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.

Contact Thornton & King Lawyers

Do you have a question about our services? Contact us today, and a member of our team will get back to you soon.

What our customers say

I had an excellent experience with Alan and Pamela during my recent property purchase. They were always available to answer questions, very clear in their communication, and incredibly helpful throughout the entire process. Their professionalism and attention to detail made everything smooth and stress-free. I’d highly recommend them to anyone looking for reliable and friendly so...

Manny Paulo

5 days ago

I wanted to express my sincere gratitude for all the hard work, time, and expertise that Amanda and her team put into our property settlement. Their attention to detail, clear communication, and persistence made what could have been a stressful process so much smoother and less daunting for us. We truly appreciate the extra effort you went to on our behalf — it didn’t go unnotic...

Lena Wang

2 months ago

The best! Amanda and Andy were a wonderful source of professional advice from start to finish regarding the sale of my property. Super responsive and proactively managed every step of the process, which was so important as this was my first property sale. My estate agent also commented on how efficiently the contract for sale was provided, along with Amanda and Andy's responsiven...

KB

2 months ago

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I cannot thank Sarah Newman, and Andy, at Thornton and King enough for their incredible support over the past six months. The settlement of my property was long, drawn-out, and at times quite tedious—but throughout the entire process, they were consistently professional, prompt, and reassuring. Sarah and Andy were always available to answer my questions, explain things...

Shelley Robertson

3 months ago

Vanessa and Andy are both highly experienced, professional and extremely helpful. They made the process of selling my property seamless. I have no hesitation recommending or using them again in the future.

Brooke Tesoriero

a month ago

Vanessa and Andy made the process of buying my first home extremely easy and simple to understand. They were always available to answer any questions I had and to help me troubleshoot any problems I had. Can highly recommend them whether it is your first home or you’ve done it all before.

Niall Oates

a month ago

My recent down-sizing involves the selling of a property and the buying of a new one at the same time. The whole process was a smooth and pleasant one, thanks to the help of Thornton + King Law Services. In particular I wish to thank Amanda Chik, my Solicitor for her detailed explanations of the contracts, and Andy Habib, the Conveyancing Manager, for his prompt and professiona...

Chiu Keung Ng

3 weeks ago

5 star service all the way! Alan and Belinda made purchasing our property a breeze. We highly recommend their services to anyone looking to purchase their next home. Regards R&R

Rose Dority

3 weeks ago