Financial Mediation
Separation rarely involves just the family home. Spousal maintenance, shared debt, superannuation and day to day budgeting all need sorting out, and financial mediation gives you a structured, confidential way to work through these issues with your ex-partner, guided by an independent mediator instead of a court.
What is financial mediation?
Financial mediation is a confidential process where separating couples work with an independent mediator to resolve money matters arising from their separation, including spousal maintenance, debt division and financial disclosure, aiming for a fair outcome without going to court.
Who needs financial mediation?
- You and your ex-partner need to work out spousal maintenance or ongoing financial support
- You have shared debts, loans or credit that need dividing
- You want a clear, agreed budget for the transition period after separation
- You're already in property mediation and financial issues are part of the same picture
The financial mediation process at Mediation House
- Initial consultation, we understand your situation and assess suitability for mediation.
- Financial disclosure, both parties provide full and frank information about income, assets, debts and superannuation.
- Mediation session, a structured, facilitated discussion focused on reaching a fair, workable agreement.
- Outcome, we prepare written documentation of what's agreed, ready for formalisation as consent orders or a Binding Financial Agreement.
Why choose Mediation House
Michael J. Tyler is a registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner, accredited by the Australian Attorney-General's Department, holding a Juris Doctor and Graduate Diploma in Family Dispute Resolution. Sessions are confidential, available in person at our Sydney CBD office or online Australia-wide with a 30% fee reduction, and significantly less costly than contested court proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does financial mediation cover?
Financial mediation covers the money matters arising from separation beyond the family home: spousal maintenance, debt division, superannuation, and full financial disclosure between both parties, worked through with an independent mediator instead of a judge.
Is financial mediation different to property mediation?
They overlap. Property mediation focuses on dividing assets like the family home, while financial mediation covers broader money matters including spousal maintenance, debt and budgeting. Mediation House handles both together where they're connected.
Do I need to disclose all my finances?
Yes. Full and frank financial disclosure from both parties is required before financial mediation can proceed, in line with the disclosure obligations under the Family Law Act 1975.
Can a financial mediation agreement be made legally binding?
Yes. Agreements reached at mediation can be formalised as consent orders filed with the court, or as a Binding Financial Agreement. Independent legal advice before signing either is strongly recommended.
How much does financial mediation cost compared to court?
Mediation sessions typically cost a few hundred to a few thousand dollars in total, while contested court proceedings for the same issues can run into the tens of thousands and take months or years.
Ready to talk through your situation? Contact Mediation House for a confidential, no-obligation conversation.
Phone: 02 9159 9161
Office: Sydney CBD (in-person) | Australia-wide (online)