Family Law Mediation
Services in Australia

At Summit Conflict Resolution we offer Family Law Mediation services as a compassionate and cost effective means to help families navigate disputes, reducing financial pressures and emotional strains.

At Summit Conflict Resolution, we provide specialist support at the intersection of family law and mediation, helping families resolve disputes with clarity, structure, and care. Our practice is dedicated solely to mediation and Family Dispute Resolution, offering a calm and professional alternative to litigation that reduces emotional strain and financial pressure while supporting lasting outcomes.

Led by accredited mediator and solicitor Janelle Rollo, Summit Conflict Resolution works with families across Australia, delivering private mediation services that are grounded in legal insight, child-focused thinking, and respectful communication.

About Summit Conflict Resolution

Summit Conflict Resolution is a specialist mediation practice led by Janelle Rollo, an experienced family law mediator with two decades of legal and dispute resolution experience.

Janelle brings a deep understanding of how family disputes unfold, informed by years practicing as a solicitor, acting as an Independent Children’s Lawyer, and guiding families through complex parenting and property matters.

Summit Conflict Resolution operates with clear neutrality, allowing parties and their legal representatives to engage in a structured process focused on resolution rather than escalation. This approach is valued by families and professionals seeking support from experienced family law mediators who understand court expectations while remaining independent from adversarial processes.

Guiding you to peaceful, compassionate resolutions

Mediation Services

Summit Conflict Resolution provides structured and child focused family mediation services designed to support families through separation and dispute in a calm and practical way. Our services are regularly used by clients working alongside family lawyers and mediators who value a neutral and professionally run process.

Parenting
Arrangements

Support for resolving parenting arrangements, including living arrangements, time with each parent, communication, schooling decisions, relocation issues, and child support related discussions.

Section 60I
Certificates

Accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner services, including intake assessment and the issuing of section 60I certificates where disputes do not resolve through mediation.

Property Settlement &
Finances

Guided mediation to assist parties in reaching agreement about property, superannuation, debts, and financial separation without prolonged court proceedings.

Summit Conflict Resolution Process

Every matter begins with a structured intake process designed to assess suitability, safety, and readiness for mediation. This initial discussion allows concerns to be raised early and supports the creation of a clear agenda for the mediation day.

Mediations are usually conducted using a shuttle format, with parties kept separate to support calm communication and reduce pressure. Sessions may be held in person or via secure video conferencing, allowing flexibility for families and professionals working across regions.

Where agreement is reached, outcomes are clearly recorded to support formalisation through legal channels. Where full resolution is not achieved, progress is documented to narrow issues and maintain momentum.

Janelle will discuss with you and assess if your matter is suitable for Family Dispute Resolution. This is a discussion to ensure Family Dispute Resolution is right for you.

Janelle can hold the Mediation in person or remotely as required. Janelle can provide flexible arrangements for half day or full day mediations.

Should your dispute resolve through the FDR process, Janelle will help you resolve your dispute in a way which can be formalised into an agreement that can be formalised by way of Consent Orders, Parenting Plan or a Binding Financial Agreement.

Why Mediate with Janelle

Empathy-Driven Conflict Resolution.

Janelle has 19 years experience as a Family Law Solicitor practicing in Australia, mainly Brisbane and South-East Queensland. Janelle is also an Independent Children’s Lawyer and as such, takes a very child-focused approach to FDR. Being a single mother to two teenage sons, Janelle has personal experience Parenthood.

Why Choose Us

Janelle Rollo brings extensive experience as a solicitor, family mediator, and Independent Children’s Lawyer, offering families and referrers confidence that discussions are guided with realism and care. Her work is informed by years spent in courtrooms, advising clients, and representing children, which shapes a steady and developmentally informed approach to mediation.

As a specialist family mediation lawyer, Janelle understands the pressures faced by separating families and the importance of agreements that are workable, durable, and capable of being accepted by the court. This insight is particularly valued by practitioners seeking experienced family mediation lawyers to include on mediation panels.

Professional Accreditation and Memberships

Summit Conflict Resolution is led by an accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner who meets all ongoing professional development requirements. Janelle is admitted to practice as a solicitor in Queensland and the High Court of Australia and maintains current accreditation under nationally recognised mediation standards.

This professional standing supports families and legal practitioners seeking family mediation pathways that prioritise safety, clarity, and informed decision making.

FAQs about Mediation

Is Family Dispute Resolution legally binding?

Agreements reached through mediation are not automatically legally binding. Once agreement is reached, the terms can be formalised into Consent Orders or a Binding Financial Agreement with the assistance of a family lawyer. Once approved by the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, Consent Orders become legally enforceable and carry the same weight as court made orders.

How long does Mediation usually take?

Mediations are commonly conducted as half day or full day sessions, depending on the complexity of the issues. Parenting or property matters alone often begin with a half day, while combined matters may require a full day. Additional time can be added where parties are close to resolution.

Can I bring my lawyer to Mediation?

Yes. Parties are welcome to have their solicitor attend mediation if they choose. Lawyers often assist with advice during breaks and help ensure any agreements reached are properly understood and capable of being formalised.

What happens if mediation does not resolve all issues?

Partial resolution is common and still valuable. Any agreements reached are recorded, and unresolved issues are clearly identified. This often reduces the scope of future legal steps and provides a more focused framework if court proceedings become necessary.

Do I have to attend mediation before going to court?

In most parenting matters, the Family Law Act requires parties to attempt Family Dispute Resolution before filing an application in court. A section 60I certificate must accompany any application. There are exceptions for urgency, safety concerns, or certain domestic and family violence matters, which are assessed during intake.

Can mediation still work if there is high conflict?

Yes, when mediation is carefully structured. High conflict matters are commonly managed using separate sessions, controlled communication, and clear boundaries. Suitability is always assessed during intake to ensure the process is safe and appropriate, with adjustments made to support calm and productive discussions.

Will we be in the same room during mediation?

Most mediations are conducted using a shuttle format, where parties remain in separate rooms or separate online spaces. This approach reduces emotional pressure, supports clearer thinking, and allows parties to engage without managing reactions or body language from the other side.

Is mediation confidential?

Yes. Family law mediation is confidential. What is discussed during the process cannot be used as evidence in court, and offers made cannot be disclosed without written consent from all parties. This encourages open and honest discussions without fear of later repercussions.

What role does the mediator play?

The family law mediator remains neutral and does not take sides or provide legal advice. Their role is to manage the process, facilitate communication, test proposals, and help parties explore realistic options within a structured and safe environment.

How do I know if mediation is suitable for my situation?

Suitability is assessed during the intake process. This conversation allows concerns about safety, power imbalance, urgency, or complexity to be raised early so the most appropriate pathway can be identified before proceeding.

Contact Us

If you are considering family law mediation or seeking a referral-ready service led by experienced practitioners, Summit Conflict Resolution is here to help.

Our focus remains on calm guidance, professional integrity, and outcomes that support families moving forward.

Family Law Mediation Services in Australia