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 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 weeks 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

3 weeks 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

a month ago

Vanessa and Andy held my hand the whole way through. Their knowledge, experience, professionalism and genuine care for me, hugely reduced my stress with what I was going through. They never left my side and now I will never leave theirs. I highly recommend them.

Heather Bertini

a month ago

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

7 months ago

Thornton+King handled the recent sale of my apartment with great professionalism and efficiency. Communication was good, clear. and concise throughout. I'd like to give a special shout out of thanks to Andy Habib for ensuring everything ran as smoothly as it did.

Suzi Cottrell

4 months ago

Excellent service from the whole team at Thornton + King - they did the legal work for my sale and subsequent purchase in a very professional, courteous manner. Would definitely use them again.

Margot Saville

a month ago

We have now bought and sold multiple times with support from Thornton + King. They are always incredibly efficient, helpful and proactive.

Niccola Phillips

2 months ago