January often highlights areas that feel unsettled. The holidays can intensify emotion, and many people realise that certain arrangements or patterns of communication aren’t serving them well. Mediation offers a structured environment to move toward clarity.

People commonly seek mediation at the start of the year because they want:

• A clearer understanding of their options
• A calmer way to discuss parenting or property concerns
• Support to reduce conflict
• A pathway that avoids the stress and cost of court
• A more stable plan for their children
• A process that helps them feel grounded and prepared

Mediation is well-suited to people who want to resolve issues constructively while maintaining dignity and focus.

Mediation is a guided conversation facilitated by an independent mediator. Both people are invited to share their perspectives, explore options and work toward agreements that feel workable and child-focused. It is designed to reduce conflict by giving each person space to be heard while maintaining a supportive structure.

During mediation, people commonly discuss:

• Parenting arrangements
• Weekly routines and care schedules
• School or activity decisions
• Holiday and special-occasion planning
• Communication expectations
• Property or financial issues

Mediation is not about winning or convincing the other person. Instead, it encourages practical problem-solving grounded in what is safest and most supportive for the children.

Although Village Family Lawyers does not conduct mediation sessions, we play an important role in preparing clients for mediation, representing them throughout the process and drafting any agreements that follow.

If the recent holiday period has brought uncertainty, conflict or emotional overwhelm, mediation may help you regain clarity. It is often most effective when communication feels difficult, when arrangements aren’t being followed or when people need more structure.

People often consider mediation when:

• Communication has become reactive or circular
• Parenting arrangements are unclear
• They want to prevent issues from escalating
• They feel uncertain about their options
• Their children need more consistency
• They want to avoid court
• They need support to navigate discussions safely and calmly

These signs are not failures. They are indicators that a structured, supportive process may bring relief.

After an emotionally charged December, many people feel stretched, tired and unsure of how to move forward. Mediation provides a calmer alternative to navigating complex issues alone. The structure itself brings relief by clarifying what will happen, who will facilitate the discussion and how decisions will be approached.

Mediation helps reduce stress because it offers:

• A structured process that replaces uncertainty with clear steps
• A neutral mediator who keeps the discussion balanced
• A calm and respectful environment
• A child-focused approach that helps guide decisions
• Space to clarify misunderstandings before they escalate
• A faster pathway to agreement compared with court

Village Family Lawyers supports clients through each stage so the process feels more predictable and less overwhelming.

Navigating mediation without guidance can feel daunting, especially if emotions are high or communication has been difficult. Although we do not conduct mediation sessions, we help clients prepare for mediation, represent them throughout the discussion and document agreements made.

Clients who work with us can expect:

• Pre-mediation guidance that explains the process and what to expect
• Support to clarify concerns, goals and priorities
• Advice about legal options and likely pathways
• Help gathering or preparing relevant information
• Legal representation during the mediation session
• Calm, steady support during challenging discussions
• Assistance in evaluating options during the session
• Drafting of agreements, including Parenting Plans, Consent Orders or property settlements

This support helps clients feel informed, prepared and steadier — even during emotionally complex discussions.

Both Lauren Wilson, our Managing Director and Principal Lawyer, and Maria Stipic, our Senior Associate, are Nationally Accredited Mediators. While they do not currently practise as mediators or conduct mediation sessions, their training has deepened their understanding of the process and strengthened the way they support clients.

Their accreditation allows them to recognise the emotional and practical challenges that arise in mediation, anticipate areas where clients may need support and provide clear, grounded guidance before, during and after the mediation session. This insight helps clients feel more confident, prepared and understood as they move through what can otherwise be an emotionally overwhelming experience.

Village Family Lawyers offers two dedicated mediation support services to help clients feel informed, prepared, and steady.

Pre-Mediation Conference — 90 minutes

If you are considering mediation for parenting or property matters, receiving clear legal advice beforehand can make a significant difference. Our Pre-Mediation Conference is a one-off 90-minute session that helps you understand your options in plain English and feel more confident before attending mediation.

This session includes:

• A 90-minute consultation
• Legal advice tailored to your situation
• Guidance on what to expect from mediation
• Practical preparation strategies
• A written letter of advice afterwards

For clients who are unsure of their rights, feel anxious about the process or find it difficult to speak up during stressful discussions, we offer ongoing support throughout mediation.

Our lawyer-led mediation support includes:

• Preparing you for mediation
• Briefing you on your options and likely outcomes
• Helping you identify your priorities and concerns
• Attending mediation with you and representing you throughout
• Ensuring your voice is heard and your interests are protected
• Providing calm guidance during emotional moments
• Drafting any agreements reached, including Consent Orders and Parenting Plans

We also host mediations at our premises when representing one of the parties involved.