Mediation & Dispute Resolution

Mediation & Dispute Resolution Lawyers in Sydney who put you first

When separating or resolving family disputes, court isn’t your only option. Mediation is often a faster, more cost-effective way to reach agreement without the stress of litigation. At our Sydney-based firm, our experienced mediation lawyers work with clients to find practical, respectful resolutions that prioritise your family’s needs.

Whether you're looking for mediation services in Sydney, need guidance from skilled mediators, or legal advice from trusted dispute resolution lawyers, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.


Why Choose Thornton + King?

When it comes to resolving family disputes, having the right mediation and dispute resolution lawyers by your side can make all the difference. Here's why Sydney families choose us:

  • Decades of Expertise
    With extensive experience in family law, our mediation lawyers in Sydney understand how to guide clients through even the most complex disputes.

  • Clear, Practical Advice
    We deliver straightforward legal support tailored to your situation by skilled family law conflict resolution lawyers.

  • Strong Advocacy in Mediation
    Whether through guided negotiation or structured sessions with mediators in Sydney, we work to secure outcomes that support your goals.

  • Client-Focused Approach
    We listen first, then act. Our mediation services in Sydney are designed to empower you with practical solutions and peace of mind.


About Thornton + King: A Legacy of Excellence

At Thornton + King, we know that family law matters are deeply personal. Our experienced team of divorce lawyers are here to provide the guidance, support, and expertise you need to navigate this challenging time with confidence.

With a history dating back to 1924, our firm has built a reputation for excellence in family law. Over the decades, we’ve helped countless clients achieve fair and just outcomes, no matter how complex their situations. Whether you prefer mediation and collaborative solutions or require strong representation in court, we are equipped to handle every aspect of your case.

Because family law often intersects with property, business, and financial matters, our team works alongside our in-house specialists in these areas to ensure a seamless approach to your legal needs.


FAQs:

Is mediation legally binding in Australia?

Mediation itself is not legally binding in Australia. However, if an agreement is reached, it can be made binding by formalising it through Consent Orders filed with the court or by entering into a Binding Financial Agreement.

Without this step, the agreement remains informal and unenforceable. It's important to seek legal advice to ensure your rights are protected and any agreement is properly documented.

How does mediation work in Australia?

In Australia, mediation is a structured, confidential process where an independent mediator helps parties resolve family law disputes without the need to go to court. Each party can present their views, explore options, and work toward a mutually acceptable agreement.

Mediation is often required before applying to court for parenting or financial matters. If an agreement is reached, it can be formalised into legally binding orders. Mediation is faster, more cost-effective, and less adversarial than litigation, making it a preferred first step in many family law cases.

What is Family Dispute Resolution?

Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) is a form of mediation involving a neutral third party—an accredited Family Dispute Resolution practitioner, who helps separated or divorced couples resolve issues and reduce conflict. The goal is to reach a workable agreement without litigation, although if an agreement can’t be reached, then matters can be escalated to a hearing.

What our customers say

We had the pleasure of working with Andy and Alan, and they were absolutely amazing. Their knowledge and expertise were invaluable as they guided us through the process of purchasing our first property in Queensland. They went above and beyond to assist us and were always available to answer the many questions we had as first-time buyers. We highly recommend Thornton & King and ...

Paris Dzuheric

2 months ago

Andy was fantastic with our families recent property purchases. We had a longer wait to settle but Andy kept us updated on the status and next steps. As with property purchases the stress levels are high but Andy was calm and reassuring and made the process as seamless as possible. Would recommend Andy and Alan for your next property purchase.

Kylie Bone

4 months ago

Highly recommended. The team at Thornton + King was very responsive, very knowledgeable and professional. We felt extremely supported and at ease throughout the sale of our IP. Definitely engaging with the firm again for our next property acquisition/sale.

Jerry L

8 months ago

My wife & I have engaged Vanessa Caputo for conveyancing numerous times over the last 10 years. Our experience has been consistently good. Vanessa is able to tap into her considerable experience to provide salient advice & guidance throughout the whole process, be it a property purchase or a sale. We've also received great service from Vanessa's support team, particularly Andy Ha...

Neil O'Malley

9 months ago

Highly recommended. We were very nervous about our purchase via our Super Fund and these guys are all over it. Kept us calm, knew exactly what to do and were super efficient, even though it was over the Christmas/New Year period, they were there! Thank you so much Vanessa, Alan and Amber who looked after us.

Chriss Costi

a year ago

Thornton and King were engaged by my wife and I to handle the sale of our apartment. This was our first engagement with them as our previous solicitor had retired and they came highly recommended. I must say I found the experience smooth and faultless. The communication was concise and clear. All aspects were handled with professionalism and at all times we felt our sale was thei...

Neil Ashley

2 years ago