Family Law Mediation
Hi, I’m David.
This page outlines my mediation services and explains how the process works and my fees.
You’ll also find a booking form below (also available by clicking here) to make it easy to check availability and reserve a mediation date.
If you have any questions about mediation or would like to discuss your matter before reserving a date, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
David Gale
Director
Accredited Specialist in Family Law
Collaborative Lawyer | AMDRAS Accredited Mediator
About Mediation
Mediation is a confidential process in which a neutral mediator assists the parties to explore options for resolution.
As a mediator, my role is to guide the discussion, clarify the issues in dispute, and support the parties in identifying and negotiating their own solutions.
About me
I commenced practice as a solicitor in 2014 and am an Accredited Specialist in Family Law and an AMDRAS Accredited Mediator.
I focus on achieving practical, settlement-focused outcomes through a respectful and structured process.
I am known for combining technical expertise with a commercially astute, big-picture approach.
You can read more about me on my profile page.
Fees
My fees and inclusions are summarised below and will be confirmed in a Mediation Agreement after you reserve a date:
- ✓ Full-day mediation (up to 7 hours including a lunch break)
- ✓ Pre-mediation conference with each party
- ✓ Online or in-person (venue to be arranged by the parties)
- ✓ Flexible cancellation and rescheduling (minimum 24 hours’ notice required)
- All fees are inclusive of GST and (for mediations held in-person) do not include the costs of the mediation venue.
- ✓ Half-day mediation (up to 3 hours)
- ✓ Pre-mediation conference with each party
- ✓ Online or in-person (venue to be arranged by the parties)
- ✓ Flexible cancellation and rescheduling (minimum 24 hours’ notice required)
- All fees are inclusive of GST and (for mediations held in-person) do not include the costs of the mediation venue.
AIFLAM rate matters
I also accept engagements at the AIFLAM fixed-fee rate for property matters with a total property pool under $750,000 (including superannuation). The matter must be non-complex and involve no more than two parties.
Please indicate in the booking form (in the requests and special requirements section) if you wish to apply for the AIFLAM fixed-fee rate.
These engagements are subject to my approval after receiving a joint Balance Sheet from the parties.
Availability and booking
You can check my availability and reserve a mediation date using the calendar below.
- To book a full-day mediation, keep 7 hours selected at the top of the booking form
- To book a half-day mediation, please select a 3-hour time slot at the top of the booking form
- If the calendar below is not working, click here to open the booking form on a new page
The mediation process
My mediation process is designed to make booking straightforward and to help encourage the parties to be well-prepared for the mediation:
1. Reserve a date
Reserve your preferred date using my online calendar. You can cancel or reschedule if needed (with a minimum of 24 hours’ notice).
2. Mediation Agreement
I will provide all parties with a copy of the Mediation Agreement confirming my terms and fees.
3. Pre-mediation Conference
Each party is invited to a separate online pre-mediation conference with me to discuss the process and prepare for the mediation.
4. Briefing and documents
Each party (or their lawyer, if represented) provides a written summary and relevant documents to me in advance of the mediation.
5. Mediate
The mediation is conducted at your chosen venue or online.
Venue
If you prefer an online mediation, I use Zoom and provide separate virtual breakout rooms for each party.
If you prefer an in-person mediation, the parties are responsible for organising a suitable professional venue (such as the Victorian Bar Mediation Centre) with a main conference room and a breakout room for each party. The venue booking and cost are the responsibility of the parties.
Mediation outside Melbourne
I am based in Melbourne but also welcome engagements in matters located in regional Victoria or interstate.
For in-person mediation, I am always available to travel anywhere within the Greater Melbourne region or to Geelong.
For in-person mediations outside of Greater Melbourne or Geelong:
- I aim travel at no additional charge, subject to my availability and the cost of travel and any required accommodation being practicable
- Please email me at [email protected] with the proposed venue and date, and I will confirm if I am able to travel to the proposed venue
- You are welcome to reserve your preferred mediation date in my booking calendar while awaiting my confirmation
If travel is not practicable, I also offer online mediation, which allows parties to participate conveniently from any location.
Matters I can mediate
I can mediate most family law matters, including matters about:
- Financial / property settlements
- Spousal maintenance
- Child Support
- Financial agreements
- Third party interests in a family law case
- Parenting*
*Note: For parenting matters, I do not provide Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) services and cannot issue section 60I certificates.
Family Violence, Safety, and Confidentiality
I believe that the safety and wellbeing of all participants in mediation is paramount.
During the intake and pre-mediation process, I work closely with the parties and lawyers to tailor the mediation to their circumstances and address any concerns relating to family violence, safety, or wellbeing.
In accordance with confidentiality requirements, unless you consent I will not disclose what you share privately with me to the other party or their lawyer.
The settlement discussions that take place at mediation are also confidential from the Court (known as “privileged”), with some limited exceptions.
Contact and queries
For all mediation enquiries, please contact David Gale at [email protected]
