Family Mediation & Dispute Resolution in Sydney
A calmer way to work towards resolution — without going to court.
What Is Family Mediation?
Family mediation is a voluntary, confidential process where a trained, neutral mediator helps family members communicate, negotiate, and reach agreements on the issues affecting them — without the cost, delay, or adversarial nature of court proceedings.
Rather than decision being handed down, mediation gives everyone a hand in identifying possible ways forward and shaping the outcome together.
Jasmine’s approach
I have helped countless families work through some of the hardest conversations they'll ever have — from separation to parenting disputes to elder care decisions.
My training in family dispute resolution and decades as a psychologist have given me the experience to navigate complex conflicts with those who are struggling with stress, hurt or frustration.
Unlike a judge or lawyer, I do not take sides or make decisions for you. Instead, I facilitate the conversation, keep discussions constructive, and help both parties find common ground. The final agreement is shaped by you — not imposed on you.
Member of the Australian Psychological Society
Fellow of the APS College of Counselling Psychologists
Fellow of the APS College of Organisational Psychologists
Nationally Accredited Mediator (AMDRAS)
Member of the International Association for Cross-Cultural Psychology
Making room for a different kind of conversation
Mediation can be helpful when a family wants clarity and practical next steps-even if every issue cannot be resolved at once
Communication has broken down
Conversation repeatedly becomes heated, circular and unproductive.
Important decisions need to be made
Care, finances, responsibilities, boundaries for future arrangements need a fair process.
Relationships are under strain
Conflict between parents, adult children, siblings, or extended family is affecting connection and trust.
A way forward is needed
The family wants to move beyond entrenched positions and explore realistic options.
How Family Mediation Works
The process is tailored to the people involved and the complexity of the issues.
1. Initial inquiry
We clarify the nature of the conflict, who may need to participate and whether mediation is appropriate
3. The mediation session
I guide the conversation person, help each person express what matters and support the family to consider realistic options.
2. Private pre–mediation meetings
I meet privately with each person to understand concerns, expectations, safety issues and any power imbalance
4. Agreements and next steps
Decisions and practical next steps can be recorded, with independent legal or financial advice where appropriate.
Conflict coaching
Sometimes it helps to talk things through before taking the next step.
One-to-one conflict coaching can help you prepare for a difficult conversation, feel clearer about your boundaries and approach conflict with greater confidence and calm.
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Before mediation begins, participants are asked to sign an agreement setting out the terms of the mediation process. This is separate from any agreement that may be reached during the mediation.
Not every outcome of mediation needs to be legally binding. Depending on the nature of the dispute and what the participants want to achieve, an agreement may remain an understanding between family members or may need to be formalised with independent legal advice.
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Not every mediation results in agreement. If it becomes clear that an agreement cannot be reached, the mediation may be brought to a close. Sometimes a break or cooling-off period can be helpful, and participants may decide to return to mediation at a later time.
Even when a final agreement is not reached, mediation can help clarify the issues, identify areas of agreement and provide a better understanding of each person's position.
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This depends on the nature of the dispute. Some family law matters have specific requirements for Family Dispute Resolution before court proceedings can commence, while many other family disputes do not.
Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners (FDRPs) have a specific role within the family law system. My family mediation service is broader and may involve disputes between adult family members, siblings, parents and adult children, extended families and other family relationships. If you are considering legal proceedings, you should obtain independent legal advice about any requirements that apply to your circumstances.
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The mediation process begins with a separate pre-mediation consultation with each participant. This provides an opportunity to understand the issues, discuss the mediation process and consider whether mediation is appropriate.
The mediation itself will often take approximately three to five hours, depending on the complexity of the issues and the number of people involved. Breaks can be taken when needed, and in some circumstances the mediation may continue on another day.
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Power imbalances and long-standing patterns of conflict are important considerations in mediation. As mediator, I assess these issues during the pre-mediation process and continue to monitor them throughout the mediation.
The process can be structured to help each participant have an opportunity to be heard and to participate meaningfully. If I consider that mediation is not appropriate or cannot proceed safely and fairly, I will discuss this with those involved.
A constructive way forward can start here
Resolving complex family disagreements doesn't require a high-friction legal battle.
Reach out today to schedule a confidential consultation, and let's discuss how a structured, impartial mediation process can help your family find a sustainable path forward.
0414 552 467
Level 21, 133 Castlereagh St, Sydney.
We’re in the middle of Sydney’s CBD, close to the Gadigal Metro