Property Settlement & Finances

Mediation helps you divide your assets & liabilities on separation.

Property Settlement & Finances

Need help resolving your property and finances following separation or divorce? – Mediation works.

Most couples acquire property, during their relationship, but when that relationship breaks down, disputes often arise with regards to the division of assets. While mediation is not compulsory, the family courts actively encourage mediation as a way of reaching an agreement, and many mediations are court-ordered.

Our Process

To understand how mediation helps you resolve your property dispute and reach an agreement, you’ll need to follow the steps below.

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    1. Identify and value the assets & liabilities of the relationship

    You’ll need to provide your ex-partner with full and frank disclosure of all of your assets and liabilities. You’ll need to identify and value the assets, clarify liabilities and consider your financial resources.

    You’ll need to provide your ex-partner with full and frank disclosure of all of your assets and liabilities. You’ll need to identify and value the assets, clarify liabilities and consider your financial resources.

    We provide you with a free working booklet which details what information you need to provide to each other and how to go about this.

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The role of the Mediator will help you put your feelings aside and focus on the practicable financial arrangements that need addressing in the short and long term. For example, before reaching an agreement, the Mediator may help you agree on matters such as, who will pay the mortgage.

The Mediator won’t take sides or provide legal advice but can if appropriate, provide you with legal information which will aid your decision making and help you work out what is achievable.

Its’ worth remembering that 85% of cases settle.

If agreement cannot be reached, then you are free to start or continue with solicitor led negotiations or with court proceedings. That is not to say, that mediation cannot be attempted again. Remember – even if a partial agreement is reached, the number of disputed issues are reduced, saving you time and money in the long run.

We will provide you with Heads of Agreement setting out the terms agreed – however, this is not legally binding. As we are mediators and lawyers we are can draft your agreement, into a Consent Order or Binding Financial Agreement should you so choose to do so.

Essentially there are two ways in which to record your property agreement:
  • Consent Orders: A consent order is often the preferred method. If the terms of the agreement are just and equitable, the court is more likely than not to approve the consent order.
  • Binding Financial Agreement (BFA): A BFA is an agreement between parties to a marriage or de-facto relationship. It records your agreement detailing the agreed division of assets. Unlike a consent order, it is not lodged with the court for approval. Therefore, even if an agreement is not just or equitable, you can still record your agreement and have finality.
  • It cannot be used to record arrangements for children or child support issues. Drafting BFA’s, are complicated, time-consuming and must comply with strict requirements of the Family Law Act 1975 to be valid. You must also obtain independent legal advice before signing a BFA.

There are several benefits including:
  • Stamp Duty is not payable where there is a property transfer made between a de facto couple or spouse made under a Consent Order or Binding Financial Agreement.
  • Provides you with certainty and finality – ensuring that your ex-partner does not make any further claim in the future
  • Where there is a superannuation split, the trustee of the superfund will require a Superannuation Agreement, Consent Order of Binding Financial Agreement to implement the terms.

Yes. As family lawyers and mediators we can draft up your agreement and record that in the form that you choose – all at an affordable fixed cost.

”We were all emotionally drained by my brother’s divorce. There were long drawn out legal proceedings, spiteful behaviour, backbiting, distressed children and a large legal bill at the end of it all. My family are very close but my brothers divorce, tore our family apart, causing huge divisions. We knew we had to have the courage to try an alternative for our own children once we realised our relationship was over”

Hayley
Read Hayley’s Story

Customer Testimonials

Average Rating:

Would recommend!

Thank you so much for your assistance in all this. It has been greatly appreciated. If it wasn’t for the work that you have done, I don’t think I would have had the relationship I currently have with my daughter!

T Gilmore

Recommend contacting them with complete confidence in their expertise.

The mediator displayed a remarkable level of professionalism and kindness. Her commitment to integrity was evident, and I sincerely appreciated her genuine sincerity, especially when the other party disregarded my values. I felt incredibly supported, heard, and represented throughout the process. If the need arises, I will turn to this firm again in the future. If you require mediation, I recommend contacting them with complete confidence in their expertise.

H Johnson

Very happy with your service!

Thanks, Ashma, for your caring and thoughtful approach. Was very confused when my relationship broke down, didn’t know what to do or where I should go. You provided me with a clear path, a good outcome at a very reasonable price. Very happy with your service.

A Smith

Such a smooth process

That went so much smoother than I ever imagined. I can’t thank you enough. You assisted me with slowing down and thinking first. It was almost like a totally different conversation after our first break. Smooth and fair. Thank you

N Cole

Thank you!

Thanks again for our mediation a few weeks ago. I found it very helpful and supported my decision-making regarding the financial agreement.

K Weston

Great Result!

Ashma demonstrates exceptional professionalism and maintains a positive attitude, striving to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes for all parties involved. Her articulate communication style dramatically enhances the effectiveness of interactions. If you seek cost-effective results, I recommend engaging with this organization.

D Sawtell

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