Transparent Pricing for Family Dispute Resolution & Conflict Coaching

Affordable family mediation and conflict coaching in Bayside, Melbourne and online.

We know cost matters. Especially when you're already dealing with a stressful situation.

That’s why we keep our pricing transparent and straightforward, with no hidden extras.

On this page you’ll find our fees for Family Dispute Resolution (Parenting), Family Dispute Resolution (Property & Finance), and Conflict Coaching.

We work with clients across Bayside, Melbourne and online, and we’ll always explain your options clearly before you book.

Family Dispute Resolution

(Parenting)

Parenting mediation is a calm, structured process that helps separating parents make practical arrangements for their children, with support to keep things respectful and focused.

Most parenting matters follow a straightforward flow:

  • A preliminary meeting with each person (separately), so we can understand what’s happening and what matters most
  • A joint session together, where we work through the issues and explore options
  • If you reach agreement, we help capture it clearly so you can move forward with more certainty
  • If it’s appropriate, we can also talk to you about Child Inclusive Mediation, a professionally supported process that brings your child’s perspective into the conversation in a safe way.
  • Preliminary meeting (up to 1.5 hours): $300 per person
  • Joint session: $275 per hour, per person. Most families find a 3–4 hour session gives enough space to work through things properly, without feeling rushed.
  • Child Inclusive Mediation feedback session (up to 1 hour): $200 per person
    (Child Inclusive Practitioner fees are charged separately.)
  • Section 60I certificate (if issued): included in the preliminary meeting fee – there is no additional charge.
  • What’s included: These fees include preparation, resources, reasonable telephone calls, administration, emails, and writing up of agreements.

Family Dispute Resolution

(Property & Finance)

Property and financial mediation is a supported way to work through practical decisions such as asset division and financial arrangements, without the stress of court.

The process usually includes:

  • A preliminary meeting with each person (separately)
  • Joint sessions together to work through the details at a steady pace
  • Clear documentation of outcomes and agreed next steps
  • Preliminary meeting (up to 1.5 hours): $300 per person
  • Joint session: $275 per hour, per person
    Most people find two sessions of two hours allows enough time.
  • What’s included: These fees include preparation, resources, reasonable telephone calls, administration, emails, and writing up of agreements.

Conflict Coaching

(One-on-one support)

Conflict coaching is one-on-one support to help you feel calmer, clearer, and more confident in difficult conversations or upcoming mediation. 

Coaching can help you:

  • prepare what you want to say (and how to say it)
  • stay grounded in challenging conversations
  • understand patterns and triggers
  • set boundaries and choose a way forward
  • Many people book 1–2 sessions before mediation or for co-parenting skills
  • Extra sessions available as needed
  •  
  • Preliminary Meeting (up to 1 hour): $300
  • Conflict Coaching Session: $330 per hour
  • What’s included: These fees include preparation, resources, reasonable telephone calls, administration, emails.

Important information:

  • All fees are exclusive of GST and payable in advance. 
  • Payment – All appointments are confirmed once payment is received.
  • Legal advice – We do not provide legal advice. We encourage you to speak with a lawyer before, during, or after the FDR process.

Frequently asked questions

Mediation is typically faster and far more affordable than court proceedings. At MCS, the intake (preliminary) meeting is $300 per person, and a joint mediation session costs from $550–$1,100 per person. In comparison, going to court can cost thousands of dollars in legal fees and take many months.

Some people reach agreement in one joint session. Others may need two or more, depending on the complexity of the issues. Your practitioner will give you guidance after your preliminary meetings.
Yes, fees are charged per person. This ensures transparency.
No. All prices listed are exclusive of GST.

There are government subsidised mediation services that provide low cost or free mediation, depending on different eligibility criteria. MCS is a private practice, which means you may access appointments more quickly, with flexible scheduling, and accredited practitioners experienced in complex family matters.