Disagreements don’t have to end in court. Discover how private mediation can offer you a faster, more affordable, and more peaceful resolution—right here in Northern NSW.
✅ What Are Private Mediation Services?
Private mediation is a confidential, voluntary process where an impartial mediator helps people in conflict reach a mutually acceptable agreement. Unlike litigation, which can be adversarial and public, private mediation empowers individuals to resolve disputes in a calm, controlled, and confidential environment.
At Lyon Legal Services, we offer private mediation services across Northern NSW, helping families, individuals, and businesses resolve disagreements without the stress, cost, and delays of court proceedings.
Whether you’re facing a family law dispute, a workplace disagreement, or an estate conflict, private mediation allows you to maintain control over the outcome—while protecting your relationships and reputation.
Ready to Resolve Your Dispute Privately and Peacefully?
✅ Why Choose Private Mediation Over Litigation?
Many of our clients come to us frustrated by the idea of going to court. And it’s no wonder—litigation can be expensive, slow, and emotionally draining.
Here are the key reasons people across Northern NSW are turning to private mediation:
1. Confidentiality
Mediation happens behind closed doors, not in public courtrooms. This privacy is especially important in sensitive family law or estate disputes.
2. Faster Resolution
Private mediation sessions can be arranged within days or weeks, unlike court dates which can take months to secure.
3. Cost-Effective
Mediation is far more affordable than hiring lawyers for lengthy court battles. It also reduces indirect costs like time off work and emotional toll.
4. Voluntary and Empowering
You’re not forced into an outcome. Instead, both parties collaborate on a solution—giving you control over the final agreement.
5. Preserves Relationships
Whether it’s family members, business partners, or neighbours—mediation focuses on respectful dialogue rather than blame and confrontation.
Ready to Resolve Your Dispute Privately and Peacefully?
✅ Types of Disputes We Mediate at Lyon Legal Services
We understand that every dispute is different. That’s why we offer tailored private mediation services for a wide range of legal issues across Northern NSW:
Family Law Mediation
Parenting arrangements
Property settlements
Financial matters after separation
Grandparent or extended family involvement
De facto relationship breakdowns
Workplace and Business Disputes
Employer-employee conflicts
Partnership disagreements
Contract disputes
Harassment or bullying complaints
Estate and Probate Disputes
Contested wills
Executor disagreements
Beneficiary disputes
Inheritance claims under the Succession Act 2006 (NSW)
Neighbourhood and Property Conflicts
Boundary disputes
Noise or nuisance complaints
Shared driveway/access issues
Disputes with landlords or tenants
Ready to Resolve Your Dispute Privately and Peacefully?
✅ How Private Mediation Works at Lyon Legal Services
We’ve designed a simple, respectful process to help you find common ground and move forward:
1. Initial Consultation
We meet with you (and optionally the other party) to understand the background, your goals, and whether mediation is suitable.
2. Mediation Agreement
Before starting, we establish ground rules—confidentiality, neutrality, and a shared commitment to resolving the issue.
3. Mediation Session
This is a structured conversation facilitated by one of our trained mediators. Each party is given time to speak, clarify their position, and explore options. Sessions can be:
In-person (in our Northern NSW office)
Virtual (via secure video conferencing)
Shuttle-style (parties in separate rooms if needed)
4. Agreement or Outcome
If an agreement is reached, we assist in drafting a written summary. This can be later formalised into a legally binding document like:
Parenting Plan or Consent Orders (family law)
Binding Financial Agreement (property division)
Settlement Deed (business or civil matters)
✅ Is a Mediation Agreement Legally Binding?
Mediated agreements can be made legally binding if both parties wish.
At Lyon Legal Services, we help you:
Turn parenting agreements into Consent Orders
Draft Binding Financial Agreements (BFAs) under the Family Law Act 1975
Prepare Deeds of Settlement for workplace or commercial disputes
We also offer follow-up legal support to file any necessary documents with the court if formalisation is required.
Ready to Resolve Your Dispute Privately and Peacefully?
✅ Who Can Benefit from Private Mediation?
Private mediation is suitable for almost anyone facing a legal dispute—especially those who want to avoid the emotional and financial toll of litigation.
You’re a good candidate if you:
Want to resolve the issue quickly and privately
Prefer to speak openly without fear of court records
Are open to listening and compromising
Care about maintaining the relationship (family, business, or otherwise)
Even if there’s high conflict, mediation can still work. Our mediators are trained in conflict de-escalation, trauma-informed communication, and family dynamics—helping parties find common ground when it seems impossible.
✅ Real Case: Mediation Helped a Grafton Family Stay Out of Court
A local family in Grafton was embroiled in a bitter inheritance dispute following the death of their mother. Emotions ran high and siblings hadn’t spoken in months.
After engaging Lyon Legal Services for private mediation, we helped:
Facilitate a safe, respectful conversation
Clarify each party’s concerns and expectations
Draft a legally sound agreement for distribution of the estate
The result? The family avoided court, saved thousands in legal fees, and even began rebuilding their relationship.
✅ How to Prepare for Private Mediation
Here are a few practical tips to help you get the most out of your mediation session:
✔ Be Clear on What You Want
Before the session, write down your goals and concerns. What’s your ideal outcome? What are your non-negotiables?
✔ Stay Open-Minded
Mediation works best when both sides are flexible. Be ready to compromise where possible.
✔ Bring the Right Documents
Depending on the dispute, this could include contracts, emails, financial statements, or previous court documents.
✔ Consider Having Legal Support
While lawyers aren’t always required, we recommend seeking legal advice before or after mediation to ensure your rights are protected.
Ready to Resolve Your Dispute Privately and Peacefully?
✅ Why Choose Lyon Legal Services for Mediation in Northern NSW?
Locally Based, Community-Focused
We’re proud to serve clients across Northern NSW—including Lismore, Ballina, Grafton, Byron Bay, and surrounding areas. We understand the local dynamics and community values that impact disputes.
Accredited, Experienced Mediators
Our mediators are legally trained and accredited under national standards. We combine legal knowledge with communication skills to guide even the most challenging conversations.
Flexible, Accessible Options
We offer:
After-hours and weekend sessions
Remote/virtual mediation
Payment plans for eligible clients
Trusted Legal Backup
If an agreement is reached, we can formalise it legally through consent orders, BFAs, or settlement deeds—so you’re fully protected.
✅ Final Thoughts: Is Private Mediation Right for You?
If you’re facing a dispute—whether in your family, your workplace, or your business—private mediation may be the smartest first step.
Instead of pouring time, money, and energy into a courtroom battle, consider a calm, confidential path forward with the support of our team at Lyon Legal Services.
Call to Action: Speak with a Northern NSW Mediator Today
Ready to resolve your dispute without the court stress?
Contact Lyon Legal Services today to book your confidential private mediation consultation.
Serving Lismore, Ballina, Byron Bay, Grafton, and wider Northern NSW
Call us now or visit lyonlegalservices.com.au
✉️ Message us to schedule your first session
