIATORS
MATTHEW SHEPHERD
Matthew Shepherd is an expert in assisting separated spouses in reaching amicable agreements through mediation in Sydney. He serves as a neutral mediator, family dispute resolution practitioner, or arbitrator, working with both parties to facilitate resolution. Alternatively, he offers support to individual clients, helping them prepare for and engage in negotiations, mediation, and other dispute resolution processes.
Matthew holds accreditations as a mediator, a registered family dispute resolution practitioner, and a registered family law property arbitrator. Additionally, he is an accredited family law specialist. Matthew tailors the dispute resolution process to meet the unique needs of each client. If necessary, Matthew can issue Section 60i Certificates.
MARIA RYAN
Maria is an exceptionally skilled and registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner with a deep understanding of human dynamics and conflict resolution. Specialising in both parenting and property disputes, her extensive expertise in property, business, and family law allows her to help parties thoughtfully consider their options and achieve enduring, practical solutions.
With a background in psychology and teaching, Maria excels at guiding individuals toward solutions that not only address legal concerns but also protect and strengthen key relationships. Her ability to manage complex, emotionally charged discussions enables her to foster open, constructive dialogue. Drawing from her experience as a mediator and Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner from both Family Relationship Centres and private practice, Maria is adept at handling even the most challenging conversations with empathy, professionalism, and a commitment to achieving positive outcome. If necessary, Maria can issue Section 60i Certificates.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT TO EXPECT IN MEDIATION
Family mediation is a structured, yet flexible process designed to help you resolve disputes amicably. You can expect a safe, confidential environment where a neutral mediator facilitates discussions, helping both parties to communicate effectively and reach mutually agreeable solutions. Sessions can take place at a family relationship centre, providing a professional setting for mediation and the drafting of parenting plans.
HOW LONG DOES MEDIATION TAKE?
The duration of mediation varies depending on the complexity of the issues and the willingness of both parties to negotiate. Some disputes can be resolved in a single session, which is either a half day or a full day, while others may require multiple sessions spread over several weeks. Our goal is to resolve matters as efficiently as possible without compromising the quality of the agreements.
WHAT ARE THE COSTS INVOLVED?
Mediation is generally more cost-effective than litigation.
At Ramsden Family Law, we offer a transparent fee structure. If you are engaging our lawyers to represent you at mediation, the initial consultation is free, and subsequent sessions are priced competitively based on hourly rates. We also offer flexible payment options to accommodate different financial situations.
If you are hiring one of our mediators to conduct a mediation, the fees are fixed.
As of January 2025, the fees for Matthew are $2,750, including GST, for a half-day mediation or $5,500, including GST, for a full-day mediation. This includes pre-meetings and room hire.
As of January 2025, the fees for Maria for a half day mediation session is $1,850 including GST and $2,950 including GST for a full day. Maria also charges $200 per party for pre meetings.
Please contact us for a detailed fee schedule.
FIND YOUR PEACE TODAY
At Ramsden Family Law, our family mediation services are designed to help you resolve conflicts amicably and build a positive future for your family.
With over 30 years of experience, our team of accredited mediators and family law specialists are dedicated to providing compassionate, effective, and personalised support. We understand the emotional and legal complexities of family disputes and are committed to guiding you through the mediation process with professionalism and care.
Find a peaceful resolution today by scheduling your free initial consultation with us.
Contact us today to discuss how we can help you achieve fair and lasting agreements.
