Mediation
A less adversarial and cost-effective way to resolve conflict
Suzanne Pigdon and Rosemary Norgate are both trained mediators who have participated in multiple mediations throughout their careers in family law.
About Mediation
Mediation is a voluntary, confidential, and informal process where a neutral third party (the mediator) helps people in conflict negotiate a mutually agreeable solution. It’s an alternative to going to court, offering a more cost-effective and less adversarial way to resolve disputes. The mediator facilitates communication, helps identify issues, and explores options, but does not impose a solution. The parties themselves control the outcome of the mediation.
Our role as Mediator
Suzanne and Rosemary can mediate your family law dispute whether you are seeking to reach agreement on a financial settlement or parenting arrangements. It is not necessary for either or both parties to have legal representation at the mediation, however, each party must have received independent legal advice before attending the mediation.
At the pre-mediation conference we will discuss our role as mediator including whether it is appropriate for us to take an evaluative approach during the course of the mediation.
Cost of the Mediation
Full day mediation – $4,400 (including GST)
A full day mediation is from 10am to 4.30pm and includes a 30-minute pre-mediation conference with each party prior to the day of mediation. Funds are required to be held in Trust prior to the mediation. If the mediation continues after 4.30pm, the hourly rate is $550 (including GST) for each hour, or part thereof. The parties are also responsible for the costs of the mediation rooms.
Booking a Mediation
If you would like to make a booking, please contact our office on 02 8907 7700 or
[email protected] to obtain Suzanne and/or Rosemary’s availability.
Where will the Mediation take place?
The mediation can be in person or held via video conference. If the mediation is in person, the parties will need to arrange suitable rooms. We can provide information about mediation rooms if required.
Mediations outside of Sydney
Suzanne attends mediations in person in Albury with no additional charge.
Both Suzanne and Rosemary wish to support NSW regional areas. Therefore, if you would like to discuss options for a mediation outside of Sydney, please contact us to discuss.
In family law, every case we see is different. Our approach is tailored to your specific needs and circumstances. Our case management is as follows:
Our Approach
- Conflict check: Before taking any case we make sure there is no potential conflict of interest with either of the parties.
- Partner introduction: As a potential client, you will immediately speak to a lawyer. This is an introduction over the phone, usually with one of our principals, to get the basic details of your case and introduce our firm.
- Initial consultation: You meet in person with one of our principals and the solicitor who will have day-to-day carriage of your matter. This meeting usually lasts about 1 hour and covers the background information of your case, with a focus on parenting and property issues. We provide preliminary advice where possible, identify options for resolutions, flag any key issues and recommend specialists where necessary.
- Strategy: Once we have all the relevant information, we construct a case strategy which best serves you and your family.
- Execution & support: Some cases take time and this can be a frustrating experience. Our priority is to keep you informed throughout the process and provide all the support you may need to be able to move on with your life.
- Resolution: Most cases resolve by way of negotiation adopting or more of the many alternatives to dispute resolution. In some cases of entrenched conflict or intractable dispute, a Court hearing may be required.
We advise on all areas of family law including property settlements, parenting plans, child support, maintenance, divorce and child support. We have extensive experience in all forms of dispute resolution including collaborations, mediation, arbitration, negotiated settlements and Court.
Our Process
Our process is tailored to the specifics of each case, beginning with an in depth understanding of your circumstances to formulate the best strategy for you and your family.
Recognised by Doyle’s Guide as a Leading Family Lawyers
We are consistently recognised as a leading family law firm and Suzanne Pigdon and Rosemary Norgate are consistently recognised as leading family lawyers.