Family Law Mediation and Court Lawyers in Balwyn
Practical representation when agreement is difficult to reach
When you and your former partner cannot agree about property or children, a structured process can help. Grice Legal prepares you for mediation and family dispute resolution, represents you in negotiations and, where needed, runs proceedings in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. We aim to resolve matters early when realistic, while protecting your position if court becomes necessary.
How we can help resolve your dispute
We help you understand your position, gather the right information, and set realistic goals so you can participate in mediation with confidence.
Preparing for mediation
We prepare applications, responses, affidavits, and financial statements, and ensure court deadlines and disclosure obligations are met.
Starting or responding to proceedings
We attend mediation with you, advise you during negotiations and help record any agreement reached so it can be formalised.
Lawyer-assisted mediation
Where there are safety concerns, a risk that assets will be dealt with, or urgent issues about children, we advise on and seek interim orders.
Interim and urgent applications
We explain the family dispute resolution requirements, whether an exception may apply, and what the certificate issued by the practitioner means for your matter.
Family dispute resolution for parenting matters
We prepare you for each court event, work with barristers and experts where needed, and keep exploring sensible settlement at every stage.
Conferences, hearings and settlement
Every dispute is different, but most matters move through some or all of the following steps.
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Step 1 – Early assessment
We review your situation, identify urgent issues and time limits, and give you a candid view of your options and the likely range of outcomes.
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Step 2 – Negotiation
We set out your position to the other party or their lawyer and explore whether an agreement can be reached without a formal process.
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Step 3 – Mediation or family dispute resolution
Most parties attempt mediation before court. We prepare you and, where appropriate, attend with you.
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Step 4 – Court proceedings, if needed
If agreement is not possible, we prepare and file the application or response and guide you through the court's case management process.
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Step 5 – Resolution
Many matters settle during proceedings. If not, we prepare for a final hearing and, where appropriate, work with a barrister.
Understanding the cost of mediation and court proceedings
Once we understand the dispute and the assistance you need, we will discuss the likely costs with you and provide the required costs disclosure. This explains how our fees will be calculated and gives you an estimate of the likely legal costs, based on the information then available.
Costs vary considerably depending on whether a matter resolves at mediation, during proceedings or after a final hearing. Barristers' fees, experts' fees, mediators' fees and court fees are additional. We will review the estimate with you at key stages and discuss any material change before further work is done.
Family law dispute resolution for eastern Melbourne families
Disputes in Boroondara and eastern Melbourne often involve family homes, businesses or trusts, and children enrolled in local schools. Early, well-prepared negotiation can protect those interests and reduce the cost and strain of a long dispute.
From our Balwyn office, we represent clients across eastern Melbourne in mediation and court, with conferences available in person, by telephone, or by video.
Why Clients Trust Grice Legal
Grice Legal has been based in Balwyn since 1974. We are a boutique firm advising on family law, property and conveyancing, and wills, estates and structures, with a personal, senior-led approach.
Our Whitehorse Road office in Balwyn has served clients across Boroondara and eastern Melbourne for more than 50 years.
Local since 1974
You will know who is looking after your matter and can speak with them directly when questions arise.
Direct access to your lawyer
Conferences are available in person at our Balwyn office, by telephone or by video.
Meet in the way that suits you
Plain-English, practical advice
We explain your options, the risks and the next steps clearly, so you can make informed decisions.
We discuss the likely costs at the start and let you know if the estimate changes.
Open about costs
From Our Clients
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"Nicholas was a patient and a very good listener. He understood my concerns and gave advice accordingly. I feel that I am in good hands."
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"After my appointment with Rachael I am confident that I now have the right person handle my legal issues."
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![Five maroon stars aligned in a row.]()
"Our initial appointment certainly met and exceeded expectations. It was extremely informative and we received the advice we needed. Thank you!"
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"Anna was very professional, friendly and very helpful"
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"Rachael gives clear, informed goals. She shows understanding and empathy for your particular needs and sets outs steps to achieve them."
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![Five red stars arranged in a horizontal row.]()
"Nicholas provided me with excellent, timely, professional service and I am confident he will continue to do so should I require it."
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![Five maroon-colored stars in a row]()
"Anna was just a pleasure to have working for us. She was always clear and thorough, advocating for us and advising us along the way of buying our new house. We would totally recommend her and her service."
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"I found Grice Legal to be extremely helpful and efficient with their advice and prompt with all the required paperwork in completing my will requirement, veery approachable staff. I can fully recommend their services"
Mediation and Court Proceedings FAQs
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For parenting matters, parties generally must attempt family dispute resolution and obtain a certificate before filing, unless an exception applies, such as family violence, child abuse or urgency. For property matters, the court's pre-action procedures generally require the parties to make genuine attempts to resolve the dispute, including through dispute resolution, before filing.
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A neutral mediator helps the parties discuss the issues and explore options. Mediation can take place in the same room, in separate rooms or online. The mediator does not decide the outcome. If agreement is reached, it can be recorded and later formalised, for example by consent orders.
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Generally, yes. What is said in family dispute resolution is usually confidential and cannot be used as evidence in court, subject to some exceptions, such as matters involving a risk of harm to a child. We can explain how confidentiality applies to the process you are using.
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Most family law proceedings are dealt with by the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. The court manages cases through a series of steps, which may include conferences, interim hearings and, if the matter does not resolve, a final hearing.
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Proceedings often take many months, and complex matters can take longer. Timing depends on the issues in dispute, the court's availability and how quickly the parties comply with court requirements. Many matters settle before a final hearing.
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In most proceedings, your evidence is given in written affidavits, supported by financial statements and documents. If the matter proceeds to a final hearing, you may be cross-examined. We will prepare you for each step.
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Interim orders are temporary orders that apply until the matter is finalised. They can deal with urgent issues, such as where children will live, protecting property or meeting expenses in the meantime. The court focuses on the immediate situation rather than deciding the whole case.
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In family law proceedings, each party generally pays their own costs. The court can order one party to pay some or all of another party's costs in some circumstances, for example where a party has failed to comply with orders or has behaved unreasonably.
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In some parenting matters, the court appoints an independent children's lawyer to promote the children's best interests. That lawyer does not act for either parent and gathers information to help the court make decisions about the children.
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Yes. Many matters settle after proceedings start, often at a court conference or mediation. Any agreement can be recorded in consent orders, which ends the proceedings on the agreed terms.