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- Level 3, 10 Rudd St, City ACT 2601
Dealing with family law issues can be overwhelming, and court proceedings can add extra cost, delay, and complexities to a matter. Wherever possible, we help clients resolve their family law matters through alternative processes such as negotiation, mediation, and family dispute resolution. Our family and divorce mediators in Canberra have helped many clients reach successful outcomes without resorting to litigation, however, if court is the only option, we are experienced family law practitioners and can provide excellent advocacy and representation in court.
Mediation is an alternative dispute resolution process that can help resolve your family law matter without costly court proceedings. Special Counsel, Geoff Mazengarb, is an experienced mediator and can assist with your family law dispute.
Mediation involves a trained, independent mediator who facilitates discussions between you and your former partner with the view of reaching a resolution, whether it be for the short term or long term. The mediator does not provide legal advice or determine the outcome of your matter. Mediation is private and can be arranged at a time and place to suit you and your former partner. As mediation is more relaxed than a court environment, it is typically more conducive to exploring creative options to resolve, or narrow down, the issues in dispute.
The mediation process can also involve your respective lawyers and any agreement reached during mediation can be detailed in legally binding terms of settlement.
We’re not just legal professionals – we’re your partners through one of life’s most challenging moments. With years of experience in family law, our team offers a compassionate, client-focused approach that delivers the best possible outcomes. Whether you are navigating separation, divorce, or any family law issue, our goal is to guide you with clarity, minimise conflict, and achieve lasting results.
We believe the legal process should feel supportive, not overwhelming. Our approach is transparent, personalised, and focused on helping you feel informed and empowered from day one.
Our team isn’t just made up of experienced family lawyers — we’re real people who care deeply about helping others through life’s most challenging moments. With a calm, compassionate approach and a strong focus on outcomes, we’re here to guide you with clarity and confidence.
No matter what you’re facing, you don’t have to go through it alone.
Special Counsel
Principal
Got questions? You’re not alone. We’ve answered some of the most common queries clients ask when navigating family law. If you’re still unsure, we’re just a call away.
Costs can vary depending on the complexity of your matter, but we believe in transparency from the start. We offer a free 30-minute initial consultation to discuss your situation and provide a clear outline of potential fees. Wherever possible, we offer fixed-fee options so you know exactly what to expect — no surprises, no hidden costs.
All new clients are entitled to a free 30-minute consultation.
In your initial appointment, we want to understand your circumstances and what is important for you to achieve both in the short term and the long term. Our solicitors will provide you with guidance and an overview of the relevant laws and how they might apply to your matter.
During the first appointment, our solicitors will provide you with options that can be taken to resolve your matter. Such options may include lawyer based negotiation, mediation, collaborative practice or litigation.
In our first client appointments, we strive to give you direction and options to you so that you leave your first appointment with a sense of clarity and the next step forward and estimated costs.
Time frames can vary greatly depending on the complexity and nature of your matter, and also the process through which you choose to resolve it.
Most dispute resolution processes assist in the resolution of a matter faster than those in the litigation process. Each matter is different and depends on a number of variables that are outside of your control and the control of your solicitor.
Going to court is generally a very lengthy process and can take years for a matter to be resolved. After filing an initiating application, it can take 3-4 months to get a first return date. You may appear before the Court on a number of occasions before getting a Final Hearing which, based on the Canberra Registry, can be up to a 2 year wait. There may be a further delay in receiving a decision from the Judge after a Final Hearing.
During your first appointment, we will provide you with an estimate of our fees for our different services. We endeavour to keep you up to date with our estimate of costs during the course of your matter. We will always be upfront and open about our fees and ensure that you understand the costs involved. Please feel free to contact us to discuss our costs further.
You must be separated from your partner for a period of 12 months before you can apply for a divorce. You can be classified as separated even if you live under the same roof. Usually a verbal acknowledgement of separation between you and your partner is sufficient.
Upon receiving your enquiry, our team will schedule an initial consultation to thoroughly understand your needs, preferences, and the specifics of your situation.
